Panola College Foundation awards over $100,000 in faculty and staff grants
The Panola College Foundation awarded 30 faculty and staff grants totaling $101,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, supporting projects designed to enhance student success, strengthen programs and provide new opportunities across Panola College.
The grants allow employees at Panola College to pursue high-quality, imaginative, and innovative improvement of student success, professional development opportunities, and minor program enhancements such as equipment and supply purchases.
Alease Copelin, chair of the Panola College Foundation, announced the recipients of the grants at a faculty and staff meeting on August 10 at the College.
“Each project we’re recognizing today reflects a commitment to student success,” said Copelin. “These grants are much more than equipment, travel, or technology. They represent creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continually improving the educational experience at Panola College.”
The 2026-2027 grants include funding for the following:
- Amanda Clements — Beyond the Class – Glass!
- Amanda Clements — Gallery Gear
- Kim Funderburk — Stage Lighting Workshop and Dinner Theatre Studio Lighting
- Dwaine Hubbard — The Wind – Dallas
- Carlton Jordan — Federal Reserve, Courthouse, Sixth Floor Museum, and Holocaust Museum
- Lydia Lim — Piano Marvel Software
- Penni Ratley — Curated Book Exhibits
- Cory Roberts — Professional Development and Panola College Generations Initiative
- Marcus Armstrong — Promethean Board
- Sayed Khan — Spectrometer and Chemicals/Equipment for Research
- Angela Lucas — UT Tyler Social Work Department Field Trip
- Angela Lucas — Learning Manipulatives for Expanding Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Daron McDaniel — Speak Anywhere: Mobile Presentation Initiative
- Rebecca Morris — Proto Recording Equipment
- Carrie Page — 3D Printing and Materials
- Kevin Rutherford — A&P Equipment and Models for Off-Site Locations
- Jeff Collins and Stacey Martin — Mental Performance Coaching for Rodeo Athletes
- Julie Green — Life Lab Garden Update
- Miranda Hagans — Paramedic Student Success Project
- Denetra McDaniel — Construction Supervision Equipment and Tools
- Patti Redmon — Red Light Therapy Bags for Carthage and Center
- Bobbie Smith — Japanese Head Spa Equipment
- Lori Ballard — Promise Program Digital Display Device
- Reanna Hart — FAFSA on the Go: Mobile Display Devices
- Annissa Jackson — Digital Kiosks for Display and Wayfinding
- Kade Lindsay — New Camera and Lens Kit for Campus Engagement
- Katie Ferris and Molly Skeen — Student Success Toolkit Printing and Distribution
The grants represent the Foundation’s continued commitment to investing in the people, programs, and resources that directly contribute to the Panola College student experience.