Dr. H. Neil Matkin, San Jacinto College Central president, has accepted the position of executive vice president of the Louisiana Community & Technical College System. Photo credit: Keith Hudson, San Jacinto College.

Matkin accepts executive vice president position at Louisiana Community & Technical College System

Amanda L. Booren -- May 9, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – After nearly four years as San Jacinto College (SJC) Central president, Dr. H. Neil Matkin will leave the position to become executive vice president of the Louisiana Community & Technical College System.

“Serving as the president of the Central Campus has been an incredible experience and I will carry with me so many memories,” said Dr. Matkin. “The College has dedicated and passionate faculty with a true commitment to our students and their success. We have talked repeatedly about being a college that provides excellent student service, instruction, and a ‘Wow!’ experience. The incredible faculty, staff, and administrators have delivered on that promise and it has been a true privilege to serve with this amazing group of people. I will not forget them.”

Dr. Matkin’s dedication to the faculty, staff, and students on the SJC Central Campus and across the College has led to the growth of the campus enrollment from 12,928 in Fall 2008 to 15,238 students in Fall 2011. This represents nearly an 18 percent increase in enrollment. His work leading the Workforce and Economic Development Council has created a strategic focus for our workforce training programs. During his tenure, several programs have been developed on the Central Campus including dental assisting, diagnostic sonography, agriculture, massage therapy, and agribusiness. At the May meeting of the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, a new maritime technology program at the Central Campus was approved, which will allow San Jacinto College to further its training in the high demand maritime industry.

Dr. Matkin has been very active in the La Porte, Deer Park, and Pasadena communities. He has been involved in the La Porte Chamber of Commerce, currently serving as the chair elect, and has also participated with the La Porte Rotary Club. Through his work with the La Porte Independent School District (LPISD), San Jacinto College now has a coordinated facility with LPISD to offer dual enrollment courses for students. He worked to bring the Pasadena Independent School District (PISD) Early College High School online in Fall 2011. He also assisted San Jacinto College South Campus President, Dr. Murphy, in partnering with PISD to open a new Career and Technical Education High School planned for 2014.

Dr. Matkin’s other accomplishments include implementation of the 1999 and 2008 bond programs which lead to the construction of the child care center from the 1999 bond, and completion of the transportation center, health science addition, and campus beautification projects from the 2008 bond referendum. Underway is the science building which is scheduled for completion later this year.

Dr. Matkin has also been recognized nationally for his work in higher education. He was appointed as a 2009-2010 Associate with the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. This honor brought an additional recognition from Texas A&M at Commerce as a member of its Distinguished Alumni followed by a proclamation from Representative Ken Legler (TX-144) for his advancement to this prestigious post.

During his tenure, the SJC Central Campus enjoyed athletic success with the men’s basketball team consistently appearing at the regional tournament and the women’s volleyball team making it to the national tournament every year. The women’s volleyball team was the national runner up in 2010.

“Neil has been a great leader for San Jacinto College and the Central Campus,” noted Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “I sincerely thank him for his time and his service to our students and community, and I wish him and his wife Janyth, and their family, the best of luck in their next chapter.”

Dr. Matkin came to San Jacinto College in August 2008 from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), where he was the vice chancellor for information technology services. As such, he served as the chief information officer for the statewide system of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses throughout Virginia. Prior to his time at VCCS, Dr. Matkin was the founding chief administrative officer for the Illinois Century Network having served previously as the co-director responsible for client services, fundraising, and outreach activities. Serving in the capacity of senior associate director at the Illinois Board of Higher Education, he was involved in spearheading the creation of the nation’s largest education network garnering both legislative and funding support.

Dr. Matkin holds a doctorate in higher education from Texas A&M University Commerce; an MBA from the University of Dallas in Irving, with a specialty in information systems; a master’s degree in telecommunications management from Golden Gate University in Los Angeles; and bachelor and associate degrees in liberal arts / theology from Ambassador College in Pasadena, Calif., and Big Sandy, Texas, respectively.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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