Neal Collins ’04 Recognized for Legislative Leadership

For S.C. Rep. Neal Collins ’04, receiving the 2026 Riley Wilkins OneSouthCarolina Legislative Leadership Award from The Riley Institute at Furman University was a full-circle moment.

Collins, who represents Pickens and Greenville Counties in the state House of Representatives, remembers contemplating a life of public service as early as his childhood and viewing Furman University as an avenue to get there.

“At my core, I am a rural South Carolina kid from a mobile home community. I knew I would return to my community to try to make it a better place,” said Collins. “I wanted Furman to prepare me for a future in law and politics.”

According to Collins, attending Furman gave him the exposure and knowledge he needed to feel comfortable entering into politics.

“Nothing is academically or socially intimidating now, which serves me well, and, more importantly, serves my community well,” he said.

Collins has served District 5 as a state representative since 2014 and was recognized with the legislative leadership award for his bipartisanship and evidence-based approach to policymaking. He has served on the House Ways and Means, House Judiciary and Legislative Oversight Committees, and is a champion of public education and child welfare.

Collins has become known among his constituents and fellow representatives as someone who engages deeply with data and research when weighing his legislative decisions.

“I think approaching issues from a fact-based orientation instead of partisan or emotional standpoints ultimately lead to better policy,” he said.

He attributes his ability to navigate research, evidence and diverse viewpoints to Furman’s academic rigor.

“Along with rigorous academic standards, my experience was that Furman also improved my critical thinking skills to be able to understand numerous viewpoints,” said Collins. “This has been important, because seeing different angles in policy and data creates opportunity for win-win solutions in an increasingly polarized society.”

During his acceptance speech for the award, Collins touched on today’s polarization, the challenges and importance of taking his role as a public servant seriously. He remembers his Furman faculty mentors as people who pushed him to work hard and with integrity.

“I was blessed with multiple caring, inspiring professors. Most notably, doctors (Don) Aiesi, (Danielle) Vinson, (Bill) Allen, (Harlon) Patton, (Donald) Gordon, (Brent) Nelsen and (John) Simpkins who challenged and pushed me in an honorable way,” he said. “I already had a chip on my shoulder to prove my worth, but Dr. Aiesi put a boulder on my shoulder. His challenge still positively impacts me today. I hope he and my former professors are all proud of how I publicly serve – they are all pieces of who I am.”