BRENDA ALLUMS TO RETIRE 

Long time journalism instructor, cheerleading and Circle K International (CKI) sponsor, Brenda Allums has announced her intention to retire from Panola College effective May 16. 

Allums, a former Panola Junior College (PJC) student and charter member of the Ponyaids Drill Team, returned to her alma mater in 1978 as Director of Public Information and journalism instructor. From her first day, she has always strived for excellence in all of her endeavors. 

As journalism instructor, Allums continues to instruct classes in Mass Communication, News Photography, Editing and Layout, News Editing and Copy Reading, and News Gathering and Writing.  

Her students are responsible for printing the College newspaper, The Pony Express. It is written and edited by students in the journalism classes and is published regularly throughout the year. Many of her students have won editorial awards and scholarships through the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association.  

Allums was later given the additional responsibility of instructing the Panola College Cheerleading Squad. She created one of the strongest junior college programs in the country.   

Her 1985-1986 squad – Laurie Biggs, Lisa Dickerson, Sandi Hamilton, Susan Hughes, Lisa Mize, Sandi Owens, Karen Ross and Robin Wilson – were judged the number one women’s squad in the nation. Under her tutelage, Panola College cheerleaders earned national recognition and were ranked as one of the top ten teams in the nation during 14 of her 21 years. Allums’ squads consistently earned “Superior” ratings at cheerleading camps.  Her most recent success was when Panola co-ed squads earned 3^rd and 5^th place rankings at the Universal Cheerleading Association Nationals in Orlando.  

Allums also helped former students Berri O’Neal, Beje Fort and Kendra Smith to earn the title of  “All-American Mascot.” 

“One of the things that has impressed me the most about Brenda is her ability to develop excellence in a program.   Year after year I watched her take a diverse group of cheerleaders--all women, women and men mixed, with a mascot, without a mascot--and produce a nationally ranked squad,” said Panola Instructor Bill O'Neal.  

“When she decided to create a Circle K International (CKI) chapter on our campus, immediately she produced one of the best chapters in the state.  Brenda Allums teaches students what it takes to achieve excellence,” said O’Neal. 

Over the years, students participating in CKI earned local, regional and national recognition. When asked to elaborate about his experiences, CKI President Marc Wilson stated, “Mrs. A has been the true backbone of CKI. Without her, CKI would never have been the successful organization that it is today. She is not only a wonderful teacher and an excellent advisor, but over the past two years she has become one of my best friends and confidant. She has been, and still is a great leader not only at Panola but in the community as well. I will definitely miss seeing her smiling face on a daily basis. But I know we will keep in touch and I wish her the best.” 

The result of Allum’s hard work is evident not only in the display cases that barely contain the numerous trophies and awards that her students have garnered over the years, but also in the lives of the students she has touched. Some students followed her lead and became cheerleading instructors with national cheerleading organizations. Others pursued careers in journalism and the media. As CKI sponsor, she taught her students the importance of compassion and the need to help those who are less fortunate. A lesson that will reap benefits for many across our community for decades to come.  

“Professor Allums' energy and commitment to students has been impressive.  In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Professor Allums has been an outstanding sponsor of Circle K International and the Panola College Cheerleaders,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College. 

She is married to Wayne Allums, controller for Panola College. She earned her Certificate of Graduation from Panola College, a B.S. in Journalism at SFA and completed her Masters degree at the University of Texas at Tyler. She is a member and former President of the Kiwanis Club of Carthage. She is also a long time supporter of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce.