Panola College
October 29, 2024 - Panola College was honored to participate in the re-grand opening of the newly remodeled Center Walmart store, where a $1,000 Community Grant was presented to the College by Store Manager Jeff Martin and People Partner LaKeith Cotton. This generous grant will support career exploration and scholarships for students in Shelby County.
Walmart has a strong history of supporting Panola College, previously funding scholarships, Chromebooks for student checkout, backpacks, school supplies, student engagement activities, and children’s summer camps. The continued partnership exemplifies Walmart’s commitment to fostering education and community development in Shelby County.
“We are incredibly grateful for Walmart’s ongoing support,” said Cancee Lester, Director of Shelby County Operations. “This grant will make a significant impact on our students and their future opportunities.”
October 18, 2024 - The Gas Compressor Association (GCA) donated $14,700 to Panola College’s School of Energy on October 11, 2024. The donation was presented by Mark Davis of J-W Power Company on behalf of the GCA at the new Matthews Foundation Energy Building on the Carthage campus.
“The School of Energy would not be where it is today without the support of industry partners like the GCA,” said Daniel Hall, Chair of the School of Energy. “Our collaboration with the GCA has a direct impact on our students through job opportunities with member companies, involvement on our advisory board, and generous annual donations that help fund scholarships and lab equipment.”
Hall was joined by Jessica Pace, Panola College president, Dr. Billy Adams, Vice President of Instruction, Natalie Oswalt, Dean of Career and Technical Programs, Joanna Huckabee, Director of Institutional Advancement, and Whitney McBee, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education.
“We are extremely grateful for the continued support from the GCA,” added Hall. “This generous donation will play a major role in preparing students for successful careers in the energy industry.”
October 11, 2024 - Panola College is excited to announce a new articulation agreement with Texas A&M University-Texarkana, designed to provide our students with clear pathways to continue their education and earn bachelor’s degrees in business administration and elementary education. This new partnership reflects Panola College’s commitment to creating seamless transfer opportunities for our graduates and offering additional educational benefits to our faculty and staff.
The agreement allows Panola College graduates in Business Administration and Elementary Education (EC-6) to transition smoothly to Texas A&M-Texarkana, where they can continue their studies in a variety of business concentrations, including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, sports management, and supply chain management.
Scholarship Opportunities for Transfer Students
Through this partnership, Panola College students transferring to Texas A&M-Texarkana will be eligible for special transfer scholarships, such as:
- Golden Eagle Transfer Scholarship: $3,000 per year, or $4,000 per year for students who qualify for and enroll in the Honors College.
- Maroon Eagle Transfer Scholarship: $2,000 per year, or $3,000 per year for Honors College students.
Benefits for Panola College Employees
In addition to benefiting our students, this partnership also provides full-time Panola College employees with significant tuition discounts for courses at Texas A&M-Texarkana. Employees can take advantage of reduced tuition costs on coursework ranging from micro-credentials to doctoral degrees. New employees enrolling at Texas A&M-Texarkana may also qualify for the First Flight Scholarship, which covers tuition for their first course.
“Lifelong learning is a core value at Panola College, and we are thrilled to expand educational opportunities for both our students and employees,” said Panola College President Dr. Jessica Pace. “This agreement not only helps our graduates seamlessly transition to Texas A&M-Texarkana to complete their bachelor’s degrees but also supports our faculty and staff in pursuing their own professional development. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our college community.”
October 10, 2024 - Panola College will hold its 11th annual Veterans Day Dinner on November 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom at the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center. This event is free for any East Texas service member and one guest.
Coordinating the event are two Panola College service organizations: The Green Jackets, who serve the College and community as goodwill ambassadors, and the Student Government Association. The event is sponsored by the Green Jackets and SGA, along with area individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Individuals who wish to honor a Veteran may purchase a Flag of Honor for $25. The 3’x5’ flag will be mounted on a 6’ pole and placed at Panola College on West Panola Street from October 28 to November 15. Each flag will include a sign with the Veteran’s name, branch of service, and a personal message from the donor.
Information about additional sponsorships may be found by visiting panola.edu/veteransday. Funds raised from sponsorships will be used to fund this year’s Veterans Day Dinner, benefit the Panola County Texas Veterans Relief Fund, and fund future Panola College Veterans events.
Veterans and their guests must make a reservation for the Veterans Day Dinner by November 8 at 12:30 p.m. To reserve, contact Katie Ferris at 903-693-2094, email kferris@panola.edu, or complete the online form at panola.edu/veteransday.
October 9, 2024 - The Betty and Roy Erickson Charitable Fund generously donated $6,411 to the Panola College nursing program, which will be used to acquire additional resources and equipment for nursing education. This funding will enable the purchase of two IV pumps as well as two male and female catheterization trainer sets.
"We are grateful to the Betty and Roy Erickson grant for their generous support in funding the purchase of this equipment," said Annissa Jackson, chair of the nursing program at Panola College. "This will enable us to create realistic scenarios for practice, better preparing our nurses for their future roles in the field."
This equipment will serve 110 associate degree nursing students on the Carthage campus and 30 to 40 vocational nursing students at the Center location each year. With a total of four IV pumps, the program can run simulations in all four simulation rooms simultaneously. Additionally, the increased number of catheterization trainers provides the necessary equipment to efficiently assess and check off a larger number of students in a timely manner.
“This grant will allow us to enhance our nursing programs by purchasing additional equipment,” said Becky Walker, Associate Degree Nursing professor and simulation coordinator. “Hands-on training is crucial for improving student outcomes and will greatly enrich their educational experience at Panola College.”
September 19, 2024 - The road to the College National Finals Rodeo begins here, with the Panola College Rodeo. Hosted by the Panola College rodeo team at the Bar None Cowboy Church arena in Tatum, this two-day event will take place Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28, with slack starting at 10am and evening performances at 7pm.
Admission is free for all fans, making it a great opportunity to enjoy thrilling rodeo action and support our talented student-athletes.
Coach Jeff Collins, now in his tenth year at Panola College, is optimistic about the team's chances of qualifying for the College National Finals in June and hopes to add to their six national championships.
Panola College participates in the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association along with Texas A&M University, McNeese State University, Sam Houston State University, Louisiana Tech University, Texas A&M Commerce, Southwest Texas Junior College, Hill College, Northeast Texas Community College, Wharton County Junior College, and Trinity Valley Community College.
Panola College extends its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, with special recognition to our corporate sponsor, Panola Pipe and Salvage, for their support.
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.
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