Richard (Dick) H. Collins has long believed that the greatest civic impact occurs at the intersection of business, public service, and philanthropy. For more than five decades, he has built and managed investments across private equity, public markets, energy resources, and real estate, creating a platform that supports strategic philanthropic initiatives with a particular emphasis on education.

As Chairman of Richard H. Collins Enterprises and Co-Chairman of Amira Learning, a global leader in educational technology, Collins brings together two of the most powerful drivers of educational advancement: innovation and capital. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity through transformative educational solutions.

Philanthropy & Community Impact

Community service and philanthropy have been defining priorities throughout Collins’ career. His contributions to education, crime reduction, and historic preservation have left a lasting impact on both the Dallas region and the State of Texas.

In 1983, Collins founded the Today Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. Through the foundation, thousands of Texas children have been able to attend the school that best meets their educational needs.

Collins also played a pivotal role in the development of educational technology through his involvement in the founding of Istation, a pioneering education technology company that merged with Amira Learning in 2024. Together, these efforts have helped shape educational outcomes for students across Texas and beyond.

Historic Preservation

Historic preservation has been another enduring focus of Collins’ public service. Since 1972, he has championed the preservation and adaptive use of historic structures throughout Texas. From 1981 to 1989, he served on the Texas Historical Commission, helping guide preservation efforts across the state.

Many of Collins’ preservation initiatives have centered on East Texas, particularly the Jefferson and Marshall regions, where his mother, Calvert K. Collins—the first woman elected to the Dallas City Council—was born and raised.

Among his most notable projects is the Port Jefferson History and Nature Park, a 40-acre educational and habitat restoration site located along the historic waterfront of Big Cypress Bayou in Jefferson, Texas. The park celebrates Jefferson’s heritage as a thriving 19th-century inland port while providing visitors with opportunities to experience the region’s natural beauty. Through the integration of history, art, and environmental education, the park demonstrates how conservation, education, and economic development can work together to strengthen communities.

Public Service

Collins’ commitment to public service has extended into state government. From 1990 to 1991, he served as a member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, the governing body responsible for oversight of Texas’ correctional system, including prison operations, parole, and probation administration.

Throughout his career, Collins has consistently leveraged business success, public leadership, and philanthropic investment to advance educational opportunity, strengthen communities, and preserve Texas history for future generations.