Panola College recognized as an Opportunity College in new 2025 Carnegie Classifications

Panola College has been nationally recognized for its outstanding commitment to student access and success, earning the prestigious Opportunity College & University (OCU) designation in the newly released 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This honor places Panola College among just 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement – meaning our students benefit from greater access and higher wages upon completion.

The new classifications, released by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, reflect a modernized approach to understanding and evaluating the roles of institutions in higher education. A central feature of the update is the introduction of the Student Access and Earnings Classification, which measures how well colleges and universities serve their communities and whether their students go on to earn competitive wages after attending.

Panola College’s inclusion in the 479 institutions designated as Opportunity Colleges and Universities highlights its role as a national model for fostering student success. Notably, Panola is one of just eight community colleges in Texas to receive this distinction – and the only one in East Texas. These institutions are recognized for creating meaningful pathways that lead students not only to educational attainment but also to strong workforce outcomes.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. “This designation is a reflection of our commitment to student success and preparing our students for meaningful careers. At Panola, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals and build a better future.”