Shelby County Today

September 1, 2026 - Panola College is continuing its commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer and student dollars, adopting a lower property tax rate for 2026 while keeping tuition and fees steady and maintaining its focus on high-quality educational opportunities, facilities, and a safe learning environment.

Following a public hearing on August 25, the Panola College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a 2026 property tax rate of $0.27661 per $100 of taxable value, or 27.661 cents. The rate represents a 5.77% decrease from the College’s current tax rate and matches Panola College’s calculated no-new-revenue tax rate.

The no-new-revenue rate is designed to generate approximately the same amount of property tax revenue from properties taxed in both the current and previous year. Revenue generated from new properties added to the tax rolls is not included in that calculation.

“In a time when families are carefully watching every dollar, we believe it is important for Panola College to demonstrate that same level of care with the resources entrusted to us,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. “Our goal is to remain affordable for students, responsible to taxpayers, and focused on providing the quality education, facilities, and student support our communities expect from Panola College.”

Community colleges rely primarily on three sources of revenue: student tuition and fees, state funding, and local property taxes. That balance has become especially important for Panola College as it plans for the FY 2026-2027 year. The College is receiving approximately $1 million less in state funding than anticipated for FY 2026-2027, while also keeping current tuition and fee levels unchanged.

“Adopting the no-new-revenue tax rate reflects the Board’s commitment to balancing the needs of our students and College with our responsibility to the taxpayers who support Panola College,” said Kevin Smith, Chair of the Panola College Board of Trustees. “We plan to continue investing responsibly in the education, facilities, and services that benefit our students and the communities we serve.”

For an average homestead with a taxable value of $110,009, the College’s portion of the property tax bill would be approximately $304.30 before applicable exemptions.

The effect on an individual taxpayer’s bill will vary depending on the property’s taxable value and any exemptions for which the owner qualifies. Because property values can change from year to year, a lower tax rate does not necessarily mean every property owner will see a lower total tax bill.

Through careful budgeting and long-term planning, Panola College remains focused on preserving access and affordability while providing students with a quality education, meaningful credentials of value, wraparound student supports, and well-maintained facilities.

August 11, 2026 - Panola College welcomed 23 new employees for the 2026-2027 academic year, adding talented faculty and staff that will support the College’s continued growth and success.

Ashley Beckham – Part-Time Workforce and Continuing Education
Wendy Beckham – Professor/Chair, Medical Assistant Program
Aden Butler – Maintenance Technician
Trina Coats – Part-Time Element451 Specialist
Michelle Cocklin – Professor, Mathematics
Candace Davenport – Part-Time Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Maria DeJulian – Advisor
Brooklyn Jasso – Department Secretary, Workforce
Jesse James – Professor, Biology
Tammy Jernigan – Professor, Associate Degree Nursing
Jennifer King – Professor, Accounting/Business
Donna Kushner – Professor, Music/Director of Show Choir
Christina Lofton – Instructor, Vocational Nursing
Kristen McNeely – Part-Time Library Specialist
James Montgomery – Part-Time Assistant Coach, Men's Basketball
Mary O'Connor – Instructional Librarian
Carrie Page – Advisor/Accommodations Services
Gracie Powell – Part-Time Social Media Specialist
Tim Roberson – Maintenance Technician
Charlaria Roberts – Health Science Specialist
Ted Stenberg – Part-Time Assistant Coach, Baseball
Demetric Webb – CNA/PCT Program Coordinator
Amanda Wright – Health Science Specialist

Pictured from top to bottom, left to right: Demetric Webb, Donna Kushner, Jennifer King, Candace Davenport, Tim Roberson, Aden Butler, Ted Stenberg, James Montgomery, Jesse James, Carrie Page, Kristen McNeely, Brooklyn Jasso, Wendy Beckham, Michelle Cocklin, Charlaria Roberts, Maria DeJulian, Ashley Beckham, Christina Lofton, Tammy Jernigan, Trina Coats, Gracie Powell, and Amanda Wright.

July 16, 2026 - Grant for Expansion of Healthcare Workforce Opportunities

Panola College has been awarded a $196,000 Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Pathways Design and Planning Grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The grant will support the development of an innovative Allied Health Workforce Pathway designed to prepare more students for high-demand healthcare careers while strengthening the regional workforce.

The TRUE Grant Program helps Texas public colleges create and expand workforce education programs that lead to careers in high-demand occupations. Through this planning grant, Panola College will design a flexible, employer-informed pathway that connects existing Continuing Education healthcare programs, including Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Phlebotomy, EKG Technician, and Patient Care Technician, with future credit-bearing credentials and a planned Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.

The planning process will focus on creating stackable credentials, strengthening workforce partnerships, aligning curriculum with employer needs, and developing clear pathways that allow students to quickly enter the workforce while continuing their education.

"This grant reflects Panola College's commitment to providing innovative educational opportunities that respond directly to the needs of our students, employers, and communities," said Natalie Oswalt, Vice President of Instruction. "By creating seamless pathways from workforce training to college credentials, we are opening more doors for students while helping address critical healthcare workforce shortages across East Texas."

Healthcare remains one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the region, and local employers continue to report strong demand for trained surgical technology and allied health professionals. The planning grant positions Panola College to develop programs that respond directly to those workforce needs while expanding educational opportunities for adult learners, dual-credit students, and other nontraditional populations.

"The TRUE Grant gives us the opportunity to work alongside our healthcare partners to intentionally design programs that meet today's workforce demands and tomorrow's opportunities," said Denetra McDaniel, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education. "Our goal is to provide students with flexible, accelerated pathways that lead to meaningful careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need."

Upon completion of the planning process, Panola College will have developed a comprehensive roadmap for implementing an Allied Health Workforce Pathway that supports future program expansion and strengthens the healthcare talent pipeline throughout its service area.

This project is funded through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant Program, an initiative that supports innovative workforce education designed to prepare Texans for high-demand careers.

June 22, 2026 - The M.P. Baker Library at Panola College will host two exhibitions commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, both on display through September in the Fay Allison Gallery.

The first exhibit, Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, is a traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The exhibit explores the creation of the Declaration of Independence and its lasting influence on democracy, liberty, and human rights around the world. Through historical documents, striking imagery, and engaging narratives, visitors are invited to reflect on the ideals that shaped the United States and continue to inspire people across generations.

Also on display is Texas America250, a traveling exhibit on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Featuring historically significant Texas treasures from the state archives, the exhibit highlights the Lone Star State’s contributions to the American story over the past 250 years. Visitors can explore Texas history spanning from Spanish missions and early settlement to innovations in science, technology, and the space race.

Together, the exhibits provide a rich and engaging look at the nation’s history, connecting America’s founding principles with the unique role Texas has played in shaping the country. Their September display coincides with Constitution Day, observed annually on September 17.

“This is such a powerful exhibit,” said Penni Ratley, Director of Library Services at Panola College. “The story of the Declaration of Independence, paired with compelling visuals and historical documents, creates an experience that is both educational and inspiring. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, I hope our students, faculty, staff, and community members will stop by and reflect on the ideals that continue to shape America.”

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 5pm and Friday from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Admission is free and open to the public.