Master Planning for Growth: How Collin College Powers Workforce Innovation
Apple Podcasts 
Castro 
RSS Feed Dave welcomes Dr. Neil Matkin, President of Collin College, to discuss the explosive growth and innovation taking place within both Collin County and the college itself. They talk about how Collin College has risen to the challenge of serving a rapidly developing region, not just by reacting to workforce demands, but proactively shaping them through strategic planning, partnerships, and a commitment to keeping education and training affordable. Dr. Matkin shares insights into the college’s guiding vision, grounded in big goals and a desire to be recognized as the best community college in the nation.
They also talk about how Collin College works closely with local businesses, school districts, and communities to create a robust talent pipeline, ensuring that students are equipped with practical, job-ready skills that meet evolving economic needs. Dr. Neil Matkin highlights the importance of regional collaboration, the benefits of dual credit and affordable bachelor’s degree programs, and the value of partnerships that transcend municipal boundaries. The episode wraps with reflections on the small-town values that persist even as North Texas experiences remarkable growth, and a personal look at Dr. Neil Matkin’s favorite ways to unwind.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Collin College’s ambitious growth strategy and master planning
- The importance of serving diverse communities across Collin, Rockwall, and Denton counties
- Investments in affordable education, including low tuition and bachelor’s degrees under $15K
- Proactive, employer-driven workforce development and skills training
- Strategic partnerships with ISDs, cities, EDCs, and major employers
- Dual credit opportunities for high school students
- Regional collaboration as a force-multiplier for communities and business owners
- Current and emerging workforce demands in aerospace, IT, healthcare, and construction
- Maintaining small-town values amid rapid metropolitan growth
- Dr. Matkin’s personal reflections on leadership, community, and family
About the Gone to Texas Podcast
Gone to Texas is the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection, hosted by "Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD.
We share real stories from business owners, CEOs, economic developers, and community leaders about relocating, expanding, and growing a business in Texas.
If you are researching where to expand your company in Texas, our conversations can help you understand the people, places, and business conditions behind successful Texas growth decisions.
What You'll Discover
Gone to Texas explores topics including Texas business expansion and relocation, economic development, manufacturing, workforce, infrastructure, available business sites, community development, incentives, quality of life, and the real-world decisions companies make when choosing where to grow.
Explore more:
Browse all Gone to Texas episodes
Search available Texas business properties
Thinking About Expanding or Relocating Your Business to Texas?
The Texas Economic Development Connection helps established businesses explore Texas communities and connect directly with the local economic development professionals who can help them evaluate locations, properties, workforce, and growth opportunities.
No runaround. No guessing.
Message. Match. Move.
Start exploring your Texas expansion.
Follow Gone to Texas
Follow Gone to Texas on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and hear more real stories from the people building, expanding, and growing businesses across Texas.
Gone to Texas | Texas Business Expansion, Relocation & Economic Development
If you would like to learn which region in Texas is right for expanding or relocating your business, click here to take our complimentary assessment or connect with us today for more information.