Todd Dougherty – Collin College

Collin College, located in McKinney, Texas, is dedicated to empowering its students through academic excellence and leadership development. With a sprawling network of 10 campuses, the college has consistently prioritized the creation of a safe, modern, and sustainable environment for students and staff. Todd Dougherty, the director of facility support services, is at the heart of these efforts. His role is vital in ensuring that the college’s facilities meet the highest standards of functionality and safety and reflect the institution’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Dougherty’s leadership at Collin College encompasses a broad range of responsibilities. Overseeing a team of 30 professionals, including facilities managers and call center staff, Dougherty is charged with the maintenance and operational efficiency of the college’s extensive infrastructure. His arrival at Collin College came at a critical time, during the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period required a leader with a deep understanding of facility management and crisis response, and Dougherty was more than equipped for the challenge.

Innovative construction and remodeling

One of Dougherty’s landmark projects was the $50 million construction initiative that included the development of a new Welcome Center and the complete remodeling of the Dental Hygiene Wing. This ambitious project, which began in February 2021 and concluded in August 2022, was more than just a facelift for the college; it was a statement of its forward-looking vision. The Welcome Center now stands as the first point of contact for students and visitors, designed with state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the overall experience on campus. On the other hand, the Dental Hygiene Wing was reimagined to integrate cutting-edge technology and modern design principles, providing students with a top-tier learning environment that mirrors the professional settings they will enter after graduation.

A key feature of the new Welcome Center is the installation of Sage glass, an innovative technology that automatically adjusts its tint in response to sunlight. This improves energy efficiency and enhances the comfort and well-being of those within the building. The project also involved upgrading the ventilation systems to ensure optimal air quality, a critical consideration in the post-pandemic world. Through these enhancements, Dougherty has significantly elevated the college’s infrastructure, aligning it with contemporary sustainability and user experience standards.

In addition to his work on the Welcome Center and Dental Hygiene Wing, Dougherty spearheaded the college’s sustainability waste management and recycling program. Drawing on his experience, Dougherty introduced this program to Collin College to reduce the institution’s environmental footprint. Implementing waste audits across the district, he navigated the intricate regulations of seven different cities to standardize recycling efforts.

“This initiative, though still in its early stages, represents a long-term commitment to sustainability, with the potential to drastically reduce waste and promote a culture of environmental responsibility within the college community,” Dougherty says.

Strong leadership and team development

Beyond the tangible outcomes of these projects, Dougherty’s influence is deeply felt in the culture he fosters among his team. Recognizing the importance of unity and efficiency, he consolidated vendors across the college’s multiple campuses. This move streamlined operations and fostered a more cohesive culture, ensuring that all campuses operated under a unified system with consistent standards. The financial benefits of this consolidation were significant. Still, perhaps more importantly, it created a more harmonious working environment where staff members feel connected and aligned with the college’s broader mission.

Leadership, recruiting, and retention are also key components of Dougherty’s role at Collin College. Understanding that a well-supported team is essential to any facility management operation’s success, Dougherty strongly emphasizes leadership development within his team. He actively recruits professionals who possess technical expertise and align with the college’s values of service and innovation. Once on board, these team members are given opportunities for professional growth through training programs and mentorship, ensuring they are well-equipped to take on increasing levels of responsibility.

Retention is equally important to Dougherty, who believes that a stable, experienced team is vital for maintaining the high standards of service that Collin College is known for. He has implemented various employee engagement and satisfaction initiatives, from recognizing outstanding performance to creating clear pathways for career advancement. This focus on leadership, recruiting, and retention strengthens Dougherty’s team and contributes to the overall success and stability of Collin College’s facility operations.

A combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainability and team development marks Dougherty’s role. His work on major projects and his leadership in sustainability and team management have significantly enhanced the college’s infrastructure and culture. As Collin College continues to grow and evolve, Dougherty’s contributions ensure that its facilities will meet the needs of today’s students and staff and set the standard for the future.

Adapting and thriving

Dougherty’s career exemplifies adaptability and leadership. With a degree in psychology from Angelo State University, Dougherty began his career in mental health, serving as a director in various state and local institutions for seven years. His work in this field sharpened his decision-making and leadership abilities.

A pivotal moment came when Dougherty transitioned to facility management after answering a classified ad from his alma mater. This led him to SSC Service Solutions, where he spent nine years managing third-party janitorial services in higher education. His expertise in this niche grew significantly during this time.

Seeking new opportunities, Dougherty moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and joined Cushman & Wakefield, expanding his experience into commercial real estate. After a brief stint in retail during the pandemic, he found his way back to higher education by joining Collin College as a facility manager. His immediate impact was recognized, and within two years, he was promoted to director of facility support services, a role created during a major cultural shift at the college.

Beyond his professional life, Dougherty is a devoted family man passionate about sports, particularly golf. He and his wife homeschool their three children, active in various sports and theater. The family also runs a pet-sitting business.