November 17, 2017 - Panola College signed an articulation agreement with East Texas Baptist University on Tuesday, November 14, in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center on the campus of Panola College.
East Texas Baptist University’s partnership with Panola College (PC) marks ETBU’s sixth and Panola College’s third articulation agreement with institutions and organizations in the region. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn and PC President Gregory Powell signed the agreement that offers students at PC and ETBU access to enhanced educational opportunities.
“ETBU is honored to partner with Panola College in the education of students in East Texas. Our region has a bachelor’s degree completion rate of less than 35 percent and we want to provide greater opportunities for East Texans and Panola College students and graduates to receive an affordable Christ-centered education at ETBU,” Dr. Blackburn said. “PC President Greg Powell is a visionary educational leader for Panola County and East Texas. I am excited to work closely with Dr. Powell in exploring other strategies to widen the doors of access and affordability to higher education for our students.”
Located in Carthage, Texas, Panola College is an award-winning community college. PC was established in 1947, operating with just two temporary buildings. Now, the institution stands with 19 permanent buildings and serves over 2,600 students in the counties of Marion, Panola, Shelby, and Harrison. In its 70-year history, Panola College has grown to meet the needs of the community by providing a wide range of education and training opportunities to students of any age. PC President Gregory Powell’s vision for expansion led to the partnership between PC and ETBU.
"Panola College is delighted to sign this articulation agreement with East Texas Baptist University,” Dr. Powell commented. “This provides our students with a seamless transfer pathway as they continue their education towards bachelors' degrees.”
The agreement will ensure that eligible graduates of PC will be able to seamlessly transfer approved courses, receive priority for admission, and be granted precedence for scholarships at ETBU. The University will also offer $11,000 each year in academic support to Phi Theta Kappa students.
“As a local partner, Panola College has a great impact on the education of students in Harrison and Panola County,” ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. “In this agreement, we are providing a seamless transition for students to finish an undergraduate degree. Partnerships like this are key to us improving the workforce and economies of our region.”
