Panola College
March 26, 2026 - The Panola College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Beta, proudly celebrated its annual induction ceremony on March 11, 2026, in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center. The event featured a musical performance from the Panola Pipers and a speech by Cory Roberts, Professor of Psychology at Panola College.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service programming. To be eligible for PTK membership, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above and have completed a minimum of 12 transferable hours through Panola College.
Students inducted into the Pi Beta Chapter for 2026 include Allison Bitter, Jaleah Brazzell, Anna Bruister, Micaelah Burns, Wendy Campos, Madelyn Cassell, Jaya Clifton, Caroline Cockerham, Christina Cockerham, Alexa Cruz, William Dickson, Hadley Donnavant, Evan Dunn, Alexis Durham, Lexie Everett, Caylee Faulkner, Colbi Ford, Ashlyn Foster, Zoe Gonzales, Klaryssa Gutierrez, Christopher Guzaldo, Shane Hand, Collier Head, Jakiya Jackson, Kilee Johnson, Tori Jordan, Autumn Kilpatrick, Lexi Ladymon, Caroline Lagrone, Caroline Lawrence, Nathan Lenox, Ashley Lopez, Jennifer Martinez, Jessica Mays, Miller McCurdy, Kimberly McKinney, Abigail Monroe, Randy Moore, Mysti Mullinnex, Madelynn Nunn, Kooper Pace, Bryson Parker, Michael Parmer, Varinia Parrish, Averey Pate, Arianna Patterson, Breanna Pinkerton, Madelynn Pugh, Seth Ramirez, Kendal Ray, Zoe Rettig, Charlotte Rhoades, Megan Roberson, Lius Gabriel Robles, Piper Runnels, Anna Seaman, Ava Shull, Robert Simpson, Matthew Smith, Ann Stephens, Faithlyn Stockman, Maci Sutherland, Colton Vicery, Jessica Walter, Kellen Weaver, Jesi-Nicole White, Amy Whitworth, Sarah Williams, Hudsyn Wulf, and James Zimmerman.
Students who participated in the ceremony were also recognized.
Pictured in the front row (left to right) are Megan Roberson, Wendy Campos, Caroline Lawrence, Ava Shull, Kilee Johnson, Kimberly McKinney, Ann Stephens, Kendal Ray, Zoe Rettig, Jessica Walter, Mysti Mullinnex, Sarah Williams, and Hudsyn Wulf.
Pictured in the back row (left to right) are Miller McCurdy, Madelynn Pugh, Micaelah Burns, Allison Bitter, Lexi Ladymon, Shane Hand, Luis Gabriel Robles, Colton Vicery, Evan Dunn, Abigail Monroe, and Varinia Parrish.
March 25, 2026 - Panola College will host a special magic performance by world-renowned magician Zak Mirz on Thursday, April 9, at 6:30pm in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium on the Carthage campus. Titled “Kid@Heart,” the interactive, family-friendly show invites audience members to help decide what happens next, creating a one-of-a-kind experience filled with storytelling and impossible magic.
Mirz is widely recognized for blending emotional storytelling with innovative magic. Fresh off the latest season of the television competition series America’s Got Talent, he has quickly become one of the most exciting performers in modern magic. He is also a winner of Penn & Teller: Fool Us and served as a magic advisor for David Blaine’s television special The Magic Way. In 2025, Mirz was honored with the Rising Star in Magic Award.
“We are thrilled to partner with Zak Mirz to bring this spectacular show to our College and our community,” said Jessica Pace, president of Panola College. “A special thanks to the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture and the Texas Commission on the Arts for sponsoring this unforgettable event.”
The event is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to arrive early as seating is limited.
March 5, 2026 - Panola College theatre earned top honors at the 2026 Texas Community College Speech and Theatre Association (TCCSTA) Play Festival, securing an impressive 39 awards for its productions of The Boys Next Door and …from Hardscrabble.
Hosted on the Panola College campus February 25 to 28, the Festival welcomed six community colleges from across Texas. Performances were held in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium and the Elizabeth R. Hedges Studio Theatre.
Panola College received 38 individual awards along with the prestigious Overall Excellence Award for the production of …from Hardscrabble.
Excellence in Technical Design Director’s/Professor’s Choice
Kayla Bell – Excellence in Dramaturgy, The Boys Next Door
Avery Caldwell – Excellence in Lighting Design, The Boys Next Door
Shane Hand – Excellence in Stage Management, The Boys Next Door
Daniel Hoover – Excellence in Dramaturgy, The Boys Next Door
Jewel Humberson – Excellence in Stage Management, The Boys Next Door
Superior in Technical Design Director’s/Professor’s Choice
Tessa Braden – Superior in Dramaturgy, …from Hardscrabble
Jewel Humberson – Superior in Hair / Make-up Design, …from Hardscrabble
Laiken Steward – Superior in Sound Design, …from Hardscrabble
Kayla Bell – Superior in Prop Design, …from Hardscrabble
Naomi Gilcrease – Superior in Costume Design, …from Hardscrabble
LeeAnna Milam – Superior in Prop Design, …from Hardscrabble
Excellent in Technical Design Respondent’s Choice
Tessa Braden – Excellent in Costume Design, The Boys Next Door
Naomi Gilcrease – Excellent in Costume Design, The Boys Next Door
Benjamin Clay – Excellent in Scenic Design, The Boys Next Door
Justin Wilkerson – Excellent in Scenic Design, The Boys Next Door
Superior in Technical Design Respondent’s Choice
James Burgess – Superior in Scenic Design, …from Hardscrabble
Jesse Goodman – Superior in Sound Design, …from Hardscrabble
Eddie Harris, II – Superior in Scenic Design, …from Hardscrabble
Steven Hollomond – Superior in Sound Design, …from Hardscrabble
Laiken Steward – Superior in Sound Design, …from Hardscrabble
Justin Wilkerson – Superior in Scenic Design, …from Hardscrabble
Audience Choice in Acting
Justin Wilkerson, The Boys Next Door and …from Hardscrabble
Director’s/Professor’s Choice in Acting
Ethan Miles, The Boys Next Door
Justin Wilkerson, …from Hardscrabble
Excellent in Acting Respondent’s Choice
James Burgess, …from Hardscrabble
Eddie Harris, II, The Boys Next Door
June LaGrone, The Boys Next Door and …from Hardscrabble
Ethan Miles, …from Hardscrabble
Superior in Acting Respondent’s Choice
Ethan Miles, The Boys Next Door
Kaylin Miller, …from Hardscrabble
Justin Wilkerson, The Boys Next Door and …from Hardscrabble
Memorial or Named Awards
LeeAnna Milam – Special Merritt Award, The Boys Next Door and …from Hardscrabble
Kaylin Miller – Bill Morton Award for Outstanding Acting, …from Hardscrabble
Justin Wilkerson – Greg Schneider Award for Best Technical Excellence and John Charles Corley Award for Best Technical Presentation, …from Hardscrabble
The Company – For the Production: Excellent and Respondents, …from Hardscrabble
February 19, 2026 - The Panola College Esports program is officially off to a winning start. After launching the new program last fall, the College entered its first regulated competition on February 10 and earned its first official victory.
Causen Perrette led the charge in Super Smash Bros., competing against an opponent from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa. “The Esports program has helped me rediscover my love for gaming, so I am very happy to have won my first set,” said Perrette.
The Esports program was established to empower students through teamwork, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. While competition is a key component, the program’s mission extends beyond gaming. Students gain valuable life and career skills including strategic planning, collaboration under pressure, problem-solving, and digital communication.
“Seeing how Causen and the rest of our Smash team have been improving, I can say fullheartedly that I am very excited to see how we progress in the future,” said Wesley Kemp, Esports Coach at Panola College.
Participants have the opportunity to represent the College in structured, regulated tournaments governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college Esports programs. Through NJCAAE competition, student-athletes engage in organized league play that mirrors traditional collegiate athletics in structure and standards.
As the program continues its inaugural season, Panola College looks forward to building on its early success and expanding opportunities for students to compete at a high level.
Panola College will host a Preview Day on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 1pm on its Carthage campus. The event is designed for prospective students and anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Panola College student.
Preview Day offers attendees the opportunity to explore campus, discover academic programs and pathways, and experience what life at the College is really like. The event will include a brief admissions presentation, campus tours tailored to students’ fields of interest, and a department fair where prospective students can meet with professors and College representatives. An application station will be available for those ready to apply, along with a financial aid table to assist with questions and next steps.
“Preview Day is an exciting opportunity for students and families to see firsthand what Panola College has to offer,” said Don Clinton, Vice President of Student Services. “We encourage anyone who is considering Panola College to come out, explore our campus, meet our faculty and staff, and see why Panola College is a great place to start or continue their educational journey.”
Preview Day will take place alongside several other campus events, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant campus atmosphere. The Panola College Ponies and Fillies basketball teams will play home games at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium.
In addition, the Panola College Theatre Department will present two productions on February 21. The Boys Next Door will be performed at 11am in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium, followed by from Hardscrabble at 3pm in the Elizabeth R. Hedges Studio Theatre.
Those interested in attending Preview Day may sign up now through February 19 by completing the online registration form at bit.ly/3ZP50vD.
For more information about Preview Day, email Jamie Reed, Director of Admissions, at jamie.reed@panola.edu.
January 28, 2026 - Panola College will resume all operations, including classes, tomorrow, Thursday, January 29 at 9am.
January 27, 2026 - All Panola College campuses will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28.
January 26, 2026 - Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of faculty, staff, and students, all Panola College campuses will be closed tomorrow, January 27, and all classes will move to a virtual format.
January 25, 2026 - Due to inclement weather, Panola College will close all locations on Monday, January 26.
The College will continue to monitor conditions and provide an update regarding Tuesday as soon as possible.
January 23, 2026 - Panola College is closely monitoring weather forecasts due to the potential for inclement weather in our area. The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains our top priority. Any decisions regarding delayed openings or campus closures will be made with careful consideration and communicated as early as possible.
Official updates will be shared through the Panola College website and our official social media channels. If no announcement is made, the College will operate on its normal schedule. We encourage everyone to stay informed, monitor local weather conditions, and check official Panola College communication channels for the latest information.
Pictured from left to right: Desiree Nitzschke, A’Breisha Ware, Wesley Kemp, and Sherry Cheever.
January 14, 2026 - Panola College is pleased to announce four new hires for the Spring 2026 semester. These additions and advancements reflect the College’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth.
The College is excited to welcome the following new hires:
- Sherry Cheever – ADN Clinical Professor
- Wesley Kemp – Esports Coach
- Desiree Nitzschke – Secretary to the Dean of Career and Technical Programs
- A’Breisha Ware – Health Science Specialist
January 12, 2026 - The Panola College Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Alumni of the Year award. Nominations may be submitted online through February 4, 2026, by visiting panola.edu/alumni.
The Alumni of the Year award is presented annually during the spring semester, recognizing alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the College by distinguishing themselves in their careers and have made significant contributions to their community through professional service, public service, and civic activities.
To be eligible, nominees must be a Panola College alumnus, demonstrate qualities that inspire pride among faculty, staff, students, and fellow alumni, and be able to attend the May 2026 commencement ceremony, where the award will be presented.
A complete list of nomination criteria and additional details can be found on the Panola College alumni webpage.
For questions or more information, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement by calling 903-693-2029 or emailing alumni@panola.edu.
January 10, 2026 - Panola College is proud to announce the students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete the semester with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation.
The Fall 2025 Dean’s List is as follows:
Shelby County Students
Center - Angel Alvarado, Christian Caporali, Roberto Diaz, Chasity Fountain, Madalin Henry, Luis Hernandez Ramirez, Kedrin Hinson, Christina Lopez, Madolyn Lout, Joshua Mejia, Kasandra Moreno, Tiara Sampson, Briseyda Solis, Alexis Truitt, and Angel Valdez
Joaquin - Kyleigh Avery, Molly Bushiey, Kristina Ford, Mary Hilliard, and Paloma Salvador
Shelbyville - Armando Caporali and Cailyn McArthur
Tenaha - Lillie Bone, Diana Flores, Bre'unna Gregory, Korneilia Hill, Madison Lee, Josiah Menefee, Katherine Parmer, and Leslie Posadas
Timpson - Emily Bennett, Peyton Bilyeu, Jackson Campbell, Madeline Cassell, Luis Castillo Jr., Grant Gregory, Madison Grigsby, Laura Jones, Maliah Norris, Aiden Otis, Laura Pledger, Tristan Ramsey, Larry Rios, Jalia Scourton, Sean White, and Khloe Williams
Ankara - Elif Bilgin
Beckville - Hailey Billingsley, Karsyn Coleman, Devany Gonzalez, Israel Phillips Jr., Oscar Rivera, Landon Smith, and Aidan Sokol
Belize - Blessed Omamurhe
Branch, La. - Sarigh Mitchell
Carthage - Markeisha Allison, Gabrieal Barnes, Alyssa Billiott, Cason Bishop, Jorden Bonds, Ayden Brown, Alexandria Cremeans, Brianna Gray, Ava Hopper, Kilee Johnson, Gabriella Laney, Isaac Larson, Caroline Lawrence, Felix Maldonado, Ryan Martin, Kaden McAlister, Miller McCurdy, Mauricio Medrano, Isabella Miller, Abigail Monroe, Mya Nelson, Breanna Pinkerton, Caden Ross, Anna Runnels, Billie Teets, Rylan Welch, and Landon Williams
Chagrin Falls, Ohio - James Cerha
Coboconk - William Grainger
Conroe - Misty Cader
DeBerry - Zarionne Glenn, Michelle Gonzalez, Lauren Light, Kennon Pruiett, Kendal Ray, and Shamari Smith
Diana - Karlee Youmans
Drummondville - Felix Gosselin
Garrison - Travis Barton, Coleman Bruister, Allie Cook, and Madison Dawson
Hemphill - Trenton Neal
Henderson - Laura Casey and Roston Reid
Houston - Haley Precella
Jefferson - Maia Cooper and Tachala Pauley
Kingwood - Brian Schumacher
Laneville - Michel Almazan and Benjamin Clay
Logansport, La. - Jessica Britt, Madeline Castillo, and Roper Smith
Long Branch - Casey Powers and Hannah Segers
Longview - Deyonna Daniels, Daniela Gomez, and Giovanni Lopez
Mansfield, La. - Labrea Jones
Marshall - Makenzi Ansley, Wendy Baez, Robynn Closure, Sierra Darthard, Anna Estes, Lexie Everett, Leslie Goheen, Jennifer Guerrero, Harleigh Jackson, Becky Jimenez, Emma Keeling, Brendan Loveless, Estrella Montes, Maci Morris, Megan Newton, Daniel Silva Jr., Aracely Vega-Gonzalez, and Matney May
Montgomery - Preston Lynch
Mount Enterprise - Mary Ashmore
Nacogdoches - Amy Hall
Nieuw-Vennep - Just Van Den Ouweelen
Palestine - Shamiya Black
Richmond - George McMillan
Saint George - Akinde Redhead
San Augustine - Keeara Borders, Jaya Clifton, and Diego Covarrubias
San Zenone - Carlotta Bizzotto
Shreveport, La. - Kendall Dykes, Cierra Marroquin, and Audrey Tisby
Stonewall, La. - Rileigh Falls and Emma Lane
Tatum - Cason Dodson, Brody Downs, LeeAnna Milam, and Junior Nunez Jr.
Upper Marlboro, Md. - Tamilore Sofola
Waskom - Collier Head, Katelyn Hearon, Emily Nealy, and Jewel Sanders
Wilsonville, Ala. - Maddilyn Silva
Woodville - Shane Hand
Yenagoa Bayelsa - Gloria Tony
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