McKinney | October 2025

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McKinney Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7 OCT. 24NOV. 20, 2025

2025 Higher Education Guide

Targeted training Collin College, workforce leaders hone in on employee skills initiatives

INSIDE

Collin College oers a variety of programs targeted specically for vocational skills and workforce development, including the certied Toyota and Lexus Technician Training and Education Network, or T-TEN, program, which develops manufacturer-certied automotive technicians. (Courtesy Collin College)

Also in this issue

Premium sponsor

McKinney ocials move on from $45 million Lower 5 Plaza project following the loss of $15 million in federal funding—read more Government Page 11

Learn how Wayback Barn oers outdoor games, live music and "old-fashioned fun" at a 4-acre rustic retreat in north McKinney Business Page 30

McKINNEY WORKS

McKinney Performing Arts Center AT THE HISTORIC COLLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL Saturday, Nov. 1 • 7:30 p.m.

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Tree Lighting & Concert Friday at 6:15 p.m. Nov. 28 - 30 Downtown McKinney

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Confused about recycling? Start with cardboard, paper, bottles, and cans. ¿Confundido acerca del reciclaje? Comience con carton, papel, botellas y latas.

Scan to find out whats recyclable in McKinney. Escanee para averiguar qué es reciclable en McKinney.

Keep these OUT of your recycling cart! ¡Manténgalos FUERA de su carro de reciclaje!

NO Bagged Recycling / NO Embolsar los reciclables No garbage. No recicle la basura. NO Plastic Bags / NO Bolsas de Plástico Return them to a store that accepts them. Devuélvelos a una tienda que los acepte. NO Food & Liquids / NO Alimentos y Líquidos Keep recyclables clean and dry. Mantenga los materiales reciclables limpios y secos. NO Batteries & Electronics / NO Baterías y Electrónica Schedule a pick-up: McKinneyTexas.org/HHW Programe una recogida: McKinneyTexas.org/HHW

Funded in part by

McKinneyTexas.org/Recycle

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Impacts

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B L O OMDALERD.

WILMETH RD.

5 The Brunch District The menu features steak and eggs, omelets, biscuits and gravy, and cinnamon roll French toast. • Opened Sept. 4 • 4590 W. University Drive, Ste. 100, McKinney • www.thebrunchdistrict.com 6 The Serpentarium The store sells reptiles such as snakes, lizards and tortoises, as well as supplies and services for reptiles. • Opened Sept. 6 • 2775 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 160, McKinney • www.snakemuseum.com

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Coming soon

7 Andalous Mediterranean Mezza The eatery’s Mediterranean menu will feature dishes including beef tenderloin skewers and lamb chops. • Opening in December • 1222 N. Central Expressway, McKinney • www.andalousgrill.com 8 FedEx Office The shop will offer a variety of services such as copying, printing, packing and shipping. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2025 • 4590 W. University Drive, Ste. 230, McKinney • www.office.fedex.com 9 Fizz Wine and Liquor The store will sell a variety of wines and liquor including tequila, whiskey, gin and vodka. • Opening in October • 4610 W. University Drive, Ste. 140, McKinney 10 iCode The STEM learning center integrates AI into its curriculum, offering programs for students ages 5-18. • Opening in December • 4590 W. University Drive, Ste. 240, McKinney • www.icodeschool.com/north-mckinney-tx

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MEDICAL CENTER DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

STACY R

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East McKinney

• 4820 Medical Center Drive, McKinney • www.medicalcityhealthcare.com

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Now open

3 OG’s Barber Lounge The lounge is a barber shop for men that offers a variety of haircut and facial services including clipper cuts. • Opened Aug. 13 • 3755 S. Lake Forest Drive, Ste. 400, McKinney • www.ogschopshop.com 4 Stretch Zone The business offers certified practitioner-assisted stretching programs. • Opened Aug. 24 • 2750 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 106, McKinney • www.stretchzone.com/locations/mckinney-tx

1 McKinney National Airport A new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility

debuted at the airport. • Opened in September • 1508 Industrial Blvd., McKinney • www.flytki.com

2 Medical City McKinney A new $50 million, five-story medical office building at the hospital spans 124,500 square feet. • Opened Sept. 4

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Potbelly Chicago-based sandwich chain Potbelly will open nine new restaurants in North Texas, including in McKinney.

13 Ascent Investment Partners The Dallas-based company announced in September the acquisition of a 20-acre industrial parcel near McKinney National Airport for future industrial development. • South of FM 546, to the east of its intersection with FM 722 • www.ascentinv.com 14 Bay Willow Design The bespoke millinery studio, which reached a milestone 10-year anniversary Sept. 15, offers a variety of handmade hats as well as hatmaking workshops. • 610 Elm St., Ste. 1330, McKinney • www.baywillowdesign.com 15 Fair & Square Imports The shop transitioned to new owners Brittany Otwell

Now open

• Exact locations TBD • www.potbelly.com

Relocations

11 Temps of McKinney The business, previously located at 500 W. University Dr., Ste. 102, offers temporary employment services for candidates and businesses in McKinney. • Relocated Oct. 1 • 2530 Eldorado Parkway, Ste, 120, McKinney • www.tempsofmckinneyus.com

17 Area RC The business, which also serves as the filming space for YouTube creator and radio-controlled car enthusiast Mark Santa Maria, offers RC cars and accessories as well as access to tracks and courses to operate the cars on. • Opened Aug. 30 • 855 E. Cottage Hill Parkway, Building 1, McKinney • www.facebook.com/msm.arearc

In the news

and Ivey Reynolds in October. • 219 E. Louisiana St., McKinney • www.fairandsquareimports.com

12 Allen Premium Outlets Members of the community gathered Oct. 1 for a 25th anniversary ribbon-cutting ceremony for the shopping center, which offers over 120 name-brand outlet stores. • 820 W. Stacy Road, Allen • www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/allen

16 McKinney Farmers Market The market was ranked as the no. 1 farmers market in the state in the America’s Farmers Market Celebration competition. • 315 S. Chestnut St., McKinney • www.chestnutsquare.org/farmers-market

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Impacts West McKinney

4 Milestones Pediatric The medical office provides various services, including well-child visits, sick visits and urgent care. • Opened Aug. 11 • 3951 Alma Road, Ste. 402, McKinney • www.milestones-pediatric.com 5 Resort Nail Salon Nail services offered include manicures, pedicures and gel shellac nails. Waxing services are also available. • Opened in August • 8701 W. University Drive, Ste. 450, McKinney • www.resortnailsalon.com 6 Spineally Chiropractic The business, led by Dr. Ayesha Hosein, offers personalized chiropractic care that can address a variety of health concerns such as back, ankle, knee or hip pain. • Opened Sept. 3 • 3721 S. Stonebridge Drive, Unit 903, McKinney • www.spineallychiropractic.com 7 Ugly Mug Coffee House The menu includes hot and cold espresso drinks, tea, soda, lemonade and energy drinks, as well as food options. • Opened Oct. 3

Now open

LAKE FOREST DR.

McKinney

1 Black Rock Coffee Bar The drink menu features a variety of beverages including coffee, tea, smoothies and energy drinks while the food menu features breakfast items including a bacon and gouda sandwich and coffee cake. • Opened Sept. 30 • 9701 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.br.coffee 2 IV Nutrition The business offers nutrient IV drips to help with hydration, energy, immunity and other health goals, as well as intramuscular vitamin injections and blood testing panels. • Opened July 28 • 2651 S. Ridge Road, Ste. 102, McKinney • www.ivnutritionmckinney.com/home-glanding 3 JR Mailbox Plus The business offers a variety of services including, shipping and packing, notary services and mailboxes for rent. • Opened Aug. 18 • 6675 S. Custer Road, Ste. 500, McKinney • www.jrmailboxplus.com

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maintenance services, will relocate due to expected displacement by the US 380 bypass project. A new address has not yet been identified for the relocation. • Closing in December • 8720 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.valvoline.com

Now open

8 Velocity Badminton The facility, which features 14 courts as well as observation areas, offers badminton skills training sessions. • Opened Sept. 22

In the news

• 4220 Ridge Road, McKinney • www.velocitybadminton.com

11 Trinity Presbyterian Church The church was founded Nov. 29, 1855 and is celebrating its 170th anniversary in November. The church, which was founded by a group of Cumberland Presbyterians who moved from Tennessee, meets every Sunday morning for worship. • 5871 Virginia Parkway, McKinney • www.tpcmckinney.org

Coming soon

9 Smalls Sliders McKinney City Council members approved a specific use permit at a Sept. 16 meeting for the restaurant, which serves hamburger sliders, waffle-cut fries and milkshakes. • Opening mid-December • 1700 N. Custer Road, McKinney • www.smallssliders.com

13 Chip City Cookies The McKinney store is the first Texas location for the New York-based cookie company, which offers a variety of fresh-baked cookies in a weekly rotating menu. Over 100 flavors are offered each year, including s’mores, dark chocolate peanut butter, blueberry cheesecake and more. • Opened Sept. 19 • 6650 Alma Road, Ste. 100, McKinney • www.chipcitycookies.com

Closings

12 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop The eatery offered a variety of Tex-Mex cuisine including tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas and quesadillas. • Closed Sept. 28 • 8031 W. University Drive, Ste. 100, McKinney • www.fuzzystacoshop.com

Relocations

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Government

BY COLBY FARR

Lower 5 Plaza plan shelved

The details

Planned pedestrian crossings McKinney City Council members are redirecting eorts to implement additional pedestrian crossings along the SH 5 corridor.

380

The enhanced at-grade crossing is estimated to cost $2 million and the additional pedestrian cross- ings are estimated to cost $4 million, according to a sta presentation. City sta will coordinate with the regional transportation authorities to incorpo- rate additional improvements along SH 5.

Enhanced crossing Pedestrian crossing

McKinney ocials are moving on from the Lower 5 Plaza project after the loss of $15 million in federal funding that was conrmed in August. Instead, city ocials are redirecting eorts to additional improvements along the State Highway 5 corridor. Planned improvements include additional pedestrian crossings along the corridor and an enhanced at-grade crossing where the $45 million Lower 5 Plaza project would have been located. McKinney City Council members voted on a resolution to redirect eorts during a Sept. 16 meeting. The action was followed by a sta update earlier that day during a council work session. Tracy Lund, assistant director of engineering for McKinney, broke down results from a public input survey conducted before the loss of federal funding. However, with the loss of federal funding, city sta recommended the new direction. “While this is certainly a change, I don’t think it stops or curbs the appetite to connect dierent areas of McKinney,” Mayor Bill Cox said. “I think the sta has done a great job in pivoting, if you will, or amending the original agreement.” The shift in scope comes more than a year after the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $15 million to the Lower 5 Plaza project in March 2024. The Lower 5 Plaza project would have included a bridge at ground level on the existing SH 5 with a park that extends under the roadway.

E. ERWIN AVE.

E. MIDWAY ST.

McKinney

City ocials are still planning an improved crossing where the Lower 5 Plaza project would have been.

E. VIRGINIA ST.

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF MCKINNEY

Looking ahead

TxDOT ocials are already planning reconstruction of SH 5 between McMakin Street and Power House Street. That project is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, according to a city document. The city is already committed to funding improvements like street lighting, turn lanes and drainage improvements. If the enhanced at-grade crossing and additional pedestrian crossings were added to the project, the city’s contribution would increase to $12.39 million.

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Government

BY COLBY FARR

McKinney updates hotel occupancy tax ordinance for short-term rentals

How it works

When a visitor books a hotel or a short-term rental, they pay a 13% hotel occupancy tax. The city keeps 7%, and the remaining is collected by the state. Dollars collected by the city are used for promoting events that generate overnight stays, Nolting said. In the past, money has been used to promote events like the CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tourna- ment and the Texas Open pickleball tournament. “That’s a big way that we use the money is marketing to the public,” Nolting said. Currently, there are more than 300 short-term rentals operating in McKinney, Nolting said. In the past 12 months alone, houses listed on the Airbnb platform have generated 47,000 stays.

A new amendment to McKinney’s hotel occupancy tax collections will enable the city to collect taxes from short-term rental platform Vrbo for rentals operating within the city. McKinney City Council members passed the amendment during a Sept. 2 meeting. It updates the city’s ordinance language so that the city’s hotel occupancy tax will apply to short-term rentals reserved and paid for on all platforms including Vrbo, according to city officials. Hotel occupancy taxes were already being collected from homes rented on the Airbnb platform. Revenues collected from the hotels and short- term rentals in the city have increased in each of the last five fiscal years, according to data from Visit McKinney. In fiscal year 2023-24, more than $3 million was collected through the tax. That money is used to promote McKinney as a tourist destination, said Sarah Nolting, senior communications and media specialist for Visit McKinney. “It really just levels the playing field and makes sure everybody’s paying the same amount in their hotel tax,” Nolting said of the new amendment. Officials have examined how to collect from Vrbo for about two years, Visit McKinney Executive Director Aaron Werner said. “We are one of the few cities in Texas that get an automatic collection from Airbnb, and that is extremely helpful for us because we don’t have to chase down every individual short- term rental property and have them self- report,” he said.

Hotel occupancy tax revenues

$4M

$3.1M

$2.9M

$3M

$2.4M

$2M

$1.4M

$1.7M

$1M

+121.43%

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Fiscal year

2022-23 2023-24

Hotels vs. short term rentals

Avg. length of stay 2.3 days 4.6 days

Avg. stay value

Type of lodging

More information

$892 $264

Hotel

Airbnb is the second largest hotel occupancy tax generator in the city. Having the ability to tax Vrbo homes will add more to the city’s tax revenues, Visit McKinney Assistant Director Alisha Holmberg said during the Aug. 26 meeting. “We don’t anticipate it’ll necessarily be as much as Airbnb, but it will be some more coming into our account,” she said. For more information about hotel occupancy taxes in McKinney, visit www.mckinneytexas.org/1488/ hotel-occupancy-tax.

Short-term rental

Average occupancy by day of the week

Hotel occupancy

Short-term rental occupancy

100%

75%

50%

25%

SOURCE: VISIT MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY COLBY FARR

City-owned buildings to see 2026 demolition McKinney officials are moving forward with the demolition of the city’s former City Hall and Development Services buildings in early 2026. In a nutshell Both buildings are located at the corner of Hunt and Tennessee streets in downtown McKinney and have been vacated after the new City Hall building opened in January. Before demolition, both build- ings will be documented for historic preservation purposes, a city official said in an email. City officials are also planning public infrastruc- ture work in the area to start in early 2026. The project will include reconstruction of roadway and sidewalk portions along Hunt, Tennessee and Lamar streets. Kentucky and Tennessee streets will be restriped next to Hall Memorial Library to reintroduce two-way vehicular traffic. Infrastructure reconstruction is expected to

2 retail projects get city grant funds The McKinney Community Development Corporation awarded over $60,000 to two retail projects within the city for infrastruc- ture improvements. The gist The MCDC’s board of directors voted to award the grants, which are intended to support infrastructure improvements at retail properties across the city, at a Sept. 25 meeting. Grant funds were awarded to: • 380 Marketplace: up to $40,000 for infrastructure improvements and parking lot repairs • Cotton Mill: $27,458.92 for installation of drainage and replacement of concrete with turf for an outdoor wedding venue

HUNT ST.

Former Development Services office

Former City Hall

E. HERNDON ST.

N. TENNESSEE ST.

SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

finish by the end of 2027. Also of note

City officials will explore a partnership with the McKinney Economic Development Corporation to redevelop the former City Hall property for office uses. The city is also exploring potential for a new multilevel public parking facility and park at the corner of Hunt and Kentucky streets. The new Central Park will front onto Kentucky Street. Redevelopment of the former Development Services building and two adjacent parking lots are suspended indefinitely.

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MCKINNEY EDITION

Election

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Voter Guide

Dates to know

Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail

Where to vote

Collin County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.collincountytx.gov/elections for more information.

McKinney Fire Station No. 10 1150 Olympic Crossing

Polling locations

Early voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. Early voting Collin College Higher Education Center 3452 Spur 399 Collin College McKinney Campus

Election Day* Children’s Health StarCenter 6993 Stars Ave. Dowell Middle School 301 S. Ridge Road Evans Middle School

6998 W. Eldorado Parkway McKinney Boyd High School 600 N. Lake Forest Drive McKinney North High School 2550 Wilmeth Road McKinney Senior Recreation Center 1400 S. College St. Scoggins Middle School 7070 Stacy Road Stonebridge United Methodist Church 1800 S. Stonebridge Drive

2200 University Drive Collin County Elections 2010 Redbud Blvd. John & Judy Gay Library 6861 W. Eldorado Parkway McKinney City Hall 401E. Virginia St. McKinney Fire Station No. 5 6600 Virginia Parkway McKinney Fire Station No. 7 861 Independence Parkway McKinney Fire Station No. 9 4900 Summit View Drive.

*INCLUDES EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

On the ballot

Collin County Collin County Emergency Services District No. 1

Confirming the creation of Collin County Emergency Services District No. 1 and authorizing the imposition of a tax not to exceed the rate allowed by Section 48-e, Article III, Texas Constitution. For Against Note: The proposition for the creation of the ESD will be on the ballot of any Collin County resident that lives in the unincorporated area of a city that opted in for the program. This includes McKinney as well as 17 other cities.

SOURCE: COLLIN COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot

Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election. The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT DISCLAIMER: AMENDMENT TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

Proposition 6

Proposition 12

Ban on securities transaction taxes HJR 4 would bar lawmakers from imposing taxes on the purchase and sale of financial assets or requiring financial market operators to pay a tax to conduct business.

Judicial oversight SJR 27 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct to include six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and seven citizens appointed by the governor.

Proposition 1

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

Texas State Technical College funding Senate Joint Resolution 59 would create two new funds to support the Texas State Technical College System, which has campuses statewide. Up to $52 million could be appropriated this year.

Tax exemption for military spouses HJR 133 would allow lawmakers to create a future property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from an illness related to their military service.

Increasing homestead exemption SJR 2 would raise the property tax exemption on a person’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Proposition 2

Proposition 8

Proposition 14

Ban on capital gains taxes SJR 18 would prohibit the Texas Legislature from imposing any future taxes on capital gains, which is income received from selling an asset. Texas does not currently have such a tax.

Ban on death taxes HJR 2 would prohibit the legislature from imposing future taxes on a deceased person’s estate or an inheritance passed to their heirs. Neither tax currently exists in Texas.

State dementia research institute SJR 3 would allocate $3 billion to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. An additional $300 million would be available for dementia-related research grants.

Proposition 3

Proposition 9

Proposition 15

Tightening bail rules SJR 5 would require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, including murder and aggravated assault, if the state demonstrates that a defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety.

Business tax exemption HJR 1 would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ personal property, such as equipment and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a $2,500 exemption.

Parental rights SJR 34 would add language to the Texas Constitution stating that parents have the right to “exercise care, custody and control” of their children and determine how to raise them.

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

Proposition 16

Water supply funding House Joint Resolution 7 would send $1 billion in sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund each year from 2027-47. The state fund was formed in 2023 to finance water projects.

Homes destroyed in fire SJR 84 would allow a future state legislature to create a property tax exemption for someone rebuilding a home that is completely destroyed in a fire.

Requiring citizenship to vote SJR 37 would enshrine in the Texas Constitution that people who are not U.S. citizens may not vote in Texas elections. Only U.S. citizens are currently eligible to vote under state law.

Proposition 5

Proposition 11

Proposition 17

Animal feed tax exemption HJR 99 would allow state lawmakers, in a future legislative session, to create a property tax exemption for stores that sell animal feed.

Exemption for elderly homeowners SJR 85 asks voters to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability to $200,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Border security tax exemption HJR 34 would exempt increases in a property’s value from taxation if the land is along the Texas- Mexico border and the added value is due to the installation of border security infrastructure.

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Education

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Collegiate academy coming in 2026

said Javetta Jones Roberson, the district’s coordinator of Advanced Academics and Collegiate Partnerships. The creation of a collegiate academy within McKinney ISD was sparked when a district visioning committee was researching opportunities to create additional pathways to pro- mote college and career readiness. Diving in deeper The rst year of the Collegiate Academy of McKinney, or the CAM, will be open to rising ninth grade students, and will be expanded up one grade level each year until the 2029-30 school year when all grade levels are included. The CAM cohort will include 150 students per grade level, district ocials said. The application period for the 2026-27 school year will be open to rising ninth grade students beginning Dec. 8.

McKinney ISD ocials will launch a collegiate academy in the 2026-27 school year, which will give participating students the opportunity to graduate with college credit in addition to a diploma. Information on the program was presented at a Sept. 15 school board meeting. The program will be oered in partnership with Collin College. “This innovative program will give our students an outstanding opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree,” McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt said in an emailed statement. The specics A collegiate academy is a specialized high school program that enables students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree, or at least 60 college credit hours, concurrently,

"We are committed to creating high-quality programs that expand opportunities for our students, and the collegiate academy is another example of our continued eorts to innovate and prepare them for a successful future." SHAWN PRATT, MCKINNEY ISD SUPERINTENDENT

Attendance zone changes planned

A committee of 39 McKinney ISD parents, along with district sta and campus administrators, will be charged with assessing the district’s attendance zones amid projected population growth. MISD trustees voted unani- mously to create an Educational Facilities Alignment Committee at a Sept. 15 meeting.

The gist After a series of meetings begin- ning in September, the group will present a recommendation in December that includes identify- ing three elementary campuses that could be repurposed for alternative district uses, as well as new attendance zone maps for all school levels.

MCKINNEY EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

Higher Education Guide

2025

Readers, welcome to your CI Higher Education Edition! This annual guide features the latest updates and resources about local higher education institutions in and around your community. In this year’s edition, read about updates from Collin College including a training partnership with Toyota, planned new degree programs and pay raises coming to the college’s staff, as well as updates from other North Texas colleges. Our cover story focuses on workforce development initiatives from Collin College and local leaders. All the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news.

Premium sponsor:

Shelbie Hamilton Editor shamilton@ communityimpact.com

The University of Texas at Dallas www.utdallas.edu 972-883-2111 The Future Demands Different

What's inside

UNT Frisco looks to collaborate with industry partners (Page 20)

Read about Collin College’s new partnership with Toyota (Page 21)

Learn about local workforce initiatives (Page 24)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Collin College to offer 2 new associate degree programs

The degree program in law enforcement, public administration and supervision will offer a Level 2 certificate of 42 semester credit hours in foun- dational public administration and supervision coursework. The degree program is expected to cost the college $924,700 during its first five years of operations. Costs include paying the salaries of full-time and adjunct faculty. The anticipated revenue for the college during the first five years is $2.22 million, according to the program budget. The cosmetology program will offer two pro- gram tracks within the associate of applied science degree: general track and barber track. The barber track will also include training to sit for a barber license. The degree program will also include a Level 1 certificate in foundational cosmetology coursework along with two Level 2 certificates, one aligned to the general track and one aligned with the barber track, officials said. The certificate

Collin College will soon be rolling out two new degree programs. The two programs—associate of applied science in law enforcement, public administration and supervision and associate of applied science in cosmetology—were approved by the board of trustees in August. District officials have not announced when the programs would begin. About the program Both programs include 15 semester credit hours of general education requirements as well as 45 semester credit hours of workforce education coursework. Students on each associate track are required by Texas law to complete 60 semester credit hours, college officials said. Labor market trends have shown a demand for college educated law enforcement officers in order to meet the leadership needs of law enforcement agencies across the region, officials said.

Program requirements

60 total credit hours

2 cosmetology focused certificates available

1 available certificate for public administration and supervision

SOURCE: COLLIN COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

tracks are 45 semester credit hours each. The cumulative cost for the program’s first five years is $3.69 million. “Cosmetology will always be needed, so I’m happy to support it,” board member Raj Menon said.

MCKINNEY EDITION

Education

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

UNT Frisco integrates project learning with industry partners

Collin College secures Toyota, Lexus programs Collin College ocials have completed all requirements needed for a training partnership with Toyota. The certied Toyota and Lexus Technician Training and Education Network, or TTEN, program develops manufacturer-certied techni- cians in automotive dealerships across the United States, according to a Collin College news release. The college system’s training partnership with Toyota launched in fall 2023, and college ocials completed the certication process this year. “Achieving full compliance for the Toyota and Lexus TTEN program is a pivotal milestone,” said Neil Matkin, Collin College district president, in the release. About the program Students undergoing the TTEN program can earn technician training certications from the

Collin College leaders OK budget, pay raises Collin College sta can expect a 4% raise in scal year 2025-26. The college’s board of trustees unan- imously approved a budget of $437.44 million and increased base salaries by 4% during an Aug. 26 board meeting. The FY 2025-26 budget includes $434.26 million in revenue and $437.44 million in proposed expenses. Diving in deeper College ocials completed a review of peer and local market salary data through the Texas Association of School Boards for the college’s pay system. As a result, base salaries for sta members and new hire faculty will be increased by 4%. The pay increases will cost $7.1 million and are included in the 2025-26 budget.

AGWInsights, a Frisco-based company that provides companies with digital coaching plat- forms. In the partnership, students went through a discovery research process for the company and have since created a recommendation for a company product. The partnership is benecial for students as they take the learning out of the classroom and can work hands-on in a project, Sanders said. The program also creates a pathway for students when applying for jobs post-college, he said. “They’re graduating with three high-level internships as well as a plethora of conceptual knowledge, project management, design thinking and data analytics,” Sanders said. “It puts them in a space to have a really robust resume and

Students at the University of North Texas Frisco campus have the opportunity to work with indus- try partners while in an undergraduate program. Housed at UNT Frisco, the Project Design and Analysis Degree is a three-year program in which students are tasked with doing a semester-long project each academic term, said Kevin Sanders, director of co-curricular student services for project based learning. Students work directly with local industry partners by completing various projects for the organizations throughout the program. In addition to their coursework, students must complete high-level internships every year, he said. “[Frisco is a] hub for student and industry intersection,” Sanders said. About the program The program is integrated in nature through project management, Sanders said. Currently, students are working with

Career paths

Graduating with a degree in Project Design and Analysis can help a student qualify for high demand jobs including:

• Brand manager • Business analyst • Project manager • Social media marketer

• Solutions architect • User experience architect

Representatives of Toyota and Collin College celebrated the completion of the certication requirements in July.

COURTESY COLLIN COLLEGE

National Institute for Automotive Service Excel- lence, Toyota and Lexus, the release stated. Students can also earn an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology through the TTEN Track at Collin College. Collin College students can also earn an enhanced skills certicate through the Toyota Collision Repair and Renishing Elite Training program. Once completed, students are certied to work in authorized Toyota and Lexus collision centers, the release states.

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Students can become familiar with workplace dynamics and understand how to work within a collaborative team. The rst few years in the workplace may not rely on conceptual skills, Sanders said, but rather soft or marketable skills such as critical thinking, program management, professional communica- tion and analytical skills.

portfolio.” The results

The degree program gives students a leg-up when it comes to the workplace, Sanders said.

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MCKINNEY 2900 W University Dr (214) 341-5487

Education

Learn more about colleges, universities in McKinney, DFW

2 University of Texas at Arlington College type: four-year Update: The university was awarded an ExLENT Program grant from the National Science Foundation to create cohorts of students, veterans, researchers and industry engineers aimed at strengthening the aerospace engineering community. • 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington • www.uta.edu

3 University of Texas at Dallas College type: four-year

1 University of North Texas College type: four-year Update: UNT President Harrison Keller announced the Texas Talent Accelerator on Sept. 4. The program, in partnership with several other local higher education institutions, will work with local employers to sync education and training with market demands. • 1155 Union Circle, Denton • www.unt.edu

Update: The University of Texas at Dallas is now offering a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering. The program launch is intended to help meet industry demands and prepare students for engineering roles. • 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.utdallas.edu

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

6 Texas Woman’s University College type: four-year

4 Collin College College type: two-year, four-year

5 Texas Christian University College type: four-year

Update: Texas Woman’s University staff and officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 4 for the university’s newly renovated Welcome Center at Brackenridge Hall. The 82,000-square- foot facility will house various student services

Update: Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, Collin College students gained access to online education from schools across the state through a partnership with the Texas Statewide Course Sharing Exchange Program. Collin College will also serve as a teaching institution for students from course exchange program partners, which increases course options for these students. • 9700 Wade Boulevard, Frisco • www.collin.edu

Update: Six new residence halls are under construction. In 2027, the university plans to open a 550-bed hall in Worth Hills and, on the east side of campus, three first-year halls totaling 1,350-beds, a 450-bed hall for sophomores and a 120-bed townhome and apartment community for upperclassmen. • 2800 S. University Drive, Fort Worth • www.tcu.edu

while also serving as an introduction to the university for new and prospective students. • 304 Administration Drive, Denton • www.twu.edu

Changing t

Inspired and hired

MCKINNEY EDITION

Targeted training From the cover

The big picture

Skills development training grants State grant funding will upgrade the skills of 714 currently employed workers and support the training of 130 new hires at 13 companies, 12 of which are located in Collin County.

Companies: Encore Wire Corporation, StatLab Medical Products and AXL Advanced Training provided: About 9,600 hours for 227 employees Career field: Manufacturing 1 $478,770

2 $362,157

Companies: Amphenol Fiber Systems International, Cain Watters & Associates, Cates Control Systems and Natural Polymer International Corporation Training provided: Over 7,100

New programming at Collin College specifically targets workforce development, including specialized training and courses aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals already in the workforce. Through state grant funding, the college has been able to offer professional development for several area industries, including manufacturing, finance, accounting, project management and health care, among others. The college has also made upgrades for its health sciences programs to boost health care careers. Collin College officials look to help any organization that needs it, said Neil Matkin, district president of the college system. The college has teamed up with industries that have a smaller demand to offer training, rather than creating a credit-based program that can take longer to implement, he said. The training courses can quickly adapt to new technology—giving the college the opportunity to be flexible, Matkin said. “Collin College can deliver short-term, laser focused training for employer groups that support their immediate needs,” he said. In April, Texas Workforce Commission officials awarded four grants totaling $1.35 million to Collin College to cover the cost of customized training for employees at 13 businesses located

hours for 370 employees Career field: Finance and manufacturing

Companies: CSG Forte Payments Inc., FlexLink Systems Inc., Netrio and Portable Solar Training provided: Over 6,500 hours for 169 employees Career field: Accounting, computer systems design services, health care, solar energy 3 $353,072

Companies: Helm Dental Laboratory and Unicom Engineering Training provided: Nearly 3,000 hours for 78 employees Career field: Manufacturing, project management, risk management 4 $158,958

$1.3M grant totals

SOURCE: COLLIN COLLEGE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

faculty are devoted to supporting workforce programs, Matkin said. The college system also has staff positions dedicated to engaging with industry partners, he said. “It is a very exciting time for higher education as we embrace industry in a collaborative manner,” Matkin said. “I truly believe we are all partners who want to support our greatest asset, [which is] our students.”

in the area, including several based in McKinney, Frisco and Plano. The grant comes from the commission’s Skills Development Fund, which helps businesses train existing or new employees for high-demand jobs in fields such as health care, accounting and manufacturing, according to the commission’s website. Approximately one-third of Collin College’s

Measuring the impact

Workforce development helps companies retain employees. Matkin said educational opportunities can show employees an organization values them and can help advance their careers. The college has worked with local partners to develop workforce programs, including McKin- ney-based Raytheon, which is an aerospace and defense company. Raytheon officials have acted as advisory committee members who helped develop new college programs and offerings, Matkin said. Raytheon recruits employees through tra- ditional means within the college’s student population and also sends current employees through training as part of the college’s advanced manufacturing apprenticeship program, Matkin said. The college’s apprenticeship programs allow employers to develop skilled talent pipelines, which support business growth. The college’s third cohort with Raytheon started this year, Matkin said.

Top employment destinations for McKinney residents In 2022, U.S. Census Bureau data shows more than half of employed McKinney residents traveled outside of the city for jobs. The top destination was Dallas.

380

35W

35E

SRT TOLL

121

City

Job count (%)

DNT TOLL

1 Dallas 2 Plano

16,996 (16%) 15,281 (14.4%) 14,266 (13.5%)

114

3 McKinney

635

4 Frisco 6,659 (6.3%) 5 Richardson 5,270 (5%)

183

30 All other locations: 34,814 (32.9%)

6 Irving 7 Allen

820 4,259 (4%) 3,726 (3.5%) 2,561 (2.4%)

35W

360

8 Addison

35E

9 Carrollton 2,151 (2%)

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

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