Donna Kushner appointed as Director of Show Choir

Panola College is proud to announce the appointment of Donna Kushner as the College’s new Professor of Music/Director of Show Choir. A graduate of Carthage High School and an alumna of Panola College, Kushner brings extensive experience in music education and vocal performance to the role.

Most recently, Kushner served at Center Independent School District, where she served as theatre director, One Act Play director, and professional communications teacher, continuing her work in music and theatre education while mentoring students in both vocal performance and stage production.

For five years, Kushner served as a vocal music instructor at Crowder College. While at Crowder, she directed the choir, show choir/jazz choir, and community choir, in addition to teaching applied voice. She also taught courses in music theory, aural skills, music appreciation, and music for education majors. Kushner further served as vocal director and pit conductor for the theatre department and launched the “Brown Bag Lunch Concerts,” a series of lunchtime recitals and lectures featuring professional musicians.

Kushner earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Arts in Music History and Literature from Arizona State University.

Throughout her career, Kushner has also served students at Carthage High School, Carthage Junior High School, Tatum ISD, Laredo ISD, and other schools.

An active member of numerous professional organizations, Kushner has been involved with the Texas Educational Theatre Association for more than a decade and has participated in organizations including the American Choral Directors Association and the Carthage Music Club. She has also been featured in various publications and lectures throughout her career.

“I am thrilled to join the faculty at Panola College, one of the top community colleges in Texas,” said Kushner. “My goal is to honor and continue the strong traditions of the vocal and choral department while building an exciting future for the program. I hope the choral program will serve both Panola and the surrounding community in meaningful ways and remain a source of pride for all involved.”