Panola College
September 30, 2015 - The Panola College Center LVN Program is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply has been extended through October 15, 2015 for the classes starting in January 2016. You may pick up an application at the Shelby College Center located at 3600 Loop 500 East Center, Texas 75935 or at the Carthage Campus in the Health and Natural Science building Nursing Department at 1119 W. Panola Carthage , Texas 75633. For more information please contact: Rachel Paddie 936-598-9543 ex: 6006 or Shelbea Comer 936-598-9543 ex: 6008 Application requirements can be found on the Panola College website at www.panola.edu.
September 29, 2015 - The Frances B. Ross Millennium Tower was erected on Tuesday, Sept. 29, on the plaza in front of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center. The carillon bell tower now anchors the east side of campus, providing students, faculty and staff an artistic reminder of Mrs. Ross’s support for the college. In addition to an accurate timepiece, the clock tower includes carillon bells that will play a variety of musical selections.
“It was exciting this morning to watch the Frances B. Ross Millennium Tower being hoisted to its permanent location,” said Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President. “The Tower is beautiful and I believe that it will quickly become a landmark for the college and our community. Mrs. Ross has long
September 28, 2015 - Panola College rodeo team was ready when it came time for the first NIRA Southern Region rodeo September 25, 26 at the Panola County Cattleman’s Arena. The impressive amount of fans, and beautiful weather made very exciting competition.
The great individual efforts from some freshman players helped the men’s team to a 3rd place finish, and the women’s team to a 2nd place finish. The Southern Region consist of 14 University’s and Jr. Colleges , the top 2 teams in the region move on to the CNFR held each year in Casper, WY.
Sophomore, and last season CNFR qualifier Gannon Ivy, was in usual riding form winning 4th place in the bull riding. Gannon comes to Panola from Hampton, Ark. He is working on a degree in Petroleum Technologies.
Winning 1st place in the team roping was the duo of, Laramie and Colton Johnson. The very fast time of 5.4 seconds was posted early in the rodeo and held through the weekend. Laramie and Colton came to Panola College from Shreveport, La. They are twins that are expected to be really in the midst of the regional race all season. R.D. Carter and Zach Moore made a contribution by posting a time of 6.8 seconds to win 5th place , while sophomore Colton Hairgrove put up the points on the board with a 9th place finish.
In the breakaway event it was stand out Laramie Johnson, with the win again with a time of 2.7 seconds. Laramie’s great performance this weekend moves her to an early lead in both her individual events and to number 1 in the cowgirls all around race. Taylor Gooch made a great return performance, after taking a couple years off from competition, and posted a time of 3.2 seconds and a 6th place finish.
Bareback rider Kole Chandler was recruited to Panola College from Mississippi. Kole is a first year student with a nursing degree as his goal. Kole made a very wild and exciting ride to win the bareback riding with a 76 point score. Kole is a two event cowboy competing in the bull riding as well. Chandler is expected to be a force in both his chosen events all season long.
The Panola College rodeo team will travel to Uvalde, TX October 1-3 for the second of ten regional competitions. The third competition will be held in Pittsburg TX. October 9-10.
September 28, 2015 - Panola College will host a trip to Europe during the summer of 2016. This 9 day excursion will take travelers to England, France, and Germany. The trip is slated to occur from June 1st to June 9th. It is open to anyone 18 years of age or older with a valid, U.S. passport. Students may register for the trip in conjunction with Panola College’s government or history courses and receive full college credit for the excursion.
The tour will begin in London, where travelers will admire Big Ben and the London Bridge, observe the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, and visit the Winston Churchill War Rooms (the headquarters of England’s top military commanders in WWII). After London, the tour will ferry across the English Channel to Paris, where travelers will experience the grandeur of the Eifel Tower, the beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral, and the magnificence of the Louvre Museum (home of Di Vinci’s Mona Lisa). The tour will then head to Normandy, where travelers can experience the heroic actions of the allied forces with a visit to Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and Overlord Museum. The tour will conclude with a journey to Munich, Germany for a visit to Dachau, a prominent concentration camp of WWII, and Neuschwanstein Castle. Each evening, travelers will have the opportunity to venture out on their own for further sightseeing.
The trip will cost approximately $4,500 for students (plus tuition and fees) and $5,000 for non-students. The cost includes the travel expenses, museum entrances, and two daily meals. Panola College will hold a public meeting discussing the major details of the trip on Tuesday, October 6, at 12 pm and 5 pm in the Murphy-Payne Community Room of the college library. Please call Brian Naples (903) 693-2043 or Bill Offer (903) 6930 2047 for further information.
September 25, 2015 - State Fair: A Top Photojournalist’s Odyssey through Fairs in Ten States
On loan from the Briscoe Center for American History, State Fair: A Top Photojournalist’s Odyssey through Fairs in Ten States will open on Thursday, October 1, 2015 in the Fay Allison Gallery of the M.P. Baker Library of Panola College.
State Fair is a visual distillation of Arthur Grace’s photographic odyssey through fairs in ten states—California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. Time and again, regardless of geographic location, Grace’s images deftly capture the strange mixture of the traditional, the kitsch, and the off-the-wall that is unique to these annual gatherings, which began as a celebration of rural American life and have evolved into super-sized extravaganzas. The exhibit is free and will be open to the public until November 5, 2015. The exhibit coincides with the Texas State Fair at Fair Park in Dallas September 25th – October 18th and the Panola College Fall Frolic on October 14th.
State Fair is the first exhibit displayed on campus from the Briscoe Center for American History. Named for former governor of Texas, Dolph Briscoe, the Center has five divisions, located in four different regions of Texas with each serving a unique purpose. Besides, the Center’s primary facility on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, there are also three museums in Bonham, Uvalde, and Round Top. The museums offer programs, exhibits, and tours for the general public as well as online and traveling exhibits. For more information about the center, visit www.cah.utexas.edu/index.php.
September 18, 2015 - The Foundation provides support for many students who need financial assistance to pursue their career goals. Today, the College has 135 endowed scholarships valued at more than $3,667,000 and over the last four years, the Foundation has awarded over $175,000 in student scholarships. The Foundation has also provided almost $100,000 in faculty and staff grants since 2011 to ensure that extra measure of excellence is provided in programs and student success. Whether through equipment donations, capital construction, educational projects, or student scholarships, the Foundation works to ensure donors that their contributions towards the Foundation are good investments.Panola College Foundation is excited to present Cruisin’ For College sponsored by Pippen Motor Company. The Foundation is offering the opportunity to win a 2015 Chevy Camaro which will be presented during half time on November 21 at the Ponies Basketball game at 4:00 pm. There are only 3,000 tickets available and are only $20 each when you purchase two or more or $25 for a single ticket. All proceeds will go to the Panola College Foundation and will be used for student scholarships, faculty and staff grants, and other educational projects.
Generous contributions and support from individuals, businesses, and alumni have been essential to the success of the Panola College Foundation. The Foundation shares with our community an inspired passion to support Panola College in achieving the excellence that makes Panola a great place to learn.
President Dr. Greg Powell states his appreciation for the Panola College Foundation, “I cannot overstate the value that the Panola College Foundation brings to Panola College. Scholarships, buildings, campus landmarks, and grants to faculty and staff are just a few of the benefits that the College receives because of the Foundation's dedication and hard work. Thank you!”
Tickets may be purchased at Panola College, Pippen Motor Company,Panola College Marshall Center, Panola College Shelby Regional Training Center or by calling 903-693-2029.
September 18, 2015 - October 1 is the deadline for applications for the 2016 Licensed Vocational Nursing program taught at Panola College’s Shelby College Center. A new class of 40 students will begin the one-year LVN curriculum at the SCC in January 2016. Applications for the Carthage LVN class are due by March 1, 2016, for the new class that will begin June 1.
The job outlook for LVNs is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for LVNs will grow 25 percent through the year 2022, a rate that is much faster than average. The median pay for LVNs in 2012 was $19.97 per hour or $41,540 per year.
Pam Pike, faculty chair for the Panola College LVN program, said aging baby boomers will fuel the need for additional nurses.
“The largest employer for LVNs is long-term care, and I tell students that is where the money is for them,” Pike said. “In the third semester, we often have employers who come and do a recruiting lunch for the students. One area hospital came last spring and hired two of our students.
“Our goal is to prepare competent, knowledgeable vocational nurses who can work under the supervision of registered nurses and other health care professionals to deliver quality care to patients. We teach our students the importance of exhibiting positive and caring attitudes with the patients they serve.”
Shelbea Comer, associate chair, works at the Panola College Shelby College Center. She described the qualities needed for those who want to become LVNs.
“LVNs are on the front lines in caring for long-term care patients,” she said. “They work in home health situations where it’s crucial to be able to analyze a patient’s condition and make judgments regarding needed care. They also need to be able to communicate well with the patients and other health care providers in the team effort it takes to care for patients in all situations.”
LVNs are often responsible for keeping track of patients’ medications and treatments. They must be detail-oriented and competent with record-keeping and reporting. Opportunities for LVNs can be found not only in long-term care, but also home health, hospitals and doctors’ offices.
Students wishing to enter the LVN program must have successfully completed BIOL 2404, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology. They also must have earned a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) certificate, or have completed the NURA 1301, Nurse Aide for Health Care, course.
Prospective nursing students are required to take the HESI A2, an admissions placement exam that evaluates students on reading, grammar and math skills. Scores on the HESI are used to evaluate applicants for the program. Interested students may call Panola College Student Services at 903-693-2036 to schedule a time to take the HESI.
The one-year LVN program provides a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction. Students entering the program in January 2016 will begin with classroom and Clinicals I and II, working alongside a Panola College nursing instructor in nursing homes.
Summer curriculum consists of classroom and simulation lab instruction, both at the Shelby College Center and at the new Health and Natural Sciences Building on the Panola College campus in Carthage.The fall semester consists of Clinical III, where the students are supervised on-site by a licensed nurse, and Clinical IV, in a hospital setting with a Panola College instructor.
“The real-world experience provides our students with the training and the confidence they need when they graduate,” Comer said. “We have students training in clinical settings in schools, dialysis centers, home health, hospice and hospitals in Shelby, Panola, San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Angelina,and Rusk counties.”
Comer added that many students end up going to work at one of their clinical sites. As part of the curriculum, the students are required to go through an interview during the final semester, and many are later hired as a result of the interview.
Upon completion of the one-year LVN curriculum, graduates take a national licensure exam in order to receive their state license to practice nursing.
“We encourage our LVNs to go on with their education and pursue an RN degree,” Comer said. “Our LVN program is an excellent step in the direction of attaining an ADN or BSN degree as a registered nurse. I personally feel that our students have an advantage with the numerous clinical training hours required in our program.”
Pending approval from the Texas Board of Nursing, Panola College will offer a new program in 2016 that will benefit LVNs who wish to continue their education.
“We have a transition program in the works that will be the first of its kind in the area. It will allow LVNs to complete the curriculum to become RNs in one year,” said Dr. Barbara Cordell, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences.
After successfully completing the required coursework in the first semester of the transition program, students will be awarded 12 additional semester hours of college credit based on their LVN status. The transition program will work as a hybrid curriculum with half the coursework online and the other half in face-to-face classroom and clinical settings.
“Healthcare facilities sometimes offer incentives in the form of tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling and even fulltime pay for halftime work,” she said. “These employers want to encourage their nurses to continue working toward the RN degree.”
For more information about the Panola College LVN program, check the website at http://www.panola.edu/programs/health-sciences/lvn/index.html or stop by Student Services in the new Charles C. Matthews Student Center Building on the Carthage campus.
September 18, 2015 - First year head coach Grant McMillan announced his 2015-16 recruiting class this week. The team will see major overhaul this upcoming year as the team has zero returners. Panola will feature 12 new players and two walk-ons. Highlighted by six transfers, Coach McMillan feels the class has major potential to be successful, “We had to make sure we got some guys in here that had experience. You win with your upper classmen, our three D1 transfers and three junior college transfers will provide us leadership and the ability to be competitive this year.”
New Panola players come to Carthage from division one schools Texas State, Niagara, and Tennessee State and junior colleges Motlow State, Harcum, and Haggarstown. “We did a tremendous job of finding the right mix of transfers and freshmen. It started in April and didn’t end until August, we made sure no stone was unturned,” stated McMillan. With six transfers and six true freshmen Panola will look to build off a 7-22 record last year. This year’s team will have four players over 6’ 7” including 7’ 1” Dejuan Harvey.
“I am excited to get all of our kids here on campus. Carthage can be proud of these guys in the community. We did a great job of getting high character kids that can compete in this league. We have labeled this year as the ‘New Era’ and we are excited to put the new Panola brand on the floor,” explained McMillan.
The Ponies will take part in the Mike Mitchell Blowout Classic at Colin County Community College in Plano, Texas on October 30th for their season opener. Their home opener is Wednesday, November 4th against Weatherford College in the newly renovated Johnson Arena. McMillan is assisted by Adam Blaylock and Ricardo Johnson.
Tope Arikawe – FR – 6-8 – Conyers, Nigeria
Tope Arikawe comes to Panola College after starting the last three seasons for Covenant Christian Academy in Marieta, Georgia. The Nigerian native averaged 13.8 points and 8 rebounds per game his senior year. Originally signed with Troy University, Tope was ranked the 16th best Nigerian player in the United States according to teamnigeria.com for the class of 2015.
Brandon Better – SO – 6-1 –Temple Hills, Maryland
Brandon transfer to Panola College from Hagerstown Community College. As a freshman, Brandon started 21 games and averaged 16.4 points per game. He shot 35% from the three point line and dished out 2.7 assists per game. Prior to Hagerstown, Better averaged 18.4 points a game his senior year for Crossland High School.
Arnas Dautartas – FR – 6-6 – Kaunas,Lithuania
Arnas comes to Panola after playing his high school ball for San Gabriel Academy in San Gabriel, California. He averaged double figures each year he was on varsity highlighted by 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists a game his senior year. Dautartas helped his high school team advance to the Southern California regional championships the past two seasons. His senior year he was selected to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area 2nd team and was a Pasadena Star-News all-star.
Dejuan Harvey – SO – 7-1 – Washington DC
Dejuan transfers to Panola after receiving a medical redshirt at Harcum Community College last year. He played in six games averaging just over seven points and four rebounds a game before suffering a season ending arm injury. Before Harcum, Harvey played his freshman year at Chipola College averaging just under five points a game. Harvey played his high school ball at Friendship Collegiate Academy where he was ranked in the top 100 by DMVelite.com.
Terry Holt – SO – 6-5 – Nashville, Tennessee
Terry transfers to Panola after playing his freshman year at Motlow State College last season. Playing for Coach Matt Sligh, Holt averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds a game while guiding Motlow to a 23-6 record last season. He had a career high 25 points against Dyersburg State while making 47 three pointers last season. While in high school, Holt led his East Nashville team to a runner-up finish in the Class AA state tournament. He averaged 21 points and 6.4 rebounds per game his senior year and was named first team all-district, all-region and all-metro; along with being named to the first team all-state tournament team and being selected as the region player of the year.
Ege Parlor – FR – 6-9 – Izmir, Turkey
Ege has spent time in the United States playing for Notre Dame Prep in Massachusetts. He has also been a part of Turkey’s 3 on 3 FIBA national basketball squad. One of the top Turkish big man in his high school class, Ege averaged 11 points and nine rebounds his final year of club ball.
Tyonte Roberston – FR – 6-0 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Tyonte graduated from Withrow high school in 2014. The Cincinnati, Ohio native averaged 11.2 points and 3.9 assists a game his senior year. He helped Withrow win two post-season games before losing in the Southwest District championship game. Robertson has been regarded as the top point guards in Southwest Ohio.
James Suber – SO – 6-7 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
James comes to Panola College from Niagra University. As a freshman, James appeared in 21 games while making one start. He had a career high eight points against Iona and brought down 51 rebounds last season. Suber averaged 11.5 points per game during his senior season at Philadelphia Electrical & Technology as he helped the Chargers advance to the Philadelphia Public School and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AAA semifinals. Suber was named to the Daily News All-City Third Team and All-Public Second Team at the end of the season.
Charles ‘Cha Cha’ Tucker – SO – 6-1 – Lansing, Michigan
Charles transfers to Panola after playing at Tennessee State last season. As a freshman he made 18 starts, averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 21.5 minutes a game. He was the team leader in assists. He scored a career high 16 points against Southern Illinois. He was named OVC Freshman of the Week on Feb. 2 after helping TSU to its first two conference wins the previous week. Tucker attended Montrose Christian High School where he led his team to a 19-5 record. During high school he was selected to the USA Men’s Development National Team comprised of the nation’s top under-16 talents. He did a postgrad year at ABCD prep.
Jonathan Wiley – SO – 6-6 – Houston, Texas
Jonathan appeared in nine games for the Texas State Bobcats last season. He had a career high six points against Appalachian State. Wiley played his high school ball at St. Pius the X High School in Houston. He averaged 17 points a game and 10 rebounds his senior year. Wiley was a two time district MVP and was first team All-State his senior year.
Chan Williams-Bey Jr. – FR – 6-5 – Hartford, Connecticut
Chan spent this past season at Shooting for Greatness prep school in Durham, North Carolina. He started every game for Coach Kyle Solomon while netting just over 14 points per game. In high school he averaged 15.7 points and eight rebounds a game for Wilbur Cross High school. He was named two-time All-Area, All-SCC Oronoque Division, Coaches All-State and New Haven County Tap-Off Club All-Area Team selection.
Devyn Wilson – FR – 6-3 – Brooklyn, New York
Devyn spent this past season at FCI prep school in Sebring, Florida for Coach Keith Leonardo. While at FCI, Devyn averaged 18.2 points per game during a 43 game national schedule. Wilson played high school basketball at South Shore high school where he was nominated for the McDonalds All-American game.
Walk-ons
Juan Parrilla – FR – 5-11 – Waterbury, Connecticut
DJ McMillan – FR – 6-2 –Fort Worth, Texas
September 17, 2015 - Well Control Program
The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering the Well Control- Work Over Completion course beginning Saturday October 3, 2015 and Sunday October 4, 2015. Class time begins at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the Carthage Campus. The cost of the class is $850.00 and preregistration is required. For more information, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067, email: ce@panola.edu.
EKG Technician Class
The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering an EKG Technician class. This class is scheduled to begin Monday October 5, 2015 and will meet Mondays and Thursdays until November 23, 2015. Class time begins at 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on the Carthage Campus. The cost of the program is $999.00 and preregistration is required. For more information, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067, email: ce@panola.edu.
Septemeber 11, 2015 - PANOLA COLLEGE OFFERS RESUME WRITING -
The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering a Resume Writing class. This class is scheduled for Thursday September 24, 2015. Class time begins at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Merle Glass building on the Carthage Campus. The class is free but preregistration is required.
PANOLA COLLEGE OFFERS DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM -
The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering a Dental Assisting program. The class is scheduled to begin Friday September 25, 2015. Class time begins at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Merle Glass building on the Carthage Campus. Classes will meet on Fridays through December 4, 2015. The cost of the program is $1,799.00 and preregistration is required.
PANOLA COLLEGE OFFERS PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CLASS -
The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering a Pharmacy Technician Certification class. The class is scheduled to begin Monday September 28, 2015 and will meet Mondays and Thursdays until December 7, 2015. Class time begins at 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the Merle Glass building on the Carthage Campus. The cost of the program is $999.00 and preregistration is required.
For more information and to register, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067, email: ce@panola.edu.
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