Panola College
August 12, 2026 - The Panola College Foundation awarded 30 faculty and staff grants totaling $101,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, supporting projects designed to enhance student success, strengthen programs and provide new opportunities across Panola College.
The grants allow employees at Panola College to pursue high-quality, imaginative, and innovative improvement of student success, professional development opportunities, and minor program enhancements such as equipment and supply purchases.
Alease Copelin, chair of the Panola College Foundation, announced the recipients of the grants at a faculty and staff meeting on August 10 at the College.
“Each project we’re recognizing today reflects a commitment to student success,” said Copelin. “These grants are much more than equipment, travel, or technology. They represent creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continually improving the educational experience at Panola College.”
The 2026-2027 grants include funding for the following:
- Amanda Clements — Beyond the Class – Glass!
- Amanda Clements — Gallery Gear
- Kim Funderburk — Stage Lighting Workshop and Dinner Theatre Studio Lighting
- Dwaine Hubbard — The Wind – Dallas
- Carlton Jordan — Federal Reserve, Courthouse, Sixth Floor Museum, and Holocaust Museum
- Lydia Lim — Piano Marvel Software
- Penni Ratley — Curated Book Exhibits
- Cory Roberts — Professional Development and Panola College Generations Initiative
- Marcus Armstrong — Promethean Board
- Sayed Khan — Spectrometer and Chemicals/Equipment for Research
- Angela Lucas — UT Tyler Social Work Department Field Trip
- Angela Lucas — Learning Manipulatives for Expanding Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Daron McDaniel — Speak Anywhere: Mobile Presentation Initiative
- Rebecca Morris — Proto Recording Equipment
- Carrie Page — 3D Printing and Materials
- Kevin Rutherford — A&P Equipment and Models for Off-Site Locations
- Jeff Collins and Stacey Martin — Mental Performance Coaching for Rodeo Athletes
- Julie Green — Life Lab Garden Update
- Miranda Hagans — Paramedic Student Success Project
- Denetra McDaniel — Construction Supervision Equipment and Tools
- Patti Redmon — Red Light Therapy Bags for Carthage and Center
- Bobbie Smith — Japanese Head Spa Equipment
- Lori Ballard — Promise Program Digital Display Device
- Reanna Hart — FAFSA on the Go: Mobile Display Devices
- Annissa Jackson — Digital Kiosks for Display and Wayfinding
- Kade Lindsay — New Camera and Lens Kit for Campus Engagement
- Katie Ferris and Molly Skeen — Student Success Toolkit Printing and Distribution
The grants represent the Foundation’s continued commitment to investing in the people, programs, and resources that directly contribute to the Panola College student experience.
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 27, 2026 - Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education announces CNA Fall 2026 Center Campus class schedule.
Classes will be Sept. 2 - Dec. 9, 2026 Monday/Wednesday, 4:30pm-8:45pm.
Grants are available!
Call 903-693-2067 or 936-598-9543; or email ce@panola.edu or tmccann@panola.edu
Additional details and registration form can also be wound on the Panola College website by clicking here
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 24, 2026 - Panola College is pleased to announce the appointment of Denetra McDaniel as Director of Workforce and Continuing Education. A proud Panola College alumna, McDaniel brings more than 22 years of experience in education, instructional leadership, and program development to the role.
Most recently, McDaniel served as Pathway and Credit for Prior Learning Design Coordinator at Panola College, where she led the development of continuing education-to-credit pathways, credit for prior learning frameworks, and workforce initiatives designed to align training opportunities with regional industry needs.
In her previous roles, McDaniel served as principal and assistant principal at Dunbar Primary School in Lufkin ISD, where she championed student achievement, strengthened community partnerships, and implemented innovative programs focused on college and career readiness. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to expanding educational opportunities, building collaborative partnerships, and creating pathways that support student success and workforce development.
As Director of Workforce and Continuing Education, McDaniel will provide leadership for workforce training and continuing education programs, foster partnerships with business and industry leaders, pursue grant opportunities, and develop innovative pathways that connect learners to in-demand careers and support regional workforce needs.
McDaniel holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University. She also earned an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Panola College, making her a proud alumna of the institution she now serves.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Workforce and Continuing Education at Panola College,” said McDaniel. “This role allows me to combine my passion for education with my commitment to workforce development by creating opportunities that change lives and strengthen our communities. I look forward to collaborating with business and industry partners, school districts, and community stakeholders to develop strong workforce pipelines that prepare learners for in-demand careers and support the economic growth of East Texas.”
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.
June 8, 2026 - Panola College is proud to announce the students named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 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 Spring 2026 Dean’s List is as follows:
Shelby County:
Center - Jennifer Castro, Valeria Cervantes, Leonardo Galvan, Klaryssa Gutierrez, Katelynn King, Kymber Magness, Joshua Mejia, Gabriela Ordaz, Jakevin Robinson, Gabriella Rumley, Addison Slocum, Whitley Youngblood
Joaquin - Kyleigh Avery, Whitney Garrett, Ty Neal, Jericho Newman, Angel Orr
Shelbyville - Armando Caporali, Kara Chambliss, Rhett Haggard, Cailyn McArthur, Kinzley Pinkston, Samuel Richey, Karista Smith
Tenaha - Kendilyn Bell, Shelby Eubank, Diana Flores, Sarita Flores, Emily Galvan, Korneilia Hill, Madison Lee, Cristina Morales, Yelitza Perez, Ciro Sandoval, Matthew Scarber, Shelby Smith
Timpson - Jackson Campbell, Karina Corpus, Seth Duke, Jack Hall, Alexander Harper, Ethan Miles, Aiden Otis, Larry Rios, Jalia Scourton, Sean White, Braxton Young
Other areas:
Albany, Ga. - Korey Fortson
Ankara - Elif Bilgin
Beckville - Jackson Biggs, Brianna Viesca
Bozhurishte - Suzana Boyadzhiyska
Bronx, N.Y. - Berete Kante
Carthage - Gabrieal Barnes, Colin Bates, David Cawthon, Caroline Cooke, Jayce Davis, Braden Dieter, Meira Dodda, Jaxson Ficke, Ava Hopper, Martha Iniguez, Aubrianna Jackson, Kilee Johnson, Isaac Larson, Hunter Leach, Benicio Leons, Aubrey Mattheis, Mauricio Medrano, Abigail Monroe, Maccoy Philo, Breanna Pinkerton, Lizett Rodriguez, Mary Sharp, Addison Shumate, Jackquelyn Sigala, Brannon Turner, Alyssa Walker
Church Point, La. - Shaine Parker
Daingerfield - Brayden Unkenholz
DeBerry - Zarionne Glenn, Lexi Keeling Sherrod, Lauren Light, Jennifer Yates
DeSoto - Andriana Law
Fresno - Brianna Maseno
Garrison - Allie Cook
Gary - Kaydence Hammers, Jacquelene Wholf
Gladewater - Katelyn Thomas
Grand Cane, La. - Zoe Worthington
Harleton - Colton Fugler
Haughton, La. - Brooklyn McLendon
Hemphill - Kieshon Smith
Henderson - Laura Casey, Bonnie Landreneaux, Alexis Ventura
Huntington - Chloe Marquardt
Jefferson - Shatia Hicks, Tachala Pauley
Karnack - Rebecca Champlain
Kilgore - Jaylyn Brazzel
Lake Charles, La. - Nathaniel Murrell
Laneville - Benjamin Clay
Logansport, La. - Madeline Castillo, Roper Smith
Long Branch - Cooper Walters, Seth Wedgeworth
Longview - Brooklyn Cheshire, Smith Esteves, Giovanni Lopez
Mansfield, La. - Genesis Burch
Marshall - Makenzi Ansley, Trevor Ballard, Danajia Bradley, Jaleah Brazzell, Alondra Carbajal, Gustavo Celestino, Luke Icenhower, Becky Jimenez, Katey Laney, Mckenzie LeBlanc, Maria Lopez, Kadence Martin, Nhyomi Neal, Ariyana Nightingale, Allison Olvera, Monika Palefau, Libby Pearson, Natalie Peralta, Charlotte Rhoades, Nathaly Tinoco, Aracely Vega-Gonzalez
Nacogdoches - Jackson Glymph, Amy Hall, Andrea Hernandez, Keaton Lout, Emory Muckleroy, Karsyn Renfro, Ayden Stroud
Nieuw-Vennep - Just Van Den Ouweelen
North Brookfield, Mass. - Alexia Wharton
Overton - Tanya Gonzalez
Palestine - Shamiya Black
Prosper - Kael Cole
Red Oak - Rylyn Gilmore
Rockwall - Tristan Raley
San Augustine - Yoana Rojas
Shreveport, La. - Ashley Youngblood
Smyrna, Tenn. - Desmond Carpenter
Tatum - Macy Brown, LeeAnna Milam
Vermilion - Mitchell Heinrich
Waskom - Ronaldo Villela
Woodville - Shane Hand
June 8, 2026 - Panola College is proud to announce the students named to the President’s List for the Spring 2026 semester. To qualify for the President’s List, students must complete the semester with a GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. Only courses applying toward an associate degree or certificate are included in the computation.
The Spring 2026 President’s List is as follows:
Shelby County:
Center - Katlynn Curtis, Samantha Espinosa, Celeste Esqueda, Angelica Garcia, Allen Gutierrez, Jenna Hughes, Tori Jordan, Liela Klein, Christina Lopez, Braileigh McDaniel, Kaylin Miller, Garcia Moreno, Dulce Sandiego, Carla Stanley, Hudsyn Wulf
Joaquin - Kailie Davis, Reagan Flournoy, Kristina Ford, Jackson Griffin, Haleigh Lynch, Ashley Mares, Jake Neal
Shelbyville - Alana Jamison, Lane Loggins, Olivia Orear
Tenaha - Lillie Bone, Kyli Garten, Erick Lopez-Luna, Fatima Romero, Devonta Williams
Timpson - Celeste Bush, Jaterris Taylor, Sierra Wolford
Other areas:
Archdale, N.C. - Shila Williams
Avinger - Alyssa Hicks
Beckville - Alex English, Lexi Ladymon, Mariah Porterfield, Kellen Weaver, Veronica Williams
Carthage - Sadie Andrews, Olivia Berry, Kenlie Bishop, Allison Bitter, Micaelah Burns, Wendy Campos, Millicent Cargil, Kaylee Chase, Caroline Cockerham, Christina Cockerham, Evan Dunn, Joshua Dunn, Koray Erdogan, Daniela Farias, Caylee Faulkner, Ty Gauntt, Mariah Jernigan, Caroline LaGrone, Gabriella Laney, Olivia Lipsey, Isabella Miller, Jadyn Parks, Austin Powell, Madelynn Pugh, Chesnie Rhiddlehoover, Caden Ross, Ava Shull, Ann Stephens, Ja'Kayla Teague, Stormi Tutt, Colton Vickery, Justin Wilkerson
Converse, La. - Alexis Austin, Maci Morgan
Dayton, Ohio - Nhu Nguyen
DeBerry - Shelly Avery, Michelle Gonzalez, Kyrstin Mercer
Garrison - Ryan Chhim, Latonya Christopher
Gary - Sierra Anderson, Stormey Jordan, Patricia Liles, Joel Mitchell, James Shaub, Jessica Walter
Hallsville - Chad Davis, Mysti Mullinnex
Hemphill - Trenton Neal
Henderson - Matthew Allison, Aldo Espinoza, Hope Lynn, Zoe Rettig, Rylie Whalen
Jefferson - Maia Cooper
Kingwood - Caden Wellmann
Laneville - Nicole Summers
Lipan - Micah Wallace
Logansport, La. - Bailey Hammack, Courtney James
Longview - Deyonna Daniels, Jaydah Griffin, Brody Slaten
Lumberton - Carson Rea
Magnolia - Nolan Cruz, Derek Devos
Marshall - Sabrina Anderson, Sierra Darthard, Anna Estes, Leslie Goheen, Emma Keeling, Ashley Lopez, Landaverde Martinez, Estrella Montes
Mexico City - Ixchel Lopez Sanchez
Mirabel - Justin Anctil
Mount Enterprise - Levatus Mikell
Nacogdoches - Travis Burkhalter, Kinsey Fults, Tassie Hamner, Evie Moran, Bryce Payne, Emily Self, Elyssa Welch
Okotoks - Preston Tocheniuk
Pauline, S.C. - Riley Owens
Rusk - Terrius Aldridge
San Angelo - Wyatt Williams
San Antonio - Fatoumata Siby
San Augustine - Jaya Clifton, Dustin Welch
San Zenone - Carlotta Bizzotto
Shreveport, La. - Cierra Marroquin
Stonewall, La. - Makayla Panther, Aaliyah Yates
Tampa, Fla. - Christopher Guzaldo
Tatum - Kayla Baker, Junior Nunez, Addyson Saunders, Jamie Warden
Texarkana - Shenithra Evans
Waskom - Franziska Koller, Kacie Richmond
Yenagoa Bayelsa - Gloria Tony
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.
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