Panola College
Dr. Neal Weaver, Stephen F. Austin State University president, and Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president, shake hands after signing the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance agreement during SFA Day at Panola College April 21. Panola College’s membership in the alliance provides its students who are ready to transfer to a four-year university with guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.
April 22, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University has added a third partner — Panola College in Carthage — to its recently launched Lumberjack Transfer Alliance. Because of this alliance, Panola College students who are ready to transfer to a four-year university will benefit from guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.
“There are some amazing things happening here at Panola College, and we want to be a part of that,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president, during SFA Day at Panola College April 21. “We want students from Panola College to know that they have a pathway and an open door to be a part of what we’re doing at Stephen F. Austin State University.”
The Lumberjack Transfer Alliance will provide Panola College students with the following:
- Automatic consideration for SFA's Purple Promise program, which covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for incoming first-year and transfer students as long as they maintain their eligibility
- Increase from 60 to 90 transferrable hours
- Increased likelihood of seamless transfers and on-time graduations from both institutions
- Opportunities to meet with SFA advisors while completing requirements at Panola College
- Invitations each semester to tour SFA and attend recruitment events
- A one-time $500 stipend in addition to SFA's Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship for students who meet SFA’s eligibility criteria and have completed an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from Panola College
- Opportunities to connect with other students transferring to SFA
- Opportunities to attend SFA events, such as athletics and fine arts events
“We are proud to continue this collaboration, which reflects a shared commitment to student success,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president. “Together, Panola College and SFA are creating pathways for students to reach their academic goals and fulfill their potential. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the lives and futures of our students.”
In the last six years, the number of transfers from Panola College to SFA has fallen by 50%, Weaver said.
“The goal over the next six years is to not just get back to where we were but to increase it twofold,” Weaver said. “East Texas does not work if we don’t work together. With your help and with your partnership, we know that we can do a better job. We look forward to working with you.”
This event is part of a series SFA is hosting to announce its community college partners. Angelina College in Lufkin joined the alliance in February, and Tyler Junior College joined last week. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/transfer/alliance.
April 21, 2025 - Panola College in Center is offering CNA classes. The next session is right around the corner. Enroll now!
- Day Classes: April 28 - June 17; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesay, Thursday; 10am-2:30pm
- Night Classes: April 28 - July 7; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 4:15pm-8:30pm
Grants available! For more information and to register, call 903-693-1198 or visit online https://www.panola.edu/cna.
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.
Earnest Spencer is pictured with Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president, during the retirement reception held on April 16.
April 17, 2025 - Panola College hosted a retirement reception on Wednesday, April 16, to honor employees who retired during the 2024-2025 academic year. The College recognized Mrs. Mickie Cash for 18 years of dedicated service and Mr. Earnest Spencer for 13 years of commitment. Both retirees received tokens of appreciation in recognition of their outstanding commitment and contributions. While Cash was unable to attend the ceremony, her service was warmly acknowledged by colleagues and administration.
April 16, 2025 - The Panola College Foundation hosted its annual Designer Purse Bingo fundraising event on April 4 at the Carthage Civic Center, attracting approximately 660 guests and raising a record-breaking $99,000 for student scholarships and program grants.
“Designer Purse Bingo is truly one of the most anticipated events of the year in Panola County, and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who made it such a success,” said Joanna Huckabee, director of institutional advancement at Panola College. “From our amazing volunteers and dedicated Foundation members to our generous sponsors and enthusiastic attendees – this event wouldn’t be possible without you.”
Brian Naples, professor of government, entertained the audience as the emcee, thanking the sponsors and calling out anticipated bingo numbers throughout the evening.
The event sponsor for the evening was Jacobe Bros. Construction, the program sponsor was Deep Well Services, and each guest took home a tote bag provided by Young Energy Services. Sanford & Sons Lawncare and Irrigation sponsored centerpieces for each table, which included a charcuterie spread sponsored by Sodexo. Farmers State Bank sponsored cups and Horne Rota Moos sponsored napkins. Razor Services sponsored drink buckets, Pippen Motor Company and Rural Water Services sponsored koozies, High Roller Resources sponsored water, and Carthage Furniture and Rockin’ 3M Construction sponsored beverages. Hal’s AC and Electrical sponsored popcorn for everyone at the event. A signature drink was available for purchase brought to guests by Simply Beautiful Salon, and wine was available by Cyclone Rentals.
First State Bank & DPT Services sponsored bonus games for the event, which allowed guests the chance to carry home a Burberry or Christian Louboutin bag.
Bingo purses included 24 different designs, with games sponsored by Carthage Economic Development Corporation, Citizens Bank, Duran Aesthetics, Globe Life and The Income Tax Office, EAG Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Carthage, Farmers State Bank, Nana’s House of Little Learners, Panola Dental, Ransom Drilling, Templeton Investments/L&K Express Wash, Trilogy Rehab Solutions, Twisted Peach Designs, and VeraBank. The purses included brands such as Coach, Consuela, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, with Bear Creek Smokehouse donating the Consuela bags.
A popular raffle gave guests the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including designer purses, took place during the event. Raffle sponsors included Dust to Dazzle Maids, Farmers State Bank, Hope Community Medicine, Lazy K Boutique, Penner Construction, Revive & Restore Health & Wellness, Smith Energy Services, Strong Services, UT Health East Texas. Additional raffle prizes were donated by Bear Creek Smokehouse and Republic National Distributing Company.
“Thanks to your support, we’re able to provide meaningful scholarships and program grants that directly benefit Panola College students, faculty, and staff,” added Huckabee. “We’re already excited for next year as we celebrate the 15th annual Designer Purse Bingo.”
April 3, 2025 - Panola College, in collaboration with the Carthage Music Club, is pleased to announce a faculty instrumental recital on April 8 at 7pm in the Murphy Payne Room of the M.P. Baker Library.
The recital will showcase a dynamic and diverse selection of music, ranging from the poetic and virtuosic works of Chopin to the humor of Plog’s Animal Ditties and the lively energy of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Allegro vivace. The performance promises to take the audience on a musical journey, with each piece offering a unique story that highlights beauty, expression, and imagination.
The lineup will feature James Bogs on trumpet, Dwaine Hubbard on trombone, and Lydia Lim on piano, bringing each piece of music to life with skill and passion. This performance is free and open to the public to attend.
March 20, 2025 - The Panola College drama department delivered two exceptional performances at the 2025 Texas Community College Speech and Theatre Association (TCCSTA) Playfest, securing over 35 awards for their outstanding productions of Dirt and The Sweet Science of Bruising.
Kim Funderburk, professor of theatre at Panola College, expressed her pride in the achievements, saying, “I am thrilled with the recognition our talented students received at this year’s Playfest. They devoted countless hours to perfecting their craft, and it truly paid off.”
Dirt:
Kayla Bell - Excellence in Costume Design
Dania Ramirez - Excellence in Costume Design
Allyson Bocanegra - Excellence in Lighting Design
Eddie Harris, II - Superior in Set Design, Superior in Set Construction
Kannon Rogers - Superior in Set Design, Superior in Set Construction
Justin Wilkerson - Superior in Set Design, Superior in Set Construction
Olivia Blissett - Audience Choice, Professor’s Choice, Respondent's Choice Superior in Acting
Zane Bush - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
Kendall Murry - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
Kannon Rogers - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
Laiken Steward - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
James Burgess - Respondent's Choice Superior in Acting
Ensemble - Respondent's Special Merritt Award
The Company - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Performance
The Sweet Science of Bruising:
Kayla Bell - Superior in Costume Design
Diego Porras - Superior in Costume Design
Dania Ramirez - Superior in Costume Design
Allyson Bocanegra - Excellence in Lighting Design
Lauren Beathley - Excellence in Make-up Design
Eddie Harris, II - Superior in Set Design, Superior in Set Construction
Jewel Humberson - Superior in Set Design, Superior in Set Construction
Justin Wilkerson - Superior in Set Design, Superior in Set Construction
Olivia Blissett - Audience Choice, Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
Kendall Murry - Professor’s Choice, Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
Boston Adkins - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Acting
The Company - Respondent's Choice Excellence in Performance
March 7, 2025 - Panola College is excited to announce a special drone light show on March 27. Sponsored by the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture, the event will begin with a pre-show at 5:30 p.m., featuring a variety of food trucks and live music by the cover band Spjork. Additional performances by the College’s band and the Panola Pipers singing group will also take place before the main event.
The main drone show, set for 8 p.m., will be held in front of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center. Sky Elements, which ranked third in the America's Got Talent finale in 2024, has specially designed the performance to reflect the spirit of both Panola College and the surrounding community.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sky Elements to bring this spectacular show to our College and our community,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president. “A special thanks to the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture for sponsoring this unforgettable event.”
This free event is open to all, and the College encourages attendees to bring chairs or blankets to sit on during the show. Due to limited parking, guests are advised to arrive early to ensure a spot.
For more information about Sky Elements, visit skyelementsdrones.com.
February 25, 2025 - Panola College has been awarded a $125,000 College Readiness and Success Models Grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This grant, which follows a $100,000 award, will continue through August 2026 and support the College’s ongoing efforts to improve developmental education reforms and implement innovative initiatives aimed at increasing student success.
With the grant, the College has expanded its Texas Success Initiative (TSI) boot camp program to offer both an online Zoom format, which will launch in April 2025, and a self-paced option, allowing students to prepare for the TSI at their own pace. The boot camps, which cover key content areas to address knowledge gaps before taking the test, are free for participants, with a re-test available within seven days.
The grant also funds a scholarship program that uses Multiple Measures Assessment (MMA) to support students’ enrollment in credit-level courses. By considering high school performance and other factors, MMA gives students a more holistic path to college readiness and academic success.
To further enhance student success, the College’s tutoring lab has been rebranded as the Resource Center, expanding its services to offer more comprehensive academic and student support. Additionally, the grant supports faculty professional development in student support strategies.
These initiatives are already making a significant impact by helping students progress more quickly to college-level coursework and improving access to essential academic resources.
Thanks to the previous grant’s use of the Multiple Measures Assessment (MMA) for placement, the College has seen impressive success rates. In Fall 2024, 73% of students who were initially TSI Incomplete in Math but placed into credit-level courses via MMA earned a C or better. Similarly, 85% of students who were TSI Incomplete in English and placed through MMA achieved a C or better in their credit-level English courses.
In Fall 2024, the Resource Center assisted 190 students through online tutoring and 80 in person. For Spring 2025, its hours and services have been expanded to provide even more support to students.
“At Panola College, we’re committed to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for our students,” said Emily Zabcik, lead grant writer. “This grant has allowed us to provide targeted support, ensuring more students are able to succeed in their academic journeys.”
February 24, 2025 - Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Zumba and Yoga classes. Our next session is right around the corner. Come join the fun. Enroll now!!!
March 3 – April 16
Zumba – Mondays and Wednesdays – 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
March 3 – April 16
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.
February 20, 2025 - Panola College is proud to announce the Dan L Duncan Shelby County Promise Program, offering eligible Shelby County high school students a scholarship to pay the costs of tuition and fees at Panola College for up to three years after high school graduation. The Promise Program, which will begin in August 2025, was designed to eliminate financial barriers that students may face in attending college, helping them to earn a degree or certificate, or to facilitate a transfer to a university.
“We are excited to bring the Promise Program to Shelby County, knowing it will have a lasting impact on Shelby County students for years to come,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, president of Panola College. “The Promise Program is designed to empower students to pursue their education without the burden of financial worries. We remain dedicated to creating opportunities for success in our communities.”
To qualify for the Promise Program, Shelby County students must (i) sign the promise pledge by November 30 of their sophomore year, (ii) complete 25 hours of volunteer service each of the three remaining years of high school, (iii) maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and (iv) submit the FAFSA and complete the Panola College general scholarship application by March 31 of their senior year.
Through the Promise Program, students are able to enroll in any academic or technical program offered by Panola College, as well as a number of workforce and continuing education programs such as certified nurse aide, dental assistant, or professional truck driving.
The program was established in Shelby County to honor the memory of Dan L Duncan, a 1949 graduate of Shelbyville High School. Mr. Duncan was a founding member of Enterprise Products, a midstream energy service provider which, under his leadership and guidance, expanded from a small operation with just two propane trucks in 1968 to a Fortune 100 midstream company.
A separate Panola County Promise Program was launched in 2023 for Panola County students. With the addition of the Dan L Duncan Shelby County Promise Program, residents of both counties will remain eligible for a promise program even if they move across county lines during their time in one of the programs.
Signing the promise pledge is an opportunity to receive a promise program scholarship, not a commitment to attend Panola College. The program provides a scholarship that is last-pay, covering tuition and fees not already covered by institutional scholarships or federal and state grants. Students in the program will have a zero-balance for their tuition and fees.
To learn more about the Dan L Duncan Shelby County Promise Program, visit panola.edu/promise.
Pages
