New AVP of Strategic Initiatives connects industry and graduates one relationship at a time

If youre new to the area, or in an industry where it is difficult to locate prospective employees, or have workforce training needs and arent sure where to turn, Collin College has created an executive-level role specifically to connect you to our widely acclaimed programs and students.

Mary McClure, associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, has been off to a fast and impactful start in her first year at the college. Like her fellow Collin County residents, McClure knew Collin College offers quality education at an affordable price just $62 a credit hour for in-county tuition for certificate, associate, or bachelors degree classes. She was aware the college has robust business partnerships with its more than 60 advisory boards. But in her newly established role she discovered this unique educational institution offers so much more.

Flexibility and Innovation

There is something for everyone at Collin College. If youre an employer seeking talent, well work arm-in-arm to connect you with students, craft apprenticeships, design training programs, and provide affordable continuing education courses that align with your business goals, McClure said. Whether its adding a program in response to a workforce need or crafting quality training programs for employers at a minimal cost, Collin College offers an array of services that benefit our business community.

McClure serves as a liaison between those in industry and those in the academic sector. Additionally, she facilitates partnerships and educates clients about Collin Corporate College, the new iCollin Virtual Campus, Collin Weekend College, and the Small Business Development Center, a complimentary one-stop-shop for business consulting housed at the colleges Courtyard Center. Her goal is to ensure that students attain high paying jobs and companies acquire an educated workforce with the skills they need.

Streamlining the workflow pipeline

McClure enjoys listening to area business needs. She says everyone has different challenges but believes Collin can almost always be part of the solution. McClure sees the importance of meeting area business needs and how that impacts the overall health of the community.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council works closely with our colleges and universities regarding curriculum, clinical rotations and initiatives to improve the health of our communities, said W. Stephen Love, president/CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council. Mary McClure has been instrumental in collaborating with us in our efforts to place graduates in nursing and other allied health positions. She is a conscientious partner.

McClures background in public policy equips her to seek out different perspectives and work collaboratively with outside organizations and stakeholders to tackle challenges head-on. That means individuals, families, businesses, and the community as a whole benefit. In addition, the college fulfills its vision statement of delivering a brighter future for its students and communities.

We pride ourselves on culture, and a huge part of that is working diligently to attract, retain, and support top talent who are invested in the communities they know and love, said Hector Hernandez, area manager for Riverside Homebuilders.Collin College certainly plays a role in doing so, and Mary collaborates with our team to form an alliance that benefits students and fills the talent pipeline.Well-versed on Collin College and its employment pathways, Mary is intentional and understands the needs within our community and the value of lasting partnerships.

Opening a dialogue for the future

According to McClure, the regions long-term success largely depends on our ability to expand the talent pipeline, and Collin College is a major contributor to achieving that objective.

As businesses continue to flock to North Texas, we must do our part as a higher education institution to proactively seek their input, remain agile, and respond to workforce needs to ensure quality talent now and in the future. Collin College has created an amazing array of opportunities. For me, its all about raising awareness on the services we offer the community and making connections to establish meaningful partnerships.

Whether shes looking at the larger community picture or seeing the transformative impact on a personal level, McClure is continually inspired.

Its rewarding to see how Collin can change the dynamic of an entire family, McClure said.You can see for yourself by attending one of our graduations or nurse pinning ceremonies. Seeing the faces of these hardworking graduates and their families keeps me grounded and focused on why Im here.

To discover how Collin College can assist your business, contact Mary McClure at mmcclure@collin.edu.