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!