IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES--IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES 

On January 31, it became official. Panola College’s spring enrollment of 1675 students shattered the previous spring enrollment record of 1638 set in 1989.  

“It was a team effort,” said Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement. “I am grateful to my staff and to members of the faculty and staff for their hard work and efforts in reaching this goal.”  

Unfortunately, about the same time the official enrollment figure was established, Panola College received notice from the state requesting that it “immediately reduce fiscal year 2003 spending by an amount equal to at least 7% of the FY03 general revenue appropriation. The request signed by Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Tom Craddick required that a preliminary plan to meet their request be submitted by February 6. 

The Governor’s request was received eight days into the new semester, long after class schedules had been set and faculty employed.  Nevertheless, Panola College moved quickly to determine from which departments the $305, 890 would be gleaned. At this time, all options are being considered to meet the state’s demand. 

When asked to comment on the situation, Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College responded, “Panola College has increased enrollment by approximately twenty percent in response to the state's call to ‘Close the Gaps’ in higher education participation. Obviously, current resources are stretched just to accommodate our increased enrollment.  The Governor's directive to return seven percent of the current year's budget will definitely reduce Panola College's capacity to meet the higher education needs of East Texas.” 

According to Dr. Reynaldo Garcia, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), “the results of implementing the requested cuts would be devastating for our colleges. It is not a decision that should be made lightly. It is a decision that should be avoided. A study commissioned by TACC and the Houston Endowment found that for every tax dollar invested in community colleges, the state realizes an $18 return. The effect of the $64 million reduction to the community college budget would mean a net loss to the state’s economy of $1.157 billion. Community colleges are part of the solution to the state’s economic troubles.”  

“Panola College will continue to work diligently to meet the needs of students. Our commitment to providing a high quality, affordable education to the citizens of East Texas will guide our decisions” said Powell. “At this time, we are calling upon our friends in Panola, Shelby, Harrison and Marion counties to contact the Governors Office (512-463-2000) or their state representatives to express their support for community colleges and the importance of properly funding the state’s education system.”