Panola College appoints Katie Ferris as Director of Admissions

Panola College is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Ferris as Director of Admissions. Ferris has served Panola College for more than five years as a recruiter, academic advisor, and adjunct criminal justice instructor, bringing experience in student recruitment, enrollment, advising, and student success to her new role.

Since joining Panola College in 2021, Ferris has worked with prospective, incoming, and current students throughout the enrollment process. As a recruiter, she represented the College at high schools, college fairs, community events, and campus visits while building relationships with students, parents, school counselors, and community partners. In her role as an academic advisor, she has assisted students with admissions requirements, degree planning, transfer opportunities, registration, academic progress, and career pathways.

Since Fall 2024, Ferris has also served as an adjunct criminal justice instructor at Panola College, providing her with additional experience supporting students from the classroom. Throughout her time at the College, she has worked closely with faculty, staff, and administrators on initiatives supporting student retention, persistence, and completion.

Prior to joining Panola College, Ferris spent nine years at Karnack I.S.D. as an administrative assistant and district PEIMS coordinator. In that role, she managed student enrollment and records, maintained district-wide student data, and helped ensure compliance with Texas Education Agency reporting requirements.

As Director of Admissions, Ferris will lead the College’s admissions efforts and work to provide prospective and incoming students with a welcoming and seamless experience as they begin their journey at Panola College.

Ferris holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She also holds associate degrees in criminal justice from Tyler Junior College and the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as Director of Admissions at Panola College,” said Ferris. “Admissions is the first step in a student’s journey toward graduation, and our goal is to make that step as easy and seamless as possible. I’m excited to lead our team as we work to break down barriers, simplify the admissions process, and ensure every student feels welcomed and supported from the very beginning. Panola means so much to me, and I’m proud to continue serving our students and community in this new role.”