Dynamic duo’s shared vision earns Border Texan of the Year honor

Jim and Kathy Collins

McALLEN — Long-time advocates for regional progress, Jim and Kathy Collins, have garnered the Border Texan of the Year award for their steadfast commitment to economic development and community investment in South Texas.

At the press conference unveiling the 2025 recipients of the Border Texan of the Year award Wednesday, John David Franz, Border Texan chair, said the honor showcases those in the community who have shaped the region’s future through charitable contributions, progressive action and dynamic leadership.

The Collins have been residents of McAllen since 1980, and have served as members and directors of several local and state charitable organizations, including the board of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation.

They have worked with various college scholarship awards and multiple local organizations like the Friends of Quinta Mazatlan.

Jim is the trustee for numerous foundations including the James W. and Kathleen C. Collins Family Foundation, the Loring Cook Foundation, and a co-trustee of the Eli Unitrust Foundation for the Buckner Rio Grande Children’s Home.

The 2019 recipient, UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey, illustrated his belief that the Collins represent everything that the Border Texan of the Year stands for, as a team devoted to bettering the Rio Grande Valley through bold business leadership, transformative civic partnerships, and personal acts of generosity.

The Collins called this recognition “deeply personal” to themselves, as well as their family and colleagues. After learning of their accolade, they cemented their continuous commitment to carry on their uplifting community work.

Franz also shared how Border Texan of the Year does more than just celebrate those who have serviced the community, as it donates proceeds to worthy causes.

In a new twist to the decades-long tradition, McAllen City Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca District 6 announced the union of Border Texan of the Year gala with another “powerful cultural event,” MXLAN, a three-day art and music festival celebrating Hispanic culture.

The press conference seemed to be a time of celebration, however, with a heavy heart, City Manger Isaac Tawil revealed that Joe Vera, Border Texan of the Year visionary, died that morning.

Tawil shared how Vera had advocated for the Collins to be this year’s honorees because of their outstanding leadership and selfless charitable devotion in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Border Texan of the Year gala is slated for May 8, starting at 7 p.m at the McAllen Convention Center. Proceeds will benefit the McAllen Performing Arts and Cultural Foundation, Vannie Cook Cancer Foundation, Quinta Mazatlan, South Texas College Foundation and the UTRGV Foundation.

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