M. P. Baker Library Project Progressing Well

In October 2004, the Panola College Foundation initiated the M.P. Baker Library Expansion Project. Their goal is to raise funds in support of the $2.7 million undertaking.

When complete, the expansion will add approximately 12, 400 sq. ft to the current facility, an increase of 106 percent. Plans call for adding 50 percent more shelving space, constructing new computer labs, classrooms, a multi-purpose community and lecture hall, and study rooms where students can meet and exchange ideas without disturbing other library patrons. The addition will also include an elevator, lobby, vending area, increased seating capacity and a donor wall to be located prominently in the center of the lobby.

Since October the Panola College Foundation has received gifts and pledges totaling $383,396.72. “Response from the community has been remarkable,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College. “Over the past five months, citizens from all walks of life have stepped forward with gifts ranging from $5 to $100,000. I appreciate and value each gift.”

“Local businesses have also made substantial contributions to the project,” said Powell. “Representatives have told me that they understand the importance of a high quality education and are pleased that their company’s contributions will be used to strengthen the community in which they work. Several also commented that they appreciate having a local community college that offers their employees and their dependents an affordable education”.

 “Our success is directly attributable to the generosity of those living in the communities Panola College serves and the hard working and dedicated volunteers we have been able to recruit to the Foundation over the past few years,” said Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement.  “Our current slate of officers includes Mrs. Patricia Smith - Chair, Mr. David Chadwick – Vice Chair, and Dave Gorrie – Secretary.  Other current and former Foundation Board members who have contributed their time and efforts to this project include: Mrs. Carol Vincent, Mr. Tate Barber, Mrs. Glenndell Chadwick, Mr. John William Cooke, Mrs. Brenda Giles, Mr. Mike Parker, Mrs. Phoebe Sue Perlman, Mr. Bobby Phillips, Mr. Philip Pool, Mr. Don Roark, Mr. Charles Thomas, Mrs. LaVerne Wall, Mrs. Fannie Watson Mr. John Cain, Mr. Bubba Clinton, Mr. J.R. Duke, Judge Ben Z. Grant, Mr. Jim Payne, Mr. Pat Jones, Mrs. Wanda Hanszen, Mr. Mark Whitaker, Mr. Sonny Whitaker, Mr. John Windham, and Mr. Bushe Morgan.”

Panola College plans to begin construction in 2006. For additional information about the M. P. Baker Library project go online to www.panola.edu/recruiting/librarycampaign/index.htm or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 903-693-2044.