Panola College
May 13, 2026 - The Panola College Board of Trustees met for a special-called board meeting on May 12 and approved a guaranteed maximum price for two transformational campus construction projects that will expand academic opportunities, strengthen workforce training, and enhance the student experience. The buildings will complement a new campus fiber infrastructure project, which the Board approved in February and is already underway.
The guaranteed maximum price for the two construction projects is $19,056,506, with a total GMP of $19,885,425, including the previously approved fiber project GMP.
At a time when Panola College continues its commitment to affordability by holding tuition and fees steady while expanding scholarships, grants, and programs such as the Panola Promise, the College is also making an investment in the future of its students and the regional workforce.
“These projects represent a significant investment by our Board of Trustees in the future of Panola College, our students, and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. “As we continue working to remove barriers for students, we are also expanding opportunities through workforce training, technology, and new programs.”
Gateway Center
The Gateway Center will be a 25,000 square foot, two-story facility located on the west side of campus near Bird Drive. It will bring the College’s workforce and continuing education programs currently housed across the street in the W.C. Smith building onto the main campus, creating a more connected and accessible student experience. The building will serve as the hub for workforce and continuing education, cosmetology, social and behavioral sciences, and additional academic programming.
Designed to support short-term credentials and workforce pathways, the facility will house programs including Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), EKG Technician, Patient Care Technician, Dental Assisting, and Phlebotomy Technician. Flexible classrooms and lab spaces will support evolving regional workforce needs, while dedicated cosmetology instructional areas will include a salon laboratory, modern esthetician room, classroom space, and nail technician training room that all mirror professional industry settings.
The building will also accommodate future academic offerings, including proposed Social Work degree and Mental Health Behavioral Technician programs that are currently pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT)
The Center for Innovation and Technology will be an almost 19,000 square foot, two-story facility located on the east side of campus near the Frances B. Ross Music Building.
The CIT will support the future launch of associate degrees in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science, following recent approval by the Board of Trustees to begin development of the new programs.
Reflecting its focus on innovation, the CIT will feature a state-of-the-art computer lab, student collaboration areas, an interactive learning lab, and a makerspace equipped for applied learning and creativity. Students and faculty will have access to advanced instructional technology like CAD software, virtual reality equipment, advanced 3D printers, and other active learning technologies. The center will also house a centralized testing center designed to streamline services and improve accessibility for students, along with the College’s digital learning and information technology departments.
Panola College’s varsity eSports program will also find its new home in the CIT, featuring a dedicated arena with an operable wall that allows the space to expand for competitions and events.
As recently highlighted in the Houston Chronicle for its commitment to aligning education with regional workforce demands, Panola College continues to invest in innovative learning environments and workforce-driven opportunities for students.
“These facilities will provide students with innovative, hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare them for high-demand careers in our region,” said Natalie Oswalt, Vice President of Instruction at Panola College. “These projects reflect the College’s commitment to active learning, innovation, and student success.”
Together, the projects reflect the vision and leadership of the Board of Trustees and the College’s ongoing investment in student success, workforce development, and innovation.
Architectural design for both facilities is being led by Corgan, with construction services provided by Jacobe Brothers Construction.
May 5, 2026 - Panola College hosted a high school welding competition on April 30 in the Matthews Foundation Energy Building, bringing together 52 students from across Texas and Louisiana to showcase their skills.
Sebastian Ramones (Carthage) received first place and a $1,500 scholarship. Jared Cardova (Center) received second place, Ivan Carmine (Logansport) received third place, Thomas Morris (Mansfield) received fourth place, and Many Alvarez (Logansport) received fifth place.
Students representing the following school districts competed in the event: Shelbyville, Center, Tenaha, Carthage, Joaquin, Timpson, Burkeville, San Augustine, Garrison, Logansport, Many, Stanley, and Mansfield.
“This event is designed to help students deepen their understanding of welding and build confidence in their abilities,” said Clint Cassell, instructor of welding technology at Panola College. “Competing alongside their peers gives them a chance to refine their techniques and better prepare for careers in the welding field.”
Learn more about welding technology at Panola College by visiting www.panola.edu/welding.
April 24, 2026 - Panola College is proud to announce the Academic Excellence Award recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Academic Excellence Awards were established by longtime Panola College mathematics professor Charles Moore, whose vision was to honor students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and dedication within their chosen fields of study.
Each department or field of study nominates students who meet select criteria. The student must have or be completing 30 hours of coursework and be enrolled in two courses relating to the field in which they are nominated.
The following students have been selected as this year’s Academic Excellence Award recipients:
- Shelly Avery — Criminal Justice
- Gabrieal Barnes — Teaching
- Allie Cook — Medical Coding
- Micah Dragoo — English
- Koray Erdogan — Mathematics
- Savanna Evans — Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Lexie Everett — Medical Laboratory Technician
- Zoe Gonzales — History
- Rachael Gregory — General Business
- Eddie Harris, II — Theatre
- Kornelia Hill — Music
- Sara Kinney — Music
- Gabriella Laney — Vocal Music
- Ethan Miles — Theatre
- Kimberly McKinney — Medical Laboratory Technician
- Jennifer Smith — Medical Assisting
- Destiny Smith — Associate Degree Nursing
- Megan Newton — Criminal Justice
- Alannah Nerocker — History
- Michael E. Phillips — English
- Laura Pledger — Vocational Nursing
- Hector Rivera — Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Brody Slaten — Business Administration
- Carla Stanley — Teaching
- Stormi Tutt — Office Professional
- Gloria Tony — Government
- Vanessa Uribe — Biology
- Noah Vanderslice — Government
- Ronitra Clark — Associate Degree Nursing
- Robynn Closure — Medical Assisting
Panola College commends these students for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.
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.
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