Panola College
December 17, 2025 - The Gas Compressor Association (GCA) presented a $19,800 donation to the Panola College School of Energy during a special career day event on campus. Mark Davis with JW Power, representing the GCA, delivered the check on behalf of the association.
This contribution is a strategic investment in our students, supporting scholarships and strengthening the hands-on equipment inside training labs. The GCA’s commitment helps ensure the College’s programs remain aligned with industry expectations, and their network of partners continues to expand opportunities for students.
“We value the relationships the GCA has helped us cultivate and truly appreciate their continued leadership in workforce development,” said Daniel Hall, School of Energy Chair. “Their partnership remains instrumental to the growth and success of the Panola College School of Energy.”
For more information about the Panola College School of Energy and its programs, please visit www.panola.edu/energy.
December 16, 2025 - Panola College proudly recognized 22 faculty and staff members for their outstanding dedication and service at the College’s annual holiday luncheon on December 4.
“We are proud to honor these milestones,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, president of Panola College. “Our employees’ steadfast dedication strengthens the College, and we are truly grateful for their commitment.”
(Not in order) Mary Chance, Jeremy Dorman, Bill Kruger, and Laura Wood were recognized for 25 years of service with the College
Rebekah Burkhalter was recognized for 20 years of service with the College
(Not in order) Paula Fults, Dr. Stacy Gee, Alan Moon, and Dr. Jessica Pace for 15 years of service with the College
(Not in order) Savannah Cassell, Mandy Harris, Reanna Hart, Dwaine Hubbard, Sharon Peace, Tryphena Walker, and Kristye Wall for 10 years of service with the College
(Not in order) Julie Green, Kade Lindsay, Mily Luna, Rachelle McGrede, Board Trustee Mark Roberson, and Jaime Seegers for 5 years of service with the College
December 11, 2025 - The Panola College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program has been awarded two major grants designed to expand simulation capacity and strengthen clinical training for nursing students. The Nursing, Allied Health and Other Health-related Education Grant Program (NAHP) awarded Panola College $140,184, and the Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP) awarded $18,815.29. Together, these grants will significantly enhance hands-on learning opportunities, particularly for students enrolled in the LVN- and Paramedic-to-RN Transition track.
Funding from the NAHP and NSRP grants will be used to purchase new high-fidelity simulation equipment, including workstations-on-wheels for medication administration, updated simulation manikins, and infrastructure to support additional simulation bays. These upgrades will enable the ADN program to expand clinical simulation at the Shelby College Center in Center, Texas, while continuing to house didactic instruction and the primary ADN program on the Carthage campus.
By adding simulation capacity across two locations, Panola College will increase access to high-quality experiential learning and support projected growth in enrollment for the Transition to ADN pathway.
“We are grateful for this support, which directly strengthens our ability to provide high-quality, experiential learning for our students in two locations. The additional equipment will allow faculty to conduct clinical simulation simultaneously at both sites and maintain a 2-to-1 student-to-manikin ratio, even with the addition of a second cohort for our Transition to ADN track,” said Annissa Jackson, PhD, RN, Chair of Nursing Programs.
Panola College leadership emphasized the importance of these investments in preparing the region’s future nursing workforce.
“These grants enhance our instructional capacity and directly support the success of our nursing students,” said Natalie Oswalt, Vice President of Instruction. “Expanding simulation opportunities across two campuses ensures our students have consistent, high-quality clinical learning experiences that prepare them for real-world practice.”
For more information about the Panola College Associate Degree Nursing program, please contact the School of Nursing and Health Sciences or visit www.panola.edu.
December 9, 2025 - Panola College is proud to announce the appointment of Joshua Carter as the newest member of the Board of Trustees, filling the position held by longtime Trustee Richard Thomas.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joshua Carter to the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College President. “Mr. Carter brings valuable experience to a Board that is already dedicated and forward-thinking. I’m confident his contributions will be of great value to the College.”
An alumnus of Panola College and Texas A&M University (B.B.A., Finance), Joshua began his career in banking, ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations at Panola National Bank. He later joined MPLX – Marathon Petroleum Logistics – and today serves as NG&NGL Operations Supervisor in Carthage, leading field gathering and compression operations. His track record includes implementing Oracle and SAP work-management systems; planning major turnarounds and start-ups; delivering strong audit results; and managing substantial OPEX and CAPEX budgets while driving operational excellence. He has completed leadership development through Marathon’s supervisor and leadership programs, as well as technical training at the Colorado School of Mines.
Joshua Carter and his wife, Caroline, reside in Carthage with their three children – Carson, Claire, and Corie Jane. Their family’s diverse backgrounds and individual achievements have instilled in Joshua a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the value of opportunity. The Carters are active members of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, where their faith and commitment to community service play a central role in their lives.
“I am really excited for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees,” said Carter. “As a hometown guy with a history at the College, I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees to support the College’s mission and to help shape its future.”
The Panola College Board of Trustees are: William Goolsby, Chair; Bobby Phillips, Vice Chair; Kevin Smith; Brooke Lipsey; Fatha Burchette, Secretary; Mark Roberson; and Joshua Carter.
December 1, 2025 - Panola College has been awarded $171,000 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) through the TRUE Pathways Design and Planning Grant. This funding will support the College in researching and designing the framework for a potential new construction supervision pathway that could be implemented in the future based on findings, community need, and formal approval processes to address a growing regional need for trained first-line supervisors in construction and related skilled trades across East Texas.
The concept for this possible pathway grew from conversations during advisory board meetings across multiple programs. Industry representatives consistently identified a strong regional need for mid-level supervisors who bring both technical skills and foundational competencies in leadership, communication, and safety. The planning work funded through this grant will allow Panola College to thoroughly study how a program could meet these needs and what would be required to develop it.
Planning activities will include exploring a sequence of Continuing Education courses aligned with the Texas Career and Technical Education Guidelines, such as supervision, project safety, and team communication. These courses are being considered as stackable building blocks that could lead to credit-bearing Occupational Skills Awards, certificates, and an Applied Associate Degree. The planning process will also evaluate how Credit for Prior Learning could help experienced workers, military veterans, and Continuing Education students earn credit based on existing knowledge and skills.
Labor market analysis strongly supports examining this direction. According to the JobsEQ Perkins V Report for the Panola College service area and a 75-mile radius, the construction trades sector is projected to grow by 4.1 percent, with annual employment growth of 191 jobs. The region currently employs 4,673 first-line supervisors in construction trades, with anticipated growth of 222 positions and an average annual wage of 71,800. Additionally, in 2024 there were 220 job postings for first-line supervisors of production and operations workers in the surrounding 12 counties. Construction trades remain among the top employers in the region, with more than 15,700 jobs.
Denetra McDaniel, Pathway and Credit for Prior Learning Design Coordinator, will lead the planning process. She emphasized the value of recognizing learning acquired in the workplace. She said, “At Panola, we recognize that meaningful and valuable learning happens both inside and outside of the classroom, and it is important that we honor these experiences. Students who qualify for Credit for Prior Learning can often earn their degrees faster, saving both time and money as they move toward their goals.”
Panola College President Dr. Jessica Pace highlighted the long-term importance of this planning work. She stated, “This initiative positions Panola College to better meet the needs of our communities and industry partners by expanding opportunity and reducing barriers for learners. Exploring a pathway that incorporates Credit for Prior Learning allows us to thoughtfully design options that honor real-world experience and support workforce advancement. This grant gives us the ability to build a strong foundation for what could become a high-impact program for our region.”
November 20, 2025 - Panola College is proud to announce that it has been selected by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to receive a $298,861.29 Skills Development Fund Dual Credit Healthcare grant. This investment is already expanding healthcare training opportunities for high school students across East Texas by funding dual credit Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Patient Care Technician (PCT) programs.
Students began benefiting from the grant-funded training during the current fall semester, with enrollment underway across 12 partner Independent School Districts: Beckville, Carthage, Center, Elysian Fields, Harleton, Jefferson, Joaquin, Marshall, Martinsville, Shelbyville, Tatum, and Tenaha. The funding covers tuition and fees, scrubs, test preparation materials, certification exam fees, and essential wraparound services. Eligible expenses also include instructor costs, curriculum development, and proctoring for required state credentialing exams.
This grant allows dual credit students to earn industry-recognized healthcare certifications while still in high school, placing them on a direct path to immediate employment in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the region. It also builds a strong foundation for students interested in continuing their education in nursing or allied health fields after graduation.
Whitney McBee, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education at Panola College, highlighted the transformative impact of this opportunity. She said, “This funding removes financial barriers for students and gives them access to career-launching credentials that can change the trajectory of their lives. By earning CNA and PCT certifications in high school, students gain real workforce skills, confidence, and the ability to step directly into essential healthcare roles. We are grateful for the Texas Workforce Commission’s investment in our communities and our future healthcare workforce.”
Training funded through the grant is currently being delivered by Panola College’s Workforce and Continuing Education department, in close collaboration with participating school districts. By offering these programs at no cost, Panola College is giving students valuable experience and qualifications while helping meet the growing workforce needs of healthcare providers across East Texas.
For more information about Panola College’s dual credit healthcare programs or the Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund, please contact Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education or visit www.panola.edu.
November 13, 2025 - Panola College has been awarded a $260,000 Perkins V State Leadership Grant to enhance the recruitment, preparation, and retention of qualified Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors. The initiative, titled “Educate to Elevate: Empowering CTE Instructors to Grow, Stay, and Lead,” was written and developed by Reanna Hart, Perkins Grant Director at Panola College.
The project focuses on expanding faculty credentials, improving instructional quality, and promoting equity across all CTE programs. Grant funding will support tuition assistance for faculty, two annual professional development institutes, industry immersion experiences in Health Sciences and Energy, and the creation of a Faculty Active Learning Center equipped with advanced instructional technology.
Additional initiatives include Quality Matters training, leadership development opportunities, and a targeted recruitment campaign to attract diverse, industry-experienced educators to the college’s growing CTE programs.
"This grant gives us the chance to support our CTE faculty in real, meaningful ways," said Hart. "When we invest in our instructors, helping them grow, get the credentials they need, and stay connected to industry, our students benefit. We are grateful we can use these funds to strengthen the programs our community relies on."
The project aims to reduce course bottlenecks, expand student access to high-demand programs, and ensure that curriculum aligns closely with regional workforce needs. By doing so, Panola College will help prepare students for successful, sustainable careers while addressing critical workforce gaps in the region.
"This grant is an incredible opportunity to elevate our commitment to student success and workforce development," said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. "By empowering our instructors with new tools, training, and experiences, we are investing not only in our faculty but also in the future of our students and the communities we serve."
Designed to be replicable across Texas, the Educate to Elevate initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on faculty development, instructional innovation, and student achievement at Panola College.
November 10, 2025 - Panola College has been awarded a $210,991 grant from Greater Texas Foundation to implement Element451, a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to improve communication and engagement with students.
As enrollment continues to grow, maintaining personalized, timely connections with students is more important than ever. Element451 will allow Panola College to centralize and streamline all student communications, ensuring that every learner receives clear, consistent, and personalized outreach. The platform will also include proactive communication tools and 24/7 multilingual chatbot support to answer student questions anytime, day or night.
“This project was designed to make it easier for students to get the information they need, when they need it,” said Lori Ballard, project lead for the initiative. “Element451 will help us communicate in a more personalized way and will free our staff to focus on individual student support.”
By integrating communications across departments, Element451 will help eliminate communication gaps, improve efficiency, and support students from their first inquiry through graduation. The new system reflects Panola College’s ongoing investment in technology and innovation that enhance student success and engagement.
“We are so grateful to Greater Texas Foundation for their support of this important initiative,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. “Their investment helps Panola College reimagine how we serve our students and reinforces our commitment to providing the highest level of care and connection.”
“We are excited to support Panola College as they innovate to provide more personalized supports for their students,” said Sue McMillin, President and CEO of Greater Texas Foundation.
About Greater Texas Foundation: Greater Texas Foundation is a private foundation based in Bryan, Texas that supports efforts to ensure all Texas students are prepared for, have access to, persist in, and complete a postsecondary education. Since its 2001 inception, the foundation has approved more than $150 million in grants to support Texas students. For more information, visit http://www.greatertexasfoundation.org.
November 7, 2025 - Kodiak Gas Services donated an upgraded Ariel compressor unit to the Panola College School of Energy on October 29. The new compressor replaced an older model and will enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students in the College’s energy programs.
“This spring semester, we will use this for a complete teardown and rebuild, giving our students valuable training for our Natural Gas Compression program,” stated Daniel Hall, School of Energy Chair.
The new compressor unit provides students with access to modern, industry-relevant equipment, strengthening the connection between classroom learning and real-world application. This upgrade further supports Panola College’s mission to prepare students for successful careers in the energy industry.
Panola College is grateful to Kodiak Gas Services and all of its industry partners for their dedication to student success and workforce development in our community.
For more information about the Panola College School of Energy and its programs, please visit www.panola.edu/energy.
November 6, 2025 - Panola College is proud to announce the launch of its new Esports program, an initiative designed to empower students through teamwork, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. As one of the regional leaders in adopting competitive gaming at the collegiate level, the College continues to expand opportunities that blend education and student engagement.
“Panola College’s new Esports program is about more than gaming; it’s about belonging, teamwork, and opportunity,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. “This program gives students a place to connect, build confidence, and explore pathways to STEM and technology careers. We thank our Board of Trustees for their vision and support in bringing this opportunity to our students.”
Under the direction of Coach Wesley Kemp, a Panola College alumnus, the program will offer students a competitive platform to represent the College while developing valuable life and career skills.
“It’s my goal to grow this new program and attract both current and future students to compete with other colleges across Texas,” said Kemp. “What started as a lifelong hobby has become my dream job, and I’m excited to see the incredible talents that will represent Panola College.”
Esports – short for electronic sports – transforms casual gaming into an organized, competitive experience that mirrors traditional athletics. Teams will compete in structured tournaments governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college Esports.
“We are excited to add Esports to our athletic offerings,” said Don Clinton, Panola College Athletic Director. “It opens doors for students who might not have otherwise participated in campus activities and gives them a way to grow as leaders while representing Panola College with pride.”
Students will have the chance to compete in popular titles such as Minecraft, Super Smash Brothers, Rocket League, Valorant, and chess, with plans to expand the lineup as the program grows. Beyond competition, participants will learn collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking – skills that translate to success both in and out of the classroom.
Coach Kemp, who helped establish Panola College’s original gaming club as a student, brings both passion and experience to this new chapter. His leadership reflects the College’s commitment to innovation, community, and student success.
The launch of the Esports program reflects a growing national movement that recognizes the educational and social value of competitive gaming. Esports fosters STEM learning, builds school spirit, and encourages teamwork and personal growth. By introducing this program, Panola College is not only keeping pace with this trend but is also one of the leaders in East Texas – creating new opportunities for students to connect, compete, and succeed both on campus and beyond.
Pages
