Panola College
May 14, 2019 - On Thursday, May 9, 2019, Panola College conducted its 83rd commencement in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium. The first ceremony took place at 5:00 p.m. followed by a second ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Panola College had more than 362 degree and certificate candidates and over 233 of those students participated in the commencement ceremonies.
At the start of both ceremonies, Mr. Don Clinton, Vice President of Student Services, presented each graduating class of spring 2019 as Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College led the processional of board members, faculty, staff, and students in to be seated while “Pomp and Circumstance” was played in the background.
The Panola College Chorale, directed by Mrs. Sandra Bauer, then sang the Alma Mater which was followed by the invocation given by Mr. Earnest Spencer, Professor of School of Energy and Chemistry. Dr. Powell then welcomed the assembled and gave opening remarks to the graduates.
At the 7:30 pm ceremony, Mrs. Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement, recognized Mr. David Glynn Russell as the 2019 Panola College Alumnus of the Year. Russell attended Panola College in 1972-73 then went on to obtain a degree from Texas A&M University. After returning to East Texas in 1985, he opened a flooring store, Russell’s Floors, which he still owns and manages today. He is also the owner of the Peach Shed, serves on the Flatfork Water System board, and volunteers at his local church, Center Christian Fellowship.
Before the awards ceremony, Dr. Billy Adams, Vice President of Instruction, certified to Dr. Powell and members of the Panola College Board of Trustees that the graduating students had completed all work necessary to graduate from Panola College.
Dr. Kathy Watlington, Professor of Foreign Languages, then began the reading of graduates and Powell awarded diplomas to all graduating students.
For the closing of both ceremonies, the Panola College Choir sang the benediction, followed by Dr. Powell leading the recessional to the closing instrumentals.
Panola College is proud to announce the following Spring 2019 Honor Graduates:
Summa Cum Laude (3.90 – 4.00)
Katie Melinda Alexander - Longview, TX
Vanessa Renee Cox - Waskom, TX
Kelan James Foster - Carthage, TX
Elizabeth Carolyn Holloway - Henderson, TX
Rebecca Edith-Lynn Mathis - Tenaha, TX 75974
Michael Camden Mize - Beckville, TX
Gregory Waylon Murdock - Carthage, TX
Julia Prewitt - Joaquin, TX
Emily Michelle Smith - Jasper, TX
Waldina Soto - Lufkin, TX
Nicole Tarpley - Carthage, TX
Darian Wood - Nacogdoches, TX
Magna Cum Laude (3.75 – 3.89)
Maria Adashchyk - Minsk, Belarus
James Baker - Marshall, TX
Alishia Bammel - Henderson, TX
Yvonne Combs - Keithville, LA
Erica DeLaine Booth - Marshall, TX
Keith A. Coleman - Carthage, TX
Drew James Diverdi - Center, TX
William Christopher Edwards - Garrison , TX
Jessica Nicole Fernandez - Wallis, TX
Jenna Campbell Grover - Purvis, MS
Cum Laude (3.50 – 3.74)
Cindy Baldazo - Overton, TX
Maelbi G. Calderon - Seagoville, TX
Crystal Rose Ann Carbajal - Longview, TX
Dalayna Daw - Joaquin, TX
Davina Leigh Eddy - Longview, TX
Caitlin Paige Elliott - Long Branch, TX
Dominique Espinoza - Marshall, TX
Kallie Marie Forman - Buna, TX
Maricruz Gonzalez - Center,TX
Savana Renee Hanaway - DeBerry, TX
Samantha Highfield - Marshall, TX
Jonathan Jenkins - Center, TX
LaToya Johnson - Marshall, TX
Kase Alan Hooper - Center, TX
Randall Aaron Jackson - Gary, TX
Shelby Kay Kite - Carthage, TX
Kirsten Mayfield - Garrison , TX
Leah Marie Montandon - Overton, TX
Pamela Nichole Painter - Marshall, TX
Addison Paige Pope - Carthage, TX
Whitney Ramsey - Marshall, TX
William Patterson Tomlin - Center, TX
Graciela Villanueva - Henderson, TX
Tyler D. Johnson - Tyler, TX
Kristen Faye LeBlanc - Marshall, TX
Lacy Rose Miles - Marshall, TX
Trista LeAnne Mustard - Joaquin, TX
Keather Nichols - Buna, TX
Lara Beth Padgett - Jefferson, TX
Hunter Smith - Marshall, TX
Breanne Symone Pereles - Laneville, TX
Rialie Jo Taylor - Garrison, TX
Mary Cassie Tinkle - Carthage, TX
Rocio Venegas - Timpson, TX
Stacy Leann Youngblood - Carthage, TX
Hosted by PBS in Cooperation with the Anne Ray Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
May 10, 2019 - The M.P. Baker Library of Panola College will host an exhibit based on the popular PBS television series, The Great American Read. The program was an eight-part series that aired in fall 2018. It explored and celebrated the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels as chosen in a national survey. It investigated how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.
The series was the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books. It also launched a book club with accompanying Facebook page and a website devoted to the series that are continuing to reach audience members and book enthusiasts today.
The television series featured entertaining and informative documentary segments, with compelling testimonials from celebrities, authors, notable Americans and book lovers across the country which will be included as part of the exhibit. It was comprised of a two-hour launch episode in which the list of 100 books was revealed, five one-hour theme episodes that examined concepts common to groups of books on the list, and a finale, in which the results of a nationwide vote were announced to reveal America’s best-loved book. The community is encouraged to visit the exhibit to learn America’s choice.
The Library will have the 100 novels on display with accompanying materials from the television series May 13 – August 2, 2019. The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Library’s summer operating hours Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm, Friday 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. For additional information please call 903-693-2052 or email library@panola.edu.
May 9, 2019 - Panola College has hired Aaron Smith as the new Men's Basketball Coach. Aaron Smith will be taking over a Panola program that has risen to the top of the Region XIV standings over the last 4 years under departed head coach Grant McMillan, with a 2017 Eastern Conference Championship and an appearance in the 2017 NJCAA National Tournament, and 4 straight NJCAA Regional playoff berths.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Panola College,” said Coach Smith. “Words cannot express how grateful I am to President Dr. Powell, athletic director, Mr. Don Clinton, and the entire Panola family. I look forward to building on this already wonderfully laid foundation and I cannot wait to get to work.”
Smith comes to Panola after spending 4 years at Jacksonville College where he led the Jaguars to back to back Region XIV South Zone Championships in 2018 and 2019. His teams have been known as some of the hardest teams to guard in Region XIV and they have averaged 93 points per game during his tenure. 3 out of 4 of Smith’s seasons have produced 20 or more wins and he has coached 6 members of the All-Region 1st or 2nd Team and 1 Honorable Mention All-American in Christian Barrett. In addition, each of the past two seasons he has earned Coach of the Year from texasjucobasketball.com.
Prior to his head coaching tenure at Jacksonville, Smith served briefly as an assistant coach under, then head coach, Jody Bailey prior to Bailey’s departure for the University of New Orleans. Before joining Jacksonville College, Smith spent 5 years in total in the AAU Summer Basketball ranks. He started the FV 5:17 program, which he grew into one of the premier summer programs in the ultra-competitive Dallas summer basketball circuit. While leading FV 5:17, he sent numerous players on to the Division 1 level and another player who is currently playing professionally in China.
Coach Smith is a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University (2008) where he was a standout scorer who had the privilege of earning Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Week his senior season. His playing career continued as he was the 4th Overall Pick in the 2008 CBA Draft and won the CBA Championship in 2009 as a member of the Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry coached by 4-Time NBA All Star Michael Ray Richardson. Smith also spent time playing in France and Bulgaria. He also earned his Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017.
Smith, and his wife Keri, have been married since June 2016 and they have a 19-year-old son, Cameron Carson, and a 2-year-old daughter, Nicole.
"We are excited to have Aaron as our new head basketball coach. He has proven he knows how to win on and off the court,” noted Don Clinton, Vice President of Student Services and Athletic Director at Panola College. “We feel confident that he will continue the winning tradition that has been established and will truly make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes."
From left, Darrell Hudson and Dwayne Ferguson were named as the 2018-2019 Faculty of the Year at Panola College.
May 8, 2019 - Dwayne Ferguson and Darrell Hudson were named 2018-2019 Panola College Faculty of the Year at an appreciation dinner on May 2.
Dwayne Ferguson was named Technical Faculty of the Year. In his 27-year career as an instructor at Panola College, he has taught business and computer courses. In addition, he produces the online Panola College Catalog, sponsors an organization for business students, has converted several courses to Open Education Resources, and has worked on the College’s reaffirmation process.
“To his peers, Mr. Ferguson is known as an instructor who goes out of his way to help the students he instructs and advises to ensure their paths to success,” said Natalie Oswalt, Dean of Arts, Sciences and Technology. “He knows the answer to any question other faculty members need help with.”
Darrell Hudson was named Academic Faculty of the Year. Hudson, who teaches biology at Panola, has worked at Panola College for 24 of his more than 30 years in education.
“Mr. Hudson is known as an instructor who always displays a pleasant demeanor, is confident and thorough, patient and kind-hearted, and goes the extra mile before and after class to be sure the students understand the material,” Oswalt said.
Panola College faculty members nominated their peers for the awards, and all faculty members had the opportunity to vote on the nominees.
“Both of these faculty members are passionate about teaching and spend numerous hours throughout the semester to ensure students are successful. Panola College is fortunate to have exceptional faculty members who are centered on student success,” Oswalt said.
May 7, 2019 - Panola College at our Shelby College location in Center, is offering Certified Nurse Aide Courses beginning June 3 – July 3, 2019. Classes will be held Monday - Friday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. For more information and to register, contact the Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.
May 3, 2019 - The Pi Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society at Panola College donated more than 400 boxes and packages of cereal to Mission Carthage on May 1.
“Our PTK group wanted to do a community service project this semester and chose to collect goods for Mission Carthage for the month of April. The students specifically chose to focus on the collection of cereal boxes,” said Emily Zabcik, mathematics professor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor.
PTK is a long standing club at Panola College. Members may attend monthly meetings, and participate in community service projects coordinated by the club. To be eligible for membership, Panola College students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above and have completed a minimum of 12 transferable hours through Panola College.
April 30, 2019 - Panola College is holding a Career Exploration Fair on Tuesday, April 30 from 11am to 1pm. The event will be held at the Shelby College Center at 3600 Loop 500.
We hope you will come and learn about various programs offered at Panola College, many available right here in Shelby County or completely online!
There will be door prizes, music, and games. Visit with admissions and financial aid representatives to answer any questions you may have to start on your new career path today.
April 22 , 2019 - Panola had a 3 game set before Easter Weekend against Angelina with hopes of a conference title still in play. Panola dropped the first game and needed to respond on Friday at Angelina. The Ponies rallied to take the final two games of the series and currently sit in second place behind Navarro who the Ponies play this week.
Game 1
Angelina jumped out to a 4-0 in the 4th inning and never looked back. Jarret Whorff (Winnsboro, TX) went 6 innings and only gave up 4 runs. Austin Bost (Groves, TX) led the way offensively with 2 hits but it was not enough for the home team. Ponies dropped game 1 by a score of 10-4.
Game 2
The middle game of the series was all Ponies from the start. The Ponies jumped out to a quick 3-0 and that was all starting pitcher Tyler Davis (Houston, TX) would need. Davis went a complete game giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 3. He was dominate. The Pony offense gave Roadrunner pitching no room to breather smacking 9 hits to a tune of 6 runs. Trent Touchet (Shreveport, LA) led the way with 3 hits and 2 RBI’s. Ponies win game 2 by a score of 6-2.
Game 3
The rubber match of the series was a good one. Back and forth all game trading runs. Trey Lindsay (Beckville, TX) got the start on the mound and gave the Ponies a solid 4 innings. Kade Clemens (Gilmer, TX) and Touchet both blasted homeruns in the game. Together they have combined for 20 HR. The game was tied in the 7th inning when Panola added 1 run to take the lead and then another insurance run in the top of the 9th inning. With 1 out and bases loaded in the 9 inning, Hayden Collins (Cypress, TX) got a strike out and a groundout to finish the game and the Ponies win by a score of 7-5.
Ponies are back at it Monday night with a midweek matchup against LeTourneau in Longview at 6pm. This week’s conference series has conference champion implications against Navarro.
Game 1 - Thursday at Navarro 3pm
Game 2 - Home 1pm
Game 3 - Home 3:30pm
Zariah Frierson, a Panola College student from East Chicago, Indiana, helped Hazell recite the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the show.
April 18, 2019 - Comedian Pat Hazell’s ride back in time in his show “The Wonder Bread Years” played to a packed house in the Q.M. Martin Auditorium at Panola College on Tuesday, April 16. The show was sponsored by the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture.
From left: Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President, Pat Hazell, and David Murphy, representing the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture.
The one-man show is a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater. Remembering pop rocks, milk snorts, sugar-highs and Atari, The Wonder Bread Years evolved from the realization that people have many more things in common than they have differences, many of which happen to be laugh-out-loud-funny.
Showtime declared Pat Hazell, “One of the Five Funniest People in America.” Hazell made his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1989 and has since made six more appearances with Jay Leno. Hazell served as Jerry Seinfeld’s opening act and became one of the original four writers for the NBC series “Seinfeld.” The Wonder Bread Years, a one-man show and tell, has been taped as a one-hour PBS special.
Hazell shared his memories of pop culture and vintage product advertising.
Art student Morgan Ray and Professor Amanda Clements look over Morgan’s paintings. The Fay Allison Gallery of the M.P. Baker Library will showcase the end-of-semester Panola College Student Visual Art Exhibit beginning Monday, April 22.
April 18, 2019 - The M.P. Baker Library will host the Panola College Student Visual Art Exhibit in the Allison Gallery starting Monday, April 22.
The exhibition is free and open to the public during the Library’s operating hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and Sunday 4 – 9 p.m. For additional information please call 903-693-2052 or email library@panola.edu.
Amanda Clements, art professor, said 16 students will display their work this spring. They include Sarah Allen, Omotayo Amidu, Sheli Caserta, Christy Corliss, Makayla Cortinas, Bethany Crowe, Maci McDaniel, Erin Phillips, Shirley Williams, Morgan Ray, Sarah Hooten, Kacie Caserta, Jade Allen, Emily Hannah, Hannah Humphries and Joel Martinez Gonzalez.
Photography students include Alexis Barlow, John Carter, Sheli Caserta, Lacy Dean, Paige Groce, Samantha Hay, Kristina Mayo, Julie Montgomery, Anthony Norwood, Weronika Nowakowska, Malaysha Peel, Camberly Smith, Kristye Wall, Sadie Wilson, Joshua Wood, Renata Malone, Sandra Olalde, Selena Pacheco, Phat Chung and LaToya Johnson.
“Be sure to stop by and see the wonderful photography and art work done by our talented students,” said Cristie Ferguson, Panola College Librarian.
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