PANOLA COLLEGE HONORS CITIZENS

On Sunday, May 7, 2006 Panola College held a building dedication ceremony to honor leaders from Panola County who have been influential in the school’s history. The honorees included Doc Buchanan, Doc Buchanan Jr., Martha Howard and her family, Phoebe Sue Perlman, Charles Hughes, J.C. Phillips, Lawrence R. Sharp, and Dr. W.C. Smith.

The ceremony was the culmination of actions taken by the Panola College Board of Trustees earlier this year. On September 12, 2005 the Board officially recognized the accomplishments of each of these individuals by naming a building in their honor. Seven buildings, all located at the main campus, were named. They include Buchanan Hall, the Martha Howard Rodeo Arena, Charles Hughes Hall, the Phoebe Sue Perlman Student Center, J.C. Phillips Hall, Lawrence R. Sharp Hall, and the Dr. W.C. Smith Health Science Center.

“Each of these individuals has made a significant contribution to the development of Panola College,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College.  Powell stated, “The naming of these buildings helps us to share our college’s history and preserve institutional memory.  I am very pleased that the Board of Trustees chose to honor these deserving men and women in such a significant way.”

Buchanan Hall is one of the College’s new student apartment complexes. The 32 bed facility was named to honor Panola College Board Members, Mr. Doc Buchanan and Mr. Doc Buchanan, Jr. Mr. Doc Buchanan served from 1947-1977 and was one of the College’s original Board members. Mr. Doc Buchanan, Jr. was also a Trustee and served on the Board from 1977-1984. Together they contributed 37 years of combined service to the institution.

Located north of the College, the Martha Howard Rodeo Arena was named to honor the Howard family’s contributions to the Panola College Rodeo Program. Their leadership, hard work, and vision helped to ensure the creation of the College’s Rodeo Team and practice arena. Since its inception the Panola College Rodeo Team has performed extraordinarily well, bringing honor and recognition to the community.

The Phoebe Sue Perlman Student Center is located just off Bird Drive and is named in honor of Mrs. Phoebe Sue Perlman. Mrs. Perlman served the College as a language instructor beginning in 1951, when she taught students to speak French. Later in 1965 she became a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. Mrs. Perlman’s service to Panola College covers a span of thirty-one years. She served as an instructor from 1951-1955, and a Trustee from 1965-1992. Currently, Mrs. Perlman is an active member of the Panola College Foundation. Her work continues to impact the lives of generations of students. 

Charles Hughes Hall is one of the three new student apartment complexes recently constructed at the main campus. Located across from the campus police department, it offers students modern amenities including high speed internet access. The facility was named in honor of Mr. Charles Hughes. Mr. Hughes served the College from 1969-1999. He was originally hired as an English and journalism instructor. During his thirty years with the College he served in numerous capacities including Academic Dean and Interim President. Mr. Hughes retired in 1999 as the Vice President of Instruction.

J.C. Phillips Hall is one of the three new apartment complexes recently constructed. J.C. Phillips Hall contains eight apartments. Each apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a central living area. The complex was named in honor of Mr. J. C. Phillips. Mr. Phillips was one of the College’s seven original Board members. Mr. Phillips dedicated his time and talents to the College for 22 years, serving from 1947-1969.

Located on the southeast corner of the campus, the Lawrence R. Sharp Hall is the College’s largest residence hall. The facility was named in honor of charter faculty member, Mr. Lawrence R. Sharp. Mr. Sharp taught history and government at Panola College from 1948 to 1957. Mr. Sharp was also recognized for his devotion to ensuring that quality educational opportunities were available to all those residing in Panola County.  Mr. Sharp’s commitment to the citizens of Panola County and their children stretched from 1917 – 1959.

The Dr. W.C. Smith Health Science Center is north of the main campus and can be easily located by driving toward the tower located adjacent to the facility. The Health Science Center houses the College’s ADN, LVN, HIT, and OTA programs and was named to honor local physician, Dr. W.C. Smith. Dr. Smith was recognized for his dedication to the community and his involvement in the creation of the College’s Associate Degree Nursing and Licensed Vocational Nursing programs. Since their inception, both programs have flourished. Today the LVN program continues to prepare highly qualified graduates to enter the workforce, and the ADN program is nationally accredited and attracts students from across the region.