Shannon Brings New Enthusiasm to
Panola College-Shelby County Centers
2/1/07
Over the past two years something exciting has been happening at the Panola College Shelby County Centers. The classrooms are full of students and new programs are being added to the curriculum. Visitors to the facility sense a new enthusiasm and camaraderie among the faculty and staff, and enrollment continues to increase. A good example is this spring’s enrollment which increased by more than 40% compared to spring 2005.
Much of the credit for these changes goes to Dr. Joe Shannon who was hired in 2004 to oversee these facilities. The programs and policies he has implemented have resulted in an education center for which the citizens of Shelby and Panola County can be proud.
“We are pleased with the work that Dr. Shannon is doing in Shelby County,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College. “He is knowledgeable of his profession, works hard, and has been able to garner the support of faculty, staff, and many citizens living in the community. The combination of these qualities has resulted in increased enrollment and the addition of new programs at the campus in Center.”
Leah Hoechten, Timpson ISD Counselor, is also pleased with the changes implemented at the Panola College-Shelby County Centers. When asked to comment she responded, “I would like to extend a special appreciation to Dr. Shannon for working with us to facilitate our students taking classes at the SRTC. This has made a major difference in the lives of these students. Dr. Shannon went above and beyond, spending extensive time and effort to make this happen for our students. Dr. Shannon has been wonderful to work with.”
Dr. Shannon has 21 years of experience in the field of education. His career began in 1986 when he was hired to develop the Coffeyville College Agronomy and Horticulture Program in Coffeyville, Kansas. Shannon worked six years as an instructor at Coffeyville before taking a position at Tyler Junior College.
In 1992 Shannon accepted the position of Chair of the Life Sciences Division at TJC where he served from 1992 to 2004. During that time he gained extensive knowledge in the development of articulation agreements, effective grant application processes, and curriculum and instructional development. During this time Shannon also attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he was pursuing a doctorial degree. In 2001 he achieved his goal and received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Human Dimension in Natural Resources. Shannon also holds Bachelor and Masters of Science Degrees from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
Dr. Shannon left TJC in 2004 to become the Associate Dean of Instruction at Panola College.
When asked to comment Dr. Shannon responded by praising the efforts of local school districts in Shelby County for supporting the Shelby Regional Training Center and Shelby College Center. “We have worked together to provide students with additional educational opportunities. Students planning to attend college can now earn more than 30 credit hours of academic credit courses while still in high school, while those who prefer to enter the workforce following graduation can complete specialized technical training by attending classes at the Shelby Regional Training Center in Electrical, Welding and Petroleum Technology Certification.”
The school districts in Shelby County that are participating in dual credit and technology certifications include Center ISD, Shelbyville ISD, Joaquin ISD, Tenaha ISD and Timpson ISD. Dr. Shannon also praised the support of Mrs. Carolyn Lawson, Administrative Secretary for Panola College-Center for 26 years of dedicated service and Ms. Dayna Fallin and Mrs. Laurie Gilchrist, campus secretaries, for going the extra mile for all students.
Dr. Shannon is married to Angela Shannon who is originally from Kansas. She is employed by AgriLand Farm Credit as a Regional Vice President in Nacogdoches, Texas. Dr. Shannon is the son of Joe and Kay Shannon of Mauriceville, Texas.