Border Texans of the Year

Jim and Kathy Collins will be recognized as the 2025 Border Texans of the Year at the official opening dinner of the MXLAN Festival on Thursday, May 8th, at the McAllen Convention Center. Presented by the City of McAllen, the award honors individuals whose leadership has significantly contributed to the growth and development of South Texas.

The Collinses have long been engaged in advancing regional progress. Jim Collins is a businessman involved in real estate investments, serves on the board of Vantage Bank Texas, and is a trustee of multiple charitable foundations. Kathy Collins has served on the boards of several nonprofit and cultural institutions, including the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation and the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Their shared commitment to civic partnerships, education, and healthcare initiatives reflects the intent behind the award: to recognize those who help shape the future of the Rio Grande Valley through sustained community impact.

Established in 1989, the Border Texan of the Year award has honored business, government, education, and public service leaders. Past recipients include President George W. Bush, Senator John Cornyn, and UTRGV President Guy Bailey. The annual event also functions as a fundraiser, generating more than $1 million for scholarships and nonprofit efforts across the Valley.