Panola College
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
January 10, 2026 - Panola College is proud to announce the students named to the President’s List for the Fall 2025 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 Fall 2025 President’s List is as follows:
Shelby County Students
Center - Lena Amburn, Shyann Barbee, Austin Clark, Lucero Espinosa, Angelica Garcia, Klaryssa Gutierrez, Gavin Hudson, Jenna Hughes, Tori Jordan, Katelynn King, Liela Klein, Monique Love, Kaylin Miller, Garcia Moreno, Alexandra Olalde, Dulce Sandiego, Addison Slocum, Elizabeth Spruiell, Carla Stanley, Nguyen Tran, and Hudsyn Wulf
Joaquin - Jackson Griffin, Haleigh Lynch, Ashley Mares, and Joyce Permenter
Shelbyville - Cheyenne Berlin, Rhett Haggard, Alana Jamison, Olivia Orear, and Ruiz Ortiz
Tenaha - Britney Barona, Efrain Hernandez, Erick Lopez-Luna, Michael Parmer, Yelitza Perez, Fatima Romero, Devonta Williams, and Ciro Sandoval
Timpson - Seth Duke, Jack Hall, Jasmin Rojas, Jaterris Taylor, Caroline Timmons, and Sierra Wolford
Albany, Ga. - Korey Fortson
Alvin - Andrew Martin
Archdale, N.C. - Shila Williams
Arp - Abigail Bishop
Avinger - Alyssa Hicks
Beckville - Jackson Biggs, Madison Boelter, Maggie Davidson, Micah Dragoo, Rebekah Dragoo, Dulce Ibarra, Lexi Ladymon, Mariana Salgado, Anna Seaman, Kellen Weaver, and Chloe Williams
Bronson - Alexandrea Powell
Carthage - Eden Andrews, Greyson Arwine, Colin Bates, Kenlie Bishop, Allison Bitter, Hollie Buell, Coleman Bullock, Micaelah Burns, Wendy Campos, Kaylee Chase, Caroline Cockerham, Christina Cockerham, Jayce Davis, Taylor Dixon, Meira Dodda, Evan Dunn, Joshua Dunn, Koray Erdogan, Daniela Farias, Caylee Faulkner, Ty Gauntt, Jarnai Hill, Martha Iniguez, Miller Ivy, Dakota Johnson, Caroline LaGrone, Nathan Lenox, Benicio Leons, Olivia Lipsey, Ahlyss McDaniel, Cota Medrano, Casie Montagne, Ronette Moore, America Olvera, Kooper Pace, Jadyn Parks, Austin Powell, Madelynn Pugh, Lizett Rodriguez, Ava Shull, Addison Shumate, Jackquelyn Sigala, Matthew Smith, Marshall Sparks, Stormi Tutt, Colton Vickery, Alyssa Walker, and James Zimmerman
Converse, La. - Alexis Austin and Maci Morgan
DeBerry - Shelly Avery, Shaniya Johnson, Lexi Keeling Sherrod, Kyrstin Mercer, Ashley Wolfe, and Jennifer Yates
Douglas, Ga. - Mailey Sinclair
Fresno - Alannah Nerocker
Frierson, La. - Kimberly McKinney
Garrison - Britney Black, Ryan Chhim, and Latonya Christopher
Gary - Joel Mitchell and James Shaub
Gilmer - Dana Hernandez
Grand Cane, La. - Zoe Worthington
Greenville - Suzan Ceylan
Hallsville - Mysti Mullinnex
Henderson - Hope Lynn, Lainee Self, and Rylie Whalen
Houston - Caden Wellmann
Huntington - Chloe Marquardt
Jefferson - Kalina Jeffley, Payten Kimble, Karen Montuerto, Michael Phillips, and Richard Snelgrove
Karnack - Jennifer Smith
Laneville - Jacey Ross
Lipan - Micah Wallace
Long Branch - Cooper Walters
Longview - Tori Feuchtenberger
Mansfield, La. - Micheal Johnson
Marshall - Sabrina Anderson, Chance Bolin, Jaleah Brazzell, Alondra Carbajal, Jake Dodd, Maria Lopez, Landaverde Martinez, Randy Moore II, Nhyomi Neal, Cristal Pena, Natalie Peralta, Nathaly Tinoco, and Robert Simpson
McKinney - Hudson Boring
Mirabel - Justin Anctil
Nacogdoches - Travis Burkhalter, Kinsey Fults, Keaton Lout, Evie Moran, Emory Muckleroy, Karsyn Renfro, Emily Self, and Elyssa Welch
Okotoks - Preston Tocheniuk
Overton - Tanya Gonzalez
Richardson - Breeanna Wilson
San Augustine - River Williford
Shreveport, La. - Bella Bickham
Stonewall, La. - Makayla Panther
Stonewall, La. - Aaliyah Yates
Tatum - Jamie Warden
Texarkana - Shenithra Evans
Upper Marlboro, Md. - Tofunmi Sofola and Tunmise Sofola
Waskom - Tanisha Gordon and Kacie Richmond
Zavalla - Madelyne Nunn
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.
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