Panola College
November 7, 2023 - Panola College is proud to announce the endowment of the Reeves Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Reeves family in honor of their family heritage and the achievements of their relative, Jim Reeves.
Jim Reeves was one of country music’s most successful singers in the 1950s and 1960s. He scored hits like “Blue Boy,” “Billy Bayou,” “Four Walls,” “Home,” and “Am I Losing You.” He scored his biggest hit, “He’ll Have to Go,” in 1959-1960, which topped the country music charts and hit #2 on the pop charts.
The Reeves Family Scholarship Fund will be awarded annually to a student who is majoring in one of the fine arts.
November 1, 2023 - The Gas Compressor Association (GCA) donated $15,950 to Panola College’s School of Energy on October 26, 2023. The donation was presented by Joni Rice, Vice President of Human Resources, Chad Roberts, CEO, and Elisa Flores, Human Resources Manager, of Estis Compression and McClung Energy Services.
“The GCA has been a faithful donor to the energy program, and these funds will go toward expanding the hands-on equipment and scholarships used in the petroleum and compression fields of study at the College,” said Daniel Hall, Chair of the School of Energy.
Hall was joined by Jessica Pace, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Michael Pace, School of Energy Instructor, and Mary Chance, Assistant to the President/Grants Coordinator, to accept the donation, which took place inside the School of Energy lab on the Panola College campus in Carthage.
“The compression industry has one of the highest demands for skilled workers, and we are excited to have these partnerships that directly impact our students with training and job opportunities,” added Hall.
October 27, 2023 - The Panola College Fine Arts department will present a collaborative performance of “The Sound of Music” on November 3, 4, and 5 in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium, featuring band, choir, and theatre students.
The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household – but as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
The show will feature a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and the title number, “The Sound of Music.” The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the musical won the hearts of audiences worldwide and earned five Tony Awards and five Oscars.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at panola.booktix.net or at the door prior to each performance. The Friday and Saturday performances will take place at 7 p.m., and the Sunday performance at 2 p.m.
October 17, 2023 - The M.P. Baker Library at Panola College will host “A President’s Vision,” an exhibition examining U.S. presidents’ aspirations as well as illustrating the programs and initiatives that advanced their visions, October 2 through November 10, in the Fay Allison Gallery.
“I am very excited to welcome this traveling exhibition to our gallery,” said Amanda Clements, professor of fine arts at Panola College. “My hope is to expand across the College’s curriculum to encourage student engagement, as well as to offer a variety of topics of interest, along with the visual arts, for our community to be a part of."
The exhibition is funded through a grant from the Panola College Foundation, and is produced by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
“We are so very appreciative of the Foundation and all the work they do to enrich the college experience for all of our students,” added Clements.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Library’s normal operating hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Library by calling 903-693-2052 or emailing library@panola.edu.
The Library will host the traveling exhibition “Lonesome Dove” from January 29 through March 8, 2024.
September 26, 2023 - After a remarkable 24-year journey of tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the mission and values of Panola College, Dr. Gregory Powell has announced he will retire in August 2024. Dr. Powell's illustrious career at Panola College has left an indelible mark on the institution and the countless students whose lives he has touched.
Dr. Powell assumed the role of President at Panola College in June of 2000, and throughout his tenure, he has guided the institution to unprecedented heights of achievement and success. Under his leadership, the Chronicle of Higher Education has consistently recognized Panola College to the honor roll as a Great College to Work For 12 consecutive years in all 10 possible categories.
"It has been my greatest pleasure to serve as President of Panola College. I especially appreciate the strong partnership enjoyed by the Board, the faculty, the staff, and myself," said Powell. "The commitment of our faculty and staff to our mission is inspiring. It is why we have seen such tremendous growth and achievement at Panola College. Together, we cultivated a culture of upward mobility and opportunity for all students."
Dr. Powell's dynamic leadership is evident through remarkable achievements, including a substantial increase in enrollment from 1,400 to 2,800 students. During his tenure, he has awarded an impressive 10,500 degrees and certificates, reinforcing Panola College's vital role in the community.
Dr. Powell spearheaded significant campus expansions throughout his tenure, including student housing, the library, the student center, a science building, a music building, and energy buildings. In addition, he renovated buildings such as the Monk Building, W.C. Smith Building, and Merle Glass Building. The renovated and newly erected buildings provide students with state-of-the-art facilities that are conducive to learning and personal growth.
Dr. Powell's fiscal stewardship ensured the College's long-term financial stability and growth. According to the 2022 State of Texas' Composite Financial Index, Panola College is considered the healthiest financially out of all Texas community college districts.
Board of Trustees Chair, Mr. William Goolsby, expressed the Board's deep gratitude for Dr. Powell's transformative leadership, stating, "Dr. Powell's visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to the College's mission, and dedication to the betterment of the educational community have left an enduring legacy that will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come. As he prepares to embark on a well-deserved retirement, we salute his remarkable achievements and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life. He has set the bar high for future Panola College leaders and will be deeply missed."
Powell's career in higher education began at Texas State University as an interim government professor. Powell recalled how he felt after his first lecture to more than 130 students, "I remembered walking out of that first class thinking, 'I cannot believe people get paid to stand up here and talk about politics and government.' I knew then that education was what I wanted to do."
Dr. Powell's passion for teaching and leadership roles led him to Kilgore College and Middle Georgia College before becoming Panola College's longest-tenured president.
For his advocacy of higher education in multiple areas, Powell has received state, regional, and national awards. In addition to his accolades in higher education, Dr. Powell was actively engaged with the community as a Panola County Chamber of Commerce member, which honored him with the 2012 Citizen of the Year Award, Panola County Rotary Club, and Panola County Industrial Development Foundation. He was also named Stephen F. Austin Alumni of the Year in 2013.
The retirement of President Dr. Gregory Powell marks a significant moment in the history of Panola College, as the institution celebrates a transformative leader whose dedication to educational excellence has inspired and empowered generations of students.
"Serving as Panola College's President has been the honor of a lifetime. I am enormously proud of the organization that Panola College has become, and I know that it has even greater things ahead," Dr. Powell said.
September 13, 2023 - Panola College is still one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For program.
The results, released in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 194 colleges and universities. In all, 72 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Panola College included among the small universities with 500 to 2,999 students.
Panola College won honors in all 10 categories this year – a first for the College:
Job Satisfaction & Support;
Compensation & Benefits;
Professional Development;
Mission & Pride;
Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness;
Confidence in Senior Leadership;
Faculty & Staff Well-being;
Shared Governance;
Faculty Experience;
Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging.
Panola College was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories.
“Being recognized in this way for 12 consecutive years is a very satisfying affirmation of Panola College, but our real goal is not recognition – it’s being a community that values the needs and contributions of everyone,” said Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College president. “I am extremely proud of the Board of Trustees, the faculty, staff, and all of our students.”
The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.
The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previously recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com.
ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
September 8, 2023 - Panola College theatre will present “Greater Tuna” by Joe Sears, Jaston Williams, and Ed Howard as its annual dinner theatre production on Friday and Saturday, September 22 and 23, and as a dessert matinee on Sunday, September 24.
“Greater Tuna” is a comedy about the third smallest town Texas, Tuna, where its citizens are loyal to the local radio station, the Lion’s Club is too liberal, and Patsy Cline never dies.
“We are very excited about this show, and would love for everyone to come enjoy an evening of dinner, laughs, and theatre,” said Kim Funderburk, director of theatre at Panola College.
Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the Friday and Saturday performances. Dessert will be served and the show will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday. All performances will take place in the Elizabeth R. Hedges Studio Theatre.
Performances are by reservation only and space is limited. To reserve tickets, visit panola.booktix.net. Tickets are on sale now through September 15.
August 24, 2023 - The faculty and staff of Panola College welcomed students back to our Shelby County locations at SRTC and SCC on Wednesday, August 23. There are welcome activities planned all week for students to enjoy and learn about resources that are available to them as Panola College students.
If you have been thinking of attending college and aren’t sure where to start call us today at 936-591-9075 as late registration ends on August 29, 2023.
August 18, 2023 - The Panola College Foundation awarded 25 faculty and staff grants, totaling $89,566, 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 2023-2024 chair of the Panola College Foundation, announced the recipients of the grants at a faculty and staff meeting on Wednesday, August 16, at the College.
“In today’s dynamic educational landscape, where change is the only constant, looking for new ways to help students reach their educational goals is imperative,” said Biggs. “The Foundation applauds your unwavering commitment to nurturing student success.”
The 2023-2024 grants include funding for the following:
- Carol Brightwell: Eight Adult and 12 Infant Training Manikins for CPR
- Amanda Clements: Two Traveling Exhibits and Two Displays with Lights for the Allison Gallery
- Don Clinton: Recumbent, Elliptical, and Upright Bike for the Fitness Center
- Rebecca Courtney: New Shelving and Storage for Increased Organization and Backstock
- Dwayne Ferguson: 15 Microsoft Office Specialist Exam Vouchers
- Wendy Green: 10 Certified Nurse Aide Handwash Training Kits
- Haylie Handley, Amanda Clements, and Kathy Watlington: Museum Field Trip for Fall and Spring
- Dwaine Hubbard: Four Shure SM 58 Microphones
- Chelsea Hudson: 16 Athlete Stools with Panola Logo
- Karen King and Kim Funderburk: Professional Light Board for Q.M. Auditorium
- Cancee Lester: Five Laptops for the SRTC Laptop Cart
- Rebecca Morris and Kathy Watlington: Field trip to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Rebecca Morris, Kathy Watlington, and Roberta Collinsworth: Provides 30 Google Certified Educator Certifications for AAT students
- Jessica Pace, Amber Wilcots, Denise Welch, and Whitney McBee: AwardSpring Scholarship Software
- Michael Pace: HVAC Tools and Supplies
- Michael Pace: Pipe-cutting and Threading Machine
- Kevin Rutherford and Laura Wood: Sarcomere Model that Shows the Contraction of the Muscle Fiber
- Kevin Rutherford, Julie Green, and Dale Saenz: Student Engagement Equipment
- Bobbie Smith: Student Reception Chairs
- Bobbie Smith: 51 Anti-fatigue Mats for Center and Carthage
- Monica Thompson: Book Covering System
- Laura Wood: Two Smart TVs for Collaboration Stations
- Laura Wood: Four Video Sound Bars for Classrooms
- Laura Wood and Kevin Rutherford: Biology Lab Counters
- Jaynellen Wylie: Two 24" Monitors and Adjustable Instructor Desk
Pictured from top to bottom, left to right: Joseph Kuligoski, Matthew Benoit, Aaron Williams, Jeff Murray, Jamesha Hodge, Mary Hilliard, Jared Reynolds, Kimberley Funderburk, Casie Risinger, Ideria Garrett, Dr. Angela Lucas, Lisa Underwood, Elizabeth Hobbs, and Ashley Parker
August 15, 2023 - Panola College is proud to announce 14 new hires for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Matthew Benoit – Police Officer
Kimberley Funderburk – Professor, Theatre
Ideria Garrett – Professor, Vocational Nursing
Mary Hilliard – College Store Clerk
Elizabeth Hobbs – Professor, Associate Degree Nursing
Jamesha Hodge – College Store Clerk
Joseph Kuligoski – Head Coach, Men’s Basketball
Dr. Angela Lucas – Professor, Psychology
Jeff Murray – Maintenance Technician
Ashley Parker – Coordinator, Certified Nurse Aide and Patient Care Technician
Jared Reynolds – Professor, Economics
Casie Risinger – Professor, Associate Degree Nursing
Lisa Underwood – Instructor, Vocational Nursing
Aaron Williams – Student Life Coordinator
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