“The Collin Leadership Policy Summit is a great forum to discuss key issues and learn how we can best serve our communities,” said District President Dr. Neil Matkin. “We are proud to host this event which brings local, regional, and statewide leaders together under one roof to collaborate and discuss policy solutions.”
The featured speakers of the keynote address “Building a Stronger Workforce” included the Commissioner of Education for the Texas Education Agency Mike Morath and the University of North Texas President Dr. Harrison Keller. This discussion, moderated by Dr. Matkin, focused on the importance of fostering talent, enhancing skill development, and providing opportunities for students to not only gain an education but also to be fully equipped to join the workforce upon the completion of their academic journey. The dialogue underscored the notion that investing in student preparedness for the workforce is something that can’t only start in higher grade levels. In fact, it must start as early as elementary school.
“A key priority is building a foundation of reading and math,” Morath said. “We have 5-year-olds entering kindergarten, and only 49% are ready for entry-level lessons. So, building a strong academic foundation on which students build the rest of their academic careers is priority.”
Beyond K-12 education, Dr. Keller provided insight for higher education. He added that both community colleges and universities must provide opportunities that amplify workforce preparation through their programming.
“For example, it may be that (UNT) doesn’t offer certain credentials, but then we do a partnership with Collin College; that’s more direction (for the student). We stay attuned to those kind of opportunities … leading to students landing good jobs and momentum into their early careers.”
Academic partnerships have been a focal point for Collin College as well. This past year, the college expanded two affordable programs that offer more opportunities for students. The Texas A&M Engineering Academy gives students interested in engineering the chance to simultaneously enroll at Collin College and Texas A&M, allowing students to save money during the first two years before transitioning to Texas A&M.
The second program is the Collin College Academic Alliance, a partnership with Texas
State University and The University of Texas at Dallas. Students can enroll at Collin
College and choose from one of the exceptional universities to earn an associate degree
while seamlessly earning a bachelor’s degree, providing more money saving opportunities
and access to a variety of programs.
Another overall focus of this year’s event revolved around the growing county and
its healthcare needs.
The panel discussion titled “Building a Stronger Healthcare Ecosystem” included panelists
Dr. Wes Cunningham, associate deputy superintendent for Frisco ISD; Ryan Gebhart,
president of Baylor Scott & White Center–Frisco at PGA Parkway; Kevin Greene, vice
president of Cook Children’s Medical Center; Dr. Diana Hopes, provost of the Collin
College Frisco and Celina campuses; and moderator Steve Love, CEO of Dallas-Fort
Worth Hospital Council. The panelists touched on concerns ranging from the ongoing
impacts of the global pandemic to the rising demand for skilled professionals — agreeing
that stakeholders from various sectors must come together to forge innovative solutions.
Attendees had the opportunity to network and connect with local leaders, change makers,
and experts from different backgrounds.
“This event provides a unique platform to connect with individuals who are a part of shaping our community’s future,” said Mary Jo Dean, director of community relations for Texas Health Plano, who attended the event. “It’s always a pleasure to sit in on important conversations, not only to listen and learn, but to leave with meaningful takeaways and new relationships that positively impact our community.”
To read summaries of each panel discussion,
visit www.collin.edu/policysummit.