The Panola College Podcast

Panola College Achieves Historic Enrollment, National Recognition, and New Partnerships for Student Success

Good afternoon, Panola College! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
First, let's talk about the weather. Today in Carthage, it's sunny with a current temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 85 degrees by late afternoon. So, stay hydrated and take precautions if you're spending time outdoors.
In academic news, Panola College has been nationally recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to student access and success, placing us among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. Notably, Panola is one of only eight community colleges in Texas to receive this honor and the only one in East Texas. This recognition reflects our dedication to providing meaningful pathways that lead students to educational attainment and strong workforce outcomes.
In support of our students' success, Panola College has been awarded a $125,000 grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This funding will enhance our college readiness and student success initiatives, including the expansion of our Texas Success Initiative boot camp program. The grant also supports a scholarship program that uses Multiple Measures Assessment to help students enroll in credit-level courses, considering factors like high school performance for a more holistic path to college readiness.
Our commitment to student success is evident in our record-breaking enrollment numbers. For the Spring 2025 semester, Panola College achieved a historic milestone with 2,573 students enrolled, the highest spring enrollment in our 78-year history. This growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as our efforts to enhance educational offerings and support services.
In community support news, H-E-B Grocery Company has generously donated $6,000 to Panola College's emergency aid program. Established in 2021, this program assists students facing unexpected emergencies that could hinder their education. The funds will help provide aid for needs such as gas, medical expenses, food, clothing, and transportation issues, ensuring that our students can continue their academic journeys without undue hardship.
On the partnership front, Panola College has signed an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University-Texarkana. This agreement establishes clear pathways for our graduates in business administration and education to seamlessly continue their education toward bachelor's degrees. Additionally, full-time Panola College employees now have access to significant tuition discounts on coursework at A&M-Texarkana, promoting continuous professional development within our community.
Similarly, we've partnered with Stephen F. Austin State University through the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance. This alliance offers our students guaranteed admission, scholarships, and enhanced services at SFA, facilitating a smoother transition for those pursuing four-year degrees. Benefits include automatic consideration for SFA’s Purple Promise program, increased transferable hours, and opportunities to connect with other transfer students.
In campus development news, construction continues on our new technology building at the Carthage campus. The $14.9 million project includes 32,000 square feet of indoor space and a 25,000 square foot working yard, housing facilities for our technical and trades programs. Despite some weather-related delays, the project is progressing, with completion now expected in June 2024.
Lastly, Panola College is collaborating with the UT Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy through the Early Assurance Program. This partnership provides our students interested in pharmacy careers with guidance, faculty interactions, and a streamlined path to the College of Pharmacy. Each participating school has four to five seats in the program, allowing students to apply early and receive support throughout their educational journey.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening at Panola College. Have a great day!

Panola College Update: Academic Awards, New Nursing Grant, Basketball Success, Tech Building Progress, and SFA Transfer Alliance

Good morning, Panola College! It's Monday, September 1, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
First up, congratulations to our Academic Excellence Award recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year. These awards, established by former math professor Charles Moore, honor students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. Each department nominated students who have completed at least 30 hours of coursework and are enrolled in relevant courses within their field of study. Some of this year's honorees include Savannah Bertolis in Criminal Justice, William Boyd in Vocal Music, and Nevaeh Burns in Medical Assisting. A full list of recipients is available on the Panola College website.
In other news, Panola College has been awarded a $255,633 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Nursing Shortage Reduction Program. This funding will enhance our Associate Degree Nursing program by introducing a second spring entry point for students applying to the LVN-RN one-year transition track. This addition aims to increase the number of nursing graduates in East Texas, addressing the region's healthcare needs.
Our men's basketball team has made us proud by advancing to the quarterfinals in the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The Ponies secured a 60-53 victory over Frank Phillips College, with standout performances from CJ Worsham, who scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. The team is set to face Vincennes in the quarterfinals.
In campus development, construction continues on our new technology building at the Carthage campus. The $14.9 million project will feature 32,000 square feet of indoor space and a 25,000 square foot working yard, housing facilities for our technical and trades programs. Despite some weather-related delays, the project is progressing, with completion now expected in June 2024.
Additionally, Panola College has partnered with Stephen F. Austin State University through the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance. This alliance offers our students guaranteed admission, scholarships, and enhanced services at SFA, facilitating a smoother transition for those pursuing four-year degrees. Benefits include automatic consideration for SFA’s Purple Promise program, increased transferable hours, and opportunities to connect with other transfer students.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening at Panola College. Have a great day!

Panola College Achieves Record Enrollment, National Recognition, New Grants, Partnerships, and Campus Expansion in 2025

Good afternoon, Panola College! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
First, let's talk about the weather. Today in Carthage, it's sunny with a current temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 95 degrees by late afternoon. So, stay hydrated and take precautions if you're spending time outdoors.
In academic news, Panola College has been nationally recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to student access and success, placing us among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. Notably, Panola is one of only eight community colleges in Texas to receive this honor and the only one in East Texas. This recognition reflects our dedication to providing meaningful pathways that lead students to educational attainment and strong workforce outcomes.
In support of our students' success, Panola College has been awarded a $125,000 grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This funding will enhance our college readiness and student success initiatives, including the expansion of our Texas Success Initiative boot camp program. The grant also supports a scholarship program that uses Multiple Measures Assessment to help students enroll in credit-level courses, considering factors like high school performance for a more holistic path to college readiness.
Our commitment to student success is evident in our record-breaking enrollment numbers. For the Spring 2025 semester, Panola College achieved a historic milestone with 2,573 students enrolled, the highest spring enrollment in our 78-year history. This growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as our efforts to enhance educational offerings and support services.
In community support news, H-E-B Grocery Company has generously donated $6,000 to Panola College's emergency aid program. Established in 2021, this program assists students facing unexpected emergencies that could hinder their education. The funds will help provide aid for needs such as gas, medical expenses, food, clothing, and transportation issues, ensuring that our students can continue their academic journeys without undue hardship.
On the partnership front, Panola College has signed an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University-Texarkana. This agreement establishes clear pathways for our graduates in business administration and education to seamlessly continue their education toward bachelor's degrees. Additionally, full-time Panola College employees now have access to significant tuition discounts on coursework at A&M-Texarkana, promoting continuous professional development within our community.
Similarly, we've partnered with Stephen F. Austin State University through the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance. This alliance offers our students guaranteed admission, scholarships, and enhanced services at SFA, facilitating a smoother transition for those pursuing four-year degrees. Benefits include automatic consideration for SFA’s Purple Promise program, increased transferable hours, and opportunities to connect with other transfer students.
In campus development news, construction continues on our new technology building at the Carthage campus. The $14.9 million project includes 32,000 square feet of indoor space and a 25,000 square foot working yard, housing facilities for our technical and trades programs. Despite some weather-related delays, the project is progressing, with completion now expected in June 2024.
Lastly, Panola College is collaborating with the UT Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy through the Early Assurance Program. This partnership provides our students interested in pharmacy careers with guidance, faculty interactions, and a streamlined path to the College of Pharmacy. Each participating school has four to five seats in the program, allowing students to apply early and receive support throughout their educational journey.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening at Panola College. Have a great day!

Panola College Celebrates Opportunity Status, Record Enrollment, New SFA Partnership, Major Grant, and Tech Facility Launch for Fall 2025

Hello, Panola College community! Welcome back to another episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, August 18, 2025, and we've got some exciting updates to share as we kick off the new academic year.
First up, we're thrilled to announce that Panola College has been recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious designation places us among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. Notably, we're one of only eight community colleges in Texas to receive this honor—and the only one in East Texas. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing students with greater access and pathways to higher wages upon completion.
In other news, Panola College has strengthened its partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement emphasizes the importance of earning an associate degree before transferring to a four-year university. Students who complete their associate degree here will qualify for additional scholarships at SFA. The partnership also offers guaranteed admission, up to 90 transferable credit hours, personalized academic advising, and special recruitment events to ease the transition for our students.
We're also proud to share that Panola College has been awarded a $125,000 College Readiness and Success Models Grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This grant will support our ongoing efforts to improve developmental education reforms and implement innovative initiatives aimed at increasing student success. With these funds, we've expanded our Texas Success Initiative boot camp program to offer both online and self-paced options, allowing students to prepare for the TSI at their own pace. Additionally, the grant supports a scholarship program using Multiple Measures Assessment to help students enroll in credit-level courses, considering high school performance and other factors for a more holistic path to college readiness.
On the enrollment front, Panola College has achieved a historic milestone for the Spring 2025 semester, with a total of 2,573 students enrolled in courses. This marks the highest spring enrollment in our 78-year history, surpassing the previous record set in 2017. This growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, and our commitment to providing an affordable education that equips students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
Looking ahead, we're excited about the progress on our new Energy Technology building. The $14.9 million project includes 32,000 square feet of indoor space and a 25,000 square foot working yard, housing a welding lab, engines and compression lab, shops, and classrooms for many of our technical and trades programs. Despite some weather-related delays, construction is progressing, and we're eager to see the impact this state-of-the-art facility will have on our programs and student success.
Finally, as we begin the Fall 2025 semester, a reminder that classes start tomorrow, August 19. Late registration and schedule changes will be available from August 20 through August 26, with a $30 fee. Be sure to check the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines to stay on track this semester.
That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and here's to a successful and inspiring semester ahead at Panola College!

Panola College Update: Record Enrollment, New SFA Partnership, Coach Change, Carnegie Honor & Student Success Initiatives

Good afternoon, Panola College! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
Currently, it's mostly sunny with a temperature of 73 degrees. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 94 degrees by 4 PM. There's a chance of thunderstorms around 5 PM, so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out later.
In sports news, Men's Basketball Head Coach Joe Kuligoski has resigned after two successful seasons to join Sam Houston State University as an assistant coach. Under his leadership, the Ponies achieved a combined 56-14 record and secured the program's first Region XIV Tournament title this past season. Assistant Coach Rob Rollinson has been promoted to head coach, ensuring continuity for the team. All incoming players have reaffirmed their commitment to Panola College.
Panola College has been recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, placing it among 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. This designation reflects the college's commitment to student success and workforce readiness.
A new partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University has been established to support transfer students. Students who complete their associate degree at Panola College will qualify for additional scholarships at SFA, along with guaranteed admission and up to 90 transferable credit hours. This initiative aims to provide a seamless transition for students pursuing further education.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded Panola College a $125,000 grant to enhance college readiness and student success. The funds will support initiatives like expanding the Texas Success Initiative boot camp program and rebranding the tutoring lab as the Resource Center, offering comprehensive academic support.
The college has achieved a historic milestone with a total of 2,573 students enrolled for the Spring 2025 semester, marking the highest spring enrollment in its 78-year history. This growth reflects the dedication of faculty and staff in providing quality education and expanding opportunities for students.
Congratulations to the recipients of the Academic Excellence Awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. These awards recognize students who have excelled academically across various fields of study. A full list of awardees is available on the Panola College website.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a great day, Panola College!

Panola College News: New Leadership, Summer Camps, Major Donations, Sports Highlights, and Upcoming School Year Updates

Good morning, Panola College! It's Monday, August 4th, and here's what's happening on campus.
First up, we're excited to announce that Panola College is offering a variety of fun-filled summer camps for kids this year. These camps provide engaging activities designed to inspire and educate young minds. For more details on the available programs and how to register, visit the Panola College website.
In sports news, Panola College has appointed Robert Rollinson as the new head coach of the men's basketball team. Coach Rollinson brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the program. We look forward to an exciting season under his leadership.
In administrative updates, Penni Ratley has been appointed as the new Director of Library Services. With her extensive background in library science, Penni is set to enhance our library resources and services for students and faculty alike.
Additionally, the Marshall Economic Development Corporation has generously donated over $12,000 to support workforce literacy programs at Panola College. This contribution will aid in developing initiatives that equip students with essential skills for the evolving job market.
In leadership news, Natalie Oswalt has been appointed as the Vice President of Instruction. Natalie has been with Panola College since 2012, serving as the Dean of Professional and Technical Programs. Her extensive experience and dedication to education make her a valuable addition to our leadership team.
On the rodeo front, our Panola College Ponies are heading to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper. Congratulations to our talented athletes for qualifying and representing Panola College on the national stage.
In financial news, Rachael Payne has been appointed as the Vice President of Fiscal Services. Rachael has been with Panola College since 2013, serving as the Director of Fiscal Services. Her expertise in financial management will be instrumental in guiding the college's fiscal strategies.
Looking ahead, the first day of instruction for the 2025-26 school year is set for Monday, August 11th, at 7:45 AM. This includes campuses such as Panola Charter School, Texas Early College High School, and Panola Early College High School. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another successful year.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around Panola College. Have a great day!

Panola College Achieves National Recognition, Record Enrollment, and Major Grants Ahead of 2025-26 School Year

Good morning, Panola College! It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
First, let's talk about the weather. Today in Carthage, Texas, we're expecting mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching up to 96 degrees Fahrenheit this afternoon. So, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if you're spending time outdoors.
In academic news, Panola College has been nationally recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to student access and success, placing us among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. Notably, we're one of only eight community colleges in Texas to receive this honor and the only one in East Texas. This recognition reflects our dedication to providing meaningful pathways that lead students to educational attainment and strong workforce outcomes.
Speaking of student success, our enrollment numbers have reached a historic milestone. For the Spring 2025 semester, Panola College enrolled 2,573 students, marking the highest spring enrollment in our 78-year history. This growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. We've also expanded our offerings, including the opening of the state-of-the-art Matthews Foundation Energy Building and new dual credit programs across 19 Independent School Districts.
This summer, Panola College is offering a variety of fun-filled camps for children aged five and up. From art adventures to robotics and computer programming, there's something for every young learner. For example, the Robotics camp runs from July 15 to 17, and the Computer Programming camp is scheduled for July 22 and 23. These camps provide a perfect mix of learning and fun. For more details and to register, visit our website and click on the "Summer Camps for Kids" tab.
In support of our students' academic journeys, Panola College has been awarded a $125,000 College Readiness and Success Models Grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This grant will help us enhance developmental education reforms and implement innovative initiatives aimed at increasing student success. One of the key programs funded by this grant is the expansion of our Texas Success Initiative boot camps, now offering both online and self-paced options to better prepare students for college-level coursework.
Additionally, our nursing program has received a $255,633 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Nursing Shortage Reduction Program. These funds will allow us to provide a second spring entry for students applying to the LVN-RN one-year transition track, offering more opportunities for face-to-face learning and helping to address the nursing shortage in Texas.
Looking ahead, the first day of instruction for the 2025-26 school year is set for Monday, August 11, 2025, at 7:45 AM. This includes campuses such as Panola Charter School, Texas Early College High School, and Panola Early College High School. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting year.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay safe, and have a great day, Panola College!

Panola College Achieves National Recognition, Record Enrollment, Major Grants, and Exciting Summer Camps in 2025 Update

Hello, Panola College community! It's Monday, July 21, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
First up, we're thrilled to announce that Panola College has been recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to student access and success, placing us among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. Notably, we're one of only eight community colleges in Texas to receive this honor, and the sole recipient in East Texas. This recognition underscores our dedication to providing meaningful pathways for our students, leading to educational attainment and strong workforce outcomes.
In enrollment news, Panola College achieved a historic milestone this spring with a record-breaking 2,573 students enrolled—the highest spring enrollment in our 78-year history. This growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. We've expanded our offerings, including the opening of the state-of-the-art Matthews Foundation Energy Building and the introduction of new occupational skills awards, all aimed at equipping our students with the skills needed to succeed in their careers and beyond.
On the funding front, Panola College has been awarded a $125,000 College Readiness and Success Models Grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This grant supports our ongoing efforts to improve developmental education and implement innovative initiatives aimed at increasing student success. With these funds, we've expanded our Texas Success Initiative boot camp program to offer both online and self-paced options, allowing students to prepare for the TSI at their own pace. Additionally, the grant supports a scholarship program using Multiple Measures Assessment to provide a more holistic path to college readiness and academic success.
Looking ahead, Panola College is offering a variety of fun-filled summer camps for children ages five and up. Whether your child is interested in art, sports, or science, there's something for everyone. Camps include Art Adventure from July 8 to 10, Robotics from July 15 to 17, Computer Programming on July 22 and 23, Glam Camp on July 24, and Bakeology from July 29 to 31. For more details and registration, visit panola.edu/community and click on the "Summer Camps for Kids" tab.
In other news, construction continues on our new technology building at the Carthage campus. Despite recent weather delays, the project is progressing, with completion now expected in June 2024. This $14.9 million facility will house a welding lab, engines and compression lab, shops, and classrooms for many of our technical and trades programs, providing state-of-the-art resources for our students.
Additionally, H-E-B Grocery Company has generously donated $6,000 to Panola College's emergency aid program. Established in 2021, this program assists students facing unexpected emergencies that could hinder their education. The funds will help support students with needs such as gas, medical expenses, food, clothing, and transportation issues, ensuring they can continue their academic journeys without interruption.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening at Panola College. Remember to check our website and social media channels for the latest information. Have a great day!

Panola College News: SFA Partnership, Carnegie Honor, Summer Camps, Grants Boost Nursing & Tech, and Emergency Aid Support

Good morning, Panola College! It's Monday, July 14, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
First up, we're excited to announce a new partnership between Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University. This agreement emphasizes the importance of earning an associate degree before transferring to a four-year university. Students who complete their associate degree at Panola will qualify for an additional scholarship when transferring to SFA. The partnership also offers guaranteed admission, up to 90 transferable credit hours, personalized academic advising, and special recruitment events to ease the transition. This collaboration is a significant investment in our students' futures.
In other news, Panola College has been recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This prestigious designation places us among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. It reflects our commitment to student success and preparing our students for meaningful careers.
Looking ahead, our summer camps for kids are in full swing. This week, from July 15 to 17, we have the Robotics camp, followed by Computer Programming on July 22 and 23, Glam Camp on July 24, and Bakeology from July 29 to 31. These camps offer a perfect mix of learning and fun for children ages five and up. For more information and to register, visit panola.edu/community and click on the "Summer Camps for Kids" tab.
On the construction front, work continues on our new technology building. The $14.9 million project includes 32,000 square feet of indoor space and a 25,000 square foot working yard, housing a welding lab, engines and compression lab, shops, and classrooms for many of our technical and trades programs. Despite some weather delays, crews are working diligently to complete the project.
In our nursing program, we've received a $255,633 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Nursing Shortage Reduction Program. This funding will allow us to provide a second spring entry for students applying for the LVN-RN one-year transition track, offering more students the chance to advance their nursing education and address the nursing shortage in Texas.
Additionally, we've been awarded a $279,280 Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) grant to advance four key health science programs. This funding will help us offer specialized training and develop Occupational Skills Awards in remote patient monitoring, benefiting both our students and the East Texas community.
Finally, a big thank you to H-E-B Grocery Company for their generous donation of $6,000 to our emergency aid program. This support will help students experiencing unexpected emergencies that could prevent them from completing their education.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening at Panola College.