Panola College
August 28, 2024 - In honor of Dr. Gregory Powell’s dedication and service to Panola College throughout his 24-year tenure as president, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted on August 26 to rename the Health and Natural Sciences Building the Dr. Gregory S. Powell Science Center.
William Goolsby, chair of the Board of Trustees, stated, “Dr. Powell’s forward-thinking leadership and steadfast dedication to the College’s mission will be cherished for years to come. Renaming the Health and Natural Sciences Building in his honor will serve as a lasting tribute to his remarkable legacy as president.”
Dr. Powell assumed the role of president in June 2000 and led the College to unprecedented heights of achievement and success, increasing enrollment from 1,400 to 2,800 students and awarding over 10,500 degrees and certificates. He also oversaw the construction or renovation of 21 buildings, transforming the College’s campuses. Under his leadership, the Chronicle of Higher Education consistently recognized the College to the honor roll as a Great College to Work For in all 10 possible categories for 12 consecutive years.
“When I was notified that the Board of Trustees had renamed the Health and Natural Sciences Building in my honor, I was speechless,” said Dr. Powell. “It has been my pleasure to serve as Panola College’s president these past twenty-four years, and I am appreciative and grateful for the opportunity the Board of Trustees afforded me. It has without question been the highlight of my professional career.”
The Board of Trustees also honored Dr. Powell with the title President Emeritus, granting him the right to provide counsel to the College president if requested, serve in various volunteer roles, receive invitations to College events, and more.
August 28, 2024 - The Panola College Foundation awarded 22 faculty and staff grants, totaling $59,163, to support a variety of programs and areas at Panola College this year.
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.
Toni Biggs, the chair of the Panola College Foundation, announced the recipients of the grants at a faculty and staff meeting on Wednesday, August 14, at the College.
“Today, as we award these grants, we recognize the recipient’s passion for high-quality, imaginative, and innovative projects dedicated to improving student success,” said Biggs. “The Foundation applauds your unwavering commitment to nurturing student success. These projects will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on students at Panola College.”
The 2024-2025 grants include funding for the following:
Amanda Clements: Two Traveling Art Exhibits, Digital Sign-in, and Large Display Case for Allison Art Gallery
Angela Lucas: Five Manipulatives and Models for Psychology Students
Antiquene Nichols: Audio System for Lab
Bobbie Smith, Paula Fults, and Patti Redmon: Student Field Trip to Premiere San Antonio Trade Show
Brian Naples: Economic Literacy Forum with Budget Planners
Whitney McBee and Tana Searcy: Dental Manikins for Dental Assistant Simulations
Charde' Salone: Two IV Pumps for Nursing Simulations
Dwaine Hubbard: Bose T4S Tonematch System - 4 Channel Mixer
Dwayne Ferguson: 15 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exams
Haylie Handley: Fall and Spring Museum Student Field Trips
Julie Green and April Kruger: Preparation for Practice: Supporting Community-Based Mental Health Care - Life Lab Certification
Kade Lindsay: DJI Avata 2 Drone
Kevin Rutherford: Physiology Digital Data Collection
Kevin Rutherford: Microscope Slide Cabinet
Kimberly Funderburk: Backstage Monitoring System
Kimberly Funderburk: Construction Supplies and Tools
Kimberly Funderburk: Makeup Supplies and Sanitizers, Airbrushes, and Locker Kit
Kimberly Funderburk: Stage Makeup Workshop
Bobbie Smith: Two Sonesta Electric Facial Tables
Ray McGrede: Student Computer Upgrades
Wendy Green: Two Phlebotomy IV Arm and Pump Sets
Wendy Green and Ashley Parker: Two Blood Pressure and Pulse Simulators
August 20, 2024 - Panola College is proud to announce 19 new hires for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Olukayode Akinsola – Professor, Biology
Michelle Braden – Secretary, Marshall College Center
Justin Davis – Computer Technician
Kaylee Dawson – Student Services Specialist
Christine Dobbs – Professor, Education
Margaret Dodson – Electronic Resources Librarian
Valerie Heard – Innovative Technology Coordinator
Steven Heim – Instructor, Emergency Medical Sciences
Joanna Huckabee – Director of Institutional Advancement
April Kruger – Instructor, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Terra Lenox – Secretary to the Dean of Academic Transfer
Hope Lynn – Library Support Specialist
Shelby McNeal – Residence Life Coordinator
Kelly Overman – Institutional Research & Planning Coordinator
Emily Pemble – Library Service Coordinator
Robert Rollinson – Assistant Coach, Men's Basketball
Molly Skeen – Director of Advising
Charles Terrell – Workforce & Continuing Education, Healthcare Coordinator
David West – Instructor, Energy
Pictured from top to bottom, left to right: Steven Heim, Olukayode Akinsola, Hope Lynn, David West, Charles Terrell, Christine Dobbs, Robert Rollinson, April Kruger, Joanna Huckabee, Justin Davis, Kelly Overman, Margaret Dodson, Terra Lenox, Valerie Heard, Emily Pemble, Molly Skeen, and Kaylee Dawson. Michelle Braden and Shelby McNeal are not pictured.
Nearly 70 East Texas students from grade 6 through 10 got a head start on their entrepreneurial dreams in July at the Stephen F. Austin State University Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship’s CTE Summer Camp. ACE hosted the teens from 12 schools across six districts at two summer sessions for the career and technical education, or CTE, event. One session required participants to take the Spaghetti Challenge at SFA Makerspace.
August 14, 2024 - Nearly 70 East Texas students from grade 6 through 10 got a head start on their entrepreneurial dreams in July at the Stephen F. Austin State University Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship’s CTE Summer Camp.
ACE, part of SFA’s Rusche College of Business, hosted the teens from 12 schools across six districts at two summer sessions. The center partnered with Startup High as well as local businesses and industries to show how entrepreneurship in career and technical education, or CTE, jobs can open doors and opportunities.
“The camp aimed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in middle and high school students by blending practical career skills with innovative business concepts,” said Matthew Smilor, ACE director. “Our goal was to prepare students for future career opportunities through hands-on learning experiences and real-world interactions.”
The camp’s sessions included field trips to gain guidance from entrepreneurs at local businesses, including Elliott Electric Supply and McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. Attendees also visited SFA’s Todd Agricultural Research Center and the A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport to meet with faculty and staff from SFA’s aviation sciences program. In addition, attendees participated in professional development activities focusing on networking, creating business pitches and meeting rejection with resilience.
“Students engaged in innovative learning experiences that enhanced their confidence and creativity while networking opportunities with industry professionals further enriched their understanding,” Smilor said.
Out of the more than 130 schools and districts that applied, ACE was one of 61 organizations to receive the Texas Education Agency grant for a career and technical education camp during summer 2024. SFA was also the only school from The University of Texas System to be awarded the grant.
“I believe that TEA selected us due to our effective regional approach for the summer camp,” Smilor said. “Instead of focusing on an individual school or independent school district, SFA committed to serving a broader regional community and addressing the educational needs of a diverse student population.”
Melissa McGinley, the parent of a camp attendee, said she appreciated the camp’s approach.
“The camp was an extraordinary experience for my child,” McGinley said. “Its innovative approach and the opportunity to engage with local business leaders made it a standout program.”
Her daughter, Natalie, who’s entering seventh grade at Central Heights Middle School, also gave the camp high marks.
“The camp was fun, and meeting local business leaders gave me a new perspective on what it takes to start a business,” she said. “My biggest takeaway was not to let others convince you that your idea is bad when your gut is telling you it is good.”
Smilor said ACE plans to expand the camp next summer.
“This year’s camp reached capacity within one week of being announced,” he said. “There is a significant need in our region for educational offerings like this, which highlight how entrepreneurial skills can benefit students in their future pursuits across various fields, industries and trades. Our goal next summer is to be able to offer four sessions and impact over 120 students.”
If you’re a local business interested in helping with the 2025 camp, email ACE at ace@sfasu.edu.
August 9, 2024 - Raptor Production Services of Carthage, owned by Chris Smith and Dustin Ruso, graciously donated an oil field Christmas tree to the Panola College School of Energy on August 1. Smith, also the Company’s president, was on site to represent Raptor and tour the new Matthews Foundation Energy Building.
The School of Energy is expanding and will offer two new courses in measurement and SCADA technology beginning this fall. The Christmas tree will be utilized to simulate gas flow from an actual wellhead to a meter run, giving energy students the opportunity to see how the equipment operates in an oil and gas field site.
“We are incredibly grateful to our industry partners for their generous donations and the invaluable time they’ve dedicated to supporting our program,” said Daniel Hall, Chair of the School of Energy. “Because of support from companies like Raptor Production Services, our students are better equipped to enter the workforce.”
August 8, 2024 - Triston Batchelor and Kristina Miles, second-year students in the Panola College Occupational Therapy Assistant program, were each awarded a $2,500 National Career & Technical Education Scholarship by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, an honor only 500 students nationwide received.
“We are incredibly proud of Tristan and Kristina for their hard work and believe that they are very deserving of this award,” said Julie Green, Chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. “We are grateful for this scholarship opportunity, which helps to make student success possible.”
The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is an educational organization that supports students by providing scholarship assistance and support services to those who have demonstrated integrity, determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, and the personal aspiration to make a unique contribution to society.
“I am so thankful to have been chosen to receive this scholarship,” said Miles. “This scholarship will provide support and stability so that my focus can remain on the program instead of worrying about the financial burdens of going to school.”
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program takes students two years to complete and focuses on preparing skilled practitioners who will help people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses live more independently and enjoy their lives more fully. Batchelor and Miles are both expected to graduate in Spring 2025.
“Receiving this scholarship will greatly support me as I approach the final two semesters of the program,” said Batchelor. “I feel deeply honored to have been chosen and am incredibly appreciative of this recognition.”
August 6, 2024 - Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Zumba and Yoga classes. Summer is winding down and the kiddos are starting back to school. So, let’s Exercise!!!
August 12 – September 18:
- Zumba – Mondays and Wednesdays – 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
- Yoga – Mondays and Wednesdays – 5:20 pm – 6:20 pm
The cost of each class is $60, and pre-registration is required. For information and to register, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.
Panola College is an Equal Opportunity Institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.
July 15, 2024 - The community is invited to join Panola College for a special reception August 15, 2024, 10am to 11:30am at the Frances B. Ross Ballroom in the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center welcoming Dr. Jessica Pace into her new role as the 11th president of Panola College.
This come-and-go event will feature light refreshments and is open to all. We look forward to sharing this memorable event with everyone as we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the College's history.
June 25, 2024 - Panola College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Joanna Huckabee as the new Director of Institutional Advancement. Huckabee brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the community and institution, having started her educational journey at the College as a dual credit student while attending Center High School.
“We are delighted to welcome Joanna Huckabee to Panola College,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College President. “Her diverse experience, exceptional leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to education make her the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that she will excel and bring innovative ideas to our advancement efforts.”
Huckabee graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television with a concentration in news in 2008 and later earned her Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2014.
Huckabee has taught at Carthage I.S.D. and Center I.S.D., where she developed her skills in education and leadership. She spent six years as Director of Media and Broadcast at Carthage where she oversaw the broadcast journalism department at Carthage High School. Following her teaching career, she joined Nevco Sports, where she managed the Northeast Texas territory and was responsible for significant sales and marketing tasks. Her notable achievements at Nevco Sports included exceeding sales quotas each year and being recognized as Newcomer of the Year.
Most recently, Huckabee served as Director of Technology at Tenaha I.S.D. In this role, she wore multiple hats, including Classroom Career and Technology Teacher, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media, Yearbook Advisor, and Technology Director. Her work in these capacities was marked by her exceptional ability to manage complex projects, create engaging content, and lead diverse teams. Her skills and hard work also earned her the Tenaha I.S.D. Secondary Teacher of the Year award during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years, as well as the Shelby County Secondary Teacher of the Year award during the 2022-2023 year.
Her extensive list of licenses, certifications, and registrations includes being a Certified Final Cut Pro Video Editor, FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aviation Pilot, Certified Drone Educator and Instructor, and holding several Texas Education Agency certifications.
In addition to her professional achievements, Huckabee is an active member of the community. She has served on various boards and committees, including Miss Rodeo USA Board of Directors, East Texas Poultry Festival Pageant Director and Board Member, and Campus Security and Safety Committee at Tenaha.
Huckabee and her husband reside in Panola County with their two children, Hadlee and Reese. They are members of Still Waters Cowboy Church in Carthage.
Panola College is confident that Huckabee’s dynamic background and passion for education and community involvement will significantly contribute to the College’s mission and continued growth.
“Returning to Panola College in this capacity is both an honor and a homecoming for me,” said Huckabee. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to further the College's mission and support our students, faculty, and the broader community.”
June 10, 2024 - Panola College has announced the summer camps taking place in Shelby County. The camps and dates are listed below. Registration is now open at https://bit.ly/4buewbS. Select, KIDSCAMPC, to Shine Bright at Panola Center Campus at 678 Roughrider Drive. The other option, KIDSCAMP, is for camps offered at the Carthage Campus location.
- Sew Fun Fashion Frenzy (Ages 6-12) June 12 at 12-3pm
- Kids in the Kitchen (Ages 6-9) June 13 at 8-11am
- Kids in the Kitchen (Ages 10-15) June 13 at 12-3pm
- Fishing Friday (Ages 7-15) June 14 at 8-11am
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