"The future looks bright, and Panola Junior College is eagerly looking forward to the years to come." - The Pony Express (February 9, 1949)

In just more than 75 years, Panola College has grown in both size and in the scope of its services offered to its students and its community. The school, which was established in 1947, was created to provide young people with the opportunity to earn the first two years of a traditional baccalaureate. The services the College offers have expanded greatly to meet community needs, providing a wide range of educational and training opportunities to citizens of all ages.

The College began operating temporary buildings before the first two permanent buildings were erected in 1949. A 35-acre campus at the junction of Texas state Highway 315 and U.S. 79 in Carthage has been the school's home since its inception. There are now nineteen permanent buildings with more than 135 acres available for expansion in the coming century.

In addition to a comprehensive community college in Carthage, the school offers a variety of instructional opportunities in a four-county service area including Harrison, Marion, and Shelby counties. These three counties became part of the college's official service area by legislative act in 1995.

Enrollment at the College has grown from fewer than 100 students at the first registration in January of 1948 to over 2,600. The College provides many services which enrich the lives of individuals in the region.

In 1998 Panola College requested authority to offer distance learning classes and presently offers several distance learning degrees.

Since 2000 enrollment at Panola College has grown by more than 89 percent. Today, more than 2,700 credit students and 1,400 Workforce and Continuing Education students are enrolled in one of 56 programs of study offered through Panola College.

During the regular meeting of the Panola College Board, the trustees, in a unanimous vote, approved calling for a bond election to be held May 11, 2013. The bond passed with an overwhelming 84 percent of voters’ support.

The College’s original 35-acre campus has expanded to 48 acres through the purchase of property east and contiguous to the original campus.

Completed and ongoing construction and renovation projects include the following:

• M.P. Baker Library renovation and expansion
• New student apartments (160 additional beds) constructed
• Arthur Johnson Gymnasium renovated
• Roy Monk Building renovated
• Health and Natural Sciences Building constructed
• Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center constructed
• Smith Building renovated
• Frances B. Ross Music Building constructed
• Added additional parking, lighting, and directional signage
• Matthews Foundation Energy Building constructed
• Transportation facility constructed
• New commercial grade laundromat
• Sid Baker Turner Memorial Chapel renovated
• Added artificial turf and stadium seating at Baseball Field
• Upgraded Rodeo Facilities with new barn and stalls
• New outdoor classroom
• New performance pavilion in the Quad
• Added Frances B. Ross Millennium Clock Tower, water fountain with 1.5 size bronze Pony statue, 15 ton Floating Granite Fountain

Statement of Vision

Panola College is committed to excellence in instructional programs, student services, service to community, and leadership in economic development and cultural enrichment in the region.

Statement of Values

• Commitment to learning: We believe in the importance of lifelong learning and will teach all students to obtain, to evaluate and to use information.
• Commitment to citizenship: We are committed to improving the human condition through learning, and we strive to be a model for individuals of the community.
• Commitment to diversity: We believe the College should provide access to programs and services to a diverse community of men and women of all races, religions, origins, backgrounds, interests, and abilities.
• Commitment to the concept of global community: We will cultivate in our students an understanding of the people of all cultures of the world.
• Commitment to fiscal responsibility: We believe in fulfilling the College's mission and its obligations to its students, faculty, staff, and community at-large with policies that ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Commitment to faculty and staff: We recognize the importance and contribution of all individuals who collectively create a learning environment and believe that all members of the college community should have the opportunity to obtain purposeful, gratifying, and productive lives.
• Commitment to a quality campus environment: We recognize the importance of providing a work and learning environment which is characterized by integrity, clear communications, open exchange of ideas, involvement in decision making, and respect for all individuals.

Statement of Mission

Panola College is dedicated to providing excellence in education. The range of educational offerings includes university transfer programs, workforce programs, instruction designed to increase academic proficiencies, and continuing education to enrich lives and improve skills. Our aim is to engage students to achieve success.

 Panola College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Panola College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Panola College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).  

Panola College was reaccredited in 2020 for an additional 10 years.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is to assure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions.

Panola College Accreditation Information from SACSCOC
SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy
PC Substantive Change Policy

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Community College Financial Condition Report
Fact Book
Fall Mini Profiles
Panola Accountability Report
President's Annual Report

The Search for Our Next College President Survey

The survey period will end on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm.

Mr. Kevin Smith, Trustee – Committee Chair
Dr. Kevin Rutherford, Faculty Member, Panola Faculty Association President
Mr. Daron McDaniel, Faculty Member
Mrs. Annissa Jackson, Faculty Member
Mr. Alan Howard, Vice President of Fiscal Services
Mrs. Denise Welch, Director of Financial Aid
Mrs. Whitney McBee, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education
Mr. Jody Harris, Director of Admissions/Registrar
Ms. Kaycee McKnight, Secretary to the VP Student Services
Mrs. Toni Biggs, Panola College Foundation Chair
Mr. Lyle Harriman, Student Representative, Student Government Association Member
Dr. Greg Powell, President – Ex Officio
Mr. Jeremy Dorman, Director of Human Resources – Ex Officio

Executive Search Committee Meetings:

ESC Meeting November 14, 2023
ESC Meeting December 5, 2023
ESC Meeting January 30, 2024
ESC Meeting February 20, 2024

The Panola College Board of Trustees is proud to announce the selection of three finalists for the presidency of Panola College: Dr. Billy Adams, Dr. Jessica Pace, and Dr. Kevin Rose.

Dr. Billy Adams is currently Vice President of Instruction at Panola College in Carthage, Texas, and an adjunct history instructor at Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas. Dr. Adams previously served as Vice President of Instruction at Ranger College in Ranger, Texas, and as Pipeline Operations Specialist with TXU Pipeline. Dr. Adams earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Tarleton State University, a Master of Business Administration from Regis University, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Regis University, and an Associate of Arts from Cisco Junior College.

Dr. Jessica Pace is currently Vice President of Institutional Advancement and an adjunct faculty member at Panola College in Carthage, Texas. Dr. Pace previously served as College Store Manager at Panola College, Tech Prep Coordinator at Panola College and Kilgore College, and Territory Manager at Praxair. Dr. Pace earned a Doctor of Education in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University, a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising and Business from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Kevin Rose is currently Senior Vice President for Student Success at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Dr. Rose previously served as Vice President of Instruction at Northeast Texas Community College, Associate Vice President for Workforce Development at Northeast Texas Community College, Dean of Business, Technology, and Continuing Education at Northeast Texas Community College, and Dean of Workforce Education at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas. Dr. Rose earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Texas A&M University-Commerce, a Master of Science in Computer Science and Applied Statistics from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement and Computer Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, and an Associate of Science in Accounting and an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Northeast Texas Community College.

The Board would like to thank the college community for their continued interest and support throughout this process, along with each member of the Executive Search Committee for their exceptional work and effort.

The Panola College Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to name Dr. Jessica Pace as the sole finalist to become the 11th President and first female to lead Panola College. Dr. Pace embodies the values of excellence, integrity, and innovation, and her visionary leadership, coupled with her deep-rooted ties to the community, makes her uniquely qualified to lead the College to a future of continued growth and excellence.

“We are very proud to select Dr. Jessica Pace as the next President of Panola College,” said William Goolsby, Board of Trustees Chair. “The Board looks forward to welcoming Dr. Pace into her new role and is confident that her leadership will inspire excellence throughout the institution.”

Dr. Pace is a Carthage native who attended Panola College after graduating from Carthage High School. She holds a Doctorate in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University, a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, also from the University of North Texas. Additionally, she is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

As Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Panola College since 2014, Dr. Pace spearheaded initiatives that significantly impacted the College's growth and success. In that position, she was responsible for the Panola College Foundation, marketing, public relations, alumni, scholarships, special events, grant opportunities, and other special projects. Under her leadership, the College's endowment total surged from $3.6 million to an impressive $12 million, a testament to her strategic fundraising skills and stewardship. She was also instrumental in increasing the annual number of student scholarships from 80 to more than 600.

Notably, Dr. Pace led the fundraising efforts and implementation of groundbreaking programs such as the Panola College Promise Program, Emergency Aid Program, and emergency scholarships, which have provided invaluable support to students. Her adept management of donor relations and fundraising efforts resulted in over $5 million raised within a four-year period, fostering a culture of philanthropy and support for the College. Moreover, she developed the largest sponsor-related fundraiser, Designer Purse Bingo, that has hosted a sellout crowd over the past 12 events.

In addition to her role as Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Pace has served as an adjunct faculty member since 2011, teaching classes for both transfer and technical. Prior to her tenure in Advancement, Dr. Pace held various positions including Panola College Store Manager and Tech Prep Coordinator.

Dr. Pace's professional achievements are complemented by her extensive involvement in professional organizations and community service activities. She has served in leadership roles in national, state, and regional associations, including the Texas Association of Community College Foundations and the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. Locally, she is a member of the Carthage Rotary Club and serves as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. Additionally, she worked with the City of Carthage to design and raise funds for an all-inclusive, intergenerational park for the community, which won the 2022 Texas Municipal League Excellence Award.

Dr. Pace lives in Carthage with her husband, Michael Pace, and their two children, Sarina and Sawyer.

“As I step into the role of President, I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead Panola College forward, and feel fortunate to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Greg Powell and build upon his remarkable legacy,” said Dr. Pace. “My career has been marked by a steadfast focus on student success, working to remove barriers for students and ensure their achievement. I am extremely excited to continue serving our community and navigating the ever-changing landscape of higher education, ensuring that the College remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence.”

Under state law and Board policy, the Board must wait 21 days before officially appointing Pace to the position. The Board will officially offer the position to Dr. Pace at the April 29, 2024, Board meeting.

The Board would like to thank the college community for its continued support throughout the search process. Additionally, the Board would like to thank the Executive Search Committee for its exceptional work and effort. The Committee, which was chaired by Kevin Smith, included Dr. Kevin Rutherford, Daron McDaniel, Annissa Jackson, Alan Howard, Denise Welch, Whitney McBee, Jody Harris, Kaycee McKnight, Toni Biggs, and Lyle Harriman, a representative from Student Government Association. Dr. Greg Powell and Jeremy Dorman served as ex officio members.

THE APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED.

It is the mission of the human resources office to provide the following quality services to the employees of Panola College:

• Recruitment of qualified individuals.
• Retention of valuable employees.
• Professional development to promote individual success and increase overall value to the institution.
• A safe and healthful working environment.
• Resources for administering benefits, policies and procedures.

These services are achieved through a team-work philosophy that is inspired through effective organizational skills, proactive efforts and maintaining a balance between professionalism and a relaxed atmosphere.

Panola College is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, genetic information or veteran's status in its educational program, employment policies or activities.

It is our policy to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1967, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 (Section 503, 504); the Vietnam Era Veterans Acceptance Act of 1974; Texas Statutes 6252-14-V.A.T.S. and 6252-16-V.A.T.S.; Executive Orders 11246 and 11758; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.