Wood Earns National Certification - November 4, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

Panola College is proud to announce that Laura Wood, Director of the Marshall Center and the Adult Basic Education Program, has successfully completed an intensive two-year training program and is now a Certified Manager in Program Improvement (CMPI). This national certification is the first of its kind in the adult education and literacy field and signifies her as a member of an elite group of professional managers. Strong, professional leadership is critical to program improvement and high quality adult education and literacy services. That is why the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC) and ProLiteracy joined forces to develop the Leadership Excellence Academies (LEA) training initiative. Texas is one of only ten states that have adult educators who have achieved this certification status.

The graduation ceremony for the first cohort of nineteen LEA participants was held on Wednesday, July 15 at The Summer Administrators’ Institute in Salado, Texas. The keynote speaker was Dr. Phil Cochran from the Texas Education Agency. A national recognition event in their honor will be held at the joint COABE/ProLiteracy conference in March 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

“We at Panola College are proud to have Mrs. Wood as one of the first CMPI’s in the nation. We recognize her individual achievement and commitment to continuous improvement and to providing the highest quality educational services to the adult learners in our community,” said Dr. Lillian Cook, Vice President of Instruction.

Anyone interested in furthering his/her education, whether it is completing a high school education or starting college, may contact Mrs. Wood at the Marshall Center located inside the Marshall Mall at 903-923-8207or by email at lwood@panola.edu.

King Donates Loblolly Collection to College - November 4, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

Mr. Lincoln King, longtime educator at Gary High School and creator and sponsor of the Loblolly magazine, along with his wife Mary Nell King recently donated their collection of Loblolly magazines and books to the Panola College M. P. Baker Library. Issues of the magazine from 1973-2003 were received in addition to an index (1973-1995) created by Gary High School students.

In addition to copies of the Loblolly, the Kings also contributed a movie script created about the Loblolly project, a binder containing correspondence concerning the publications, a CD with a recorded song written about Mr. King, and a model of the Japanese battleship “ISE,” which was sunk at Kure, Japan in July 1945, by John Searcy of Beckville, TX. A description of the attack, as described by the veteran pilot was included in the Loblolly book, Their Finest Hour.

Photo (L to R) Cristie Ferguson, Librarian, Sherri Baker, Librarian, Zeny Jett, Library Director, and Lincoln King

Panola College CNA Class Pass State Exam - November 3, 2009
Submitted by Judy Lee, RN, BSN, Certified Nurse Aide Coordinator

Panola College Certified Nurse Aide Class PASS state exam! Congratulations to the following students for a job well done.

Jeane O. Taylor, LVN, Instructor, Kim Deal, Elizabeth Hancock, Nola Brewer, A'Leena Busch, Cathy Pruitt, Corcitra Phillips, Reyna Santana, Gabriell Arndt.

Thanks to Holiday Nursing Home for allowing our participation at their facility.

M.P. Baker Library to Host “Meet Your Leaders” - October 28, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

On Thursday, November 5, 2009 the Panola College M.P. Baker Library, along with Professor Brian Naples and students from his government classes will host “Meet Your Leaders.” The event will be held in room 106 of the Library and will begin at 9:30 a.m. The program will feature Carthage Mayor, Carson Joines; Carthage City Manager, Brenda Sanford; and Texas State Senator for District One, Kevin Eltife. These elected officials will share their insights about governance and how it applies to their respective office. The program is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come meet their leaders.

Panola College Offers Basic Bread Making - October 28, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

The Panola College Workforce and Economic Development Department is offering a wonderful yeast and sour dough bread making class just in time for your holiday baking. ‘Basic Bread Making’ will be taught November 10, from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. The cost of this class is $25.00 and Cyndi Rutherford will be the instructor. Enrollment is limited. For more information or to register, call 903-693-1193 or email CE@panola.edu.

The Panola College Theatre will perform the fun-filled musical Monky Business, October 29, 30, and 31. The show will begin at 7:00 pm in the Panola College Studio Theatre.

The monks of St. Bernard’s monastery are in a jam. They have learned that a real estate developer is going to turn their monastery into a gambling hall called Bernie’s Casino Royale. The monks must raise $250,000 by midnight or they’re done for. But, unbeknownst to them, one of the monks is out to sabotage their plans.

The show stars sophomores Justin Mosher from Wills Point High School, Dakota Fugate from Gilmer High School, and Darrien Bryant from Logansport High School, and freshmen Jeremy Vos from Neches High School, and Mark Mulcady from Henderson. Appearing as voices over the speaker system are Kenney Manning of Longview’s Pine Tree High School and Call Callens of Laneville High School.

When asked to describe the musical, Professor Clay Grizzle smiled and responded, “The show incorporates a poisoned venison-and-whipped-cream pie, a radio mystery, a ventriloquist act, an Abbott-and-Costello inspired routine about faith, a minor miracle, plenty of great hummable songs, and fun dance numbers all combine in a crazy quilt of monks, mayhem, and merriment. It promises to be a lot of fun for our students and the audience.”

Monky Business will be performed on October 29, 30, and 31 in the Panola Studio Theatre. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information contact Clay Grizzle, Professor of Theatre at 903-693-2064 or by e-mail at cgrizzle@panola.edu.

Photo: (L to R) Dakota Fugate, Darrien Bryant, Mark Mulcady, Justin Mosher, and Jeremy Vos.

Panola College Business Office Receives 15th Consecutive Award for Excellence - October 21, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

The Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Panola College by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual(s), department or agency designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. This has been presented to Mr. Steve Williams, CPA, Vice President of Fiscal Services and the Panola College Business Office staff.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C.

Picture: (L to R) - Steve Williams, Karie Lindsay, Connie Hockett, Christina Lambright, Kathy Thames, Kasi Palmer, Mike Edens, Ruth Brooks. (Not Shown – Denise Welch and Shannon Baker)

The Panola College Workforce and Economic Department announces a new class – Buy and Sell the eBay® Way. Learn to use eBay® to rid yourself of those stored away items that clutter your closets, make money for vacation, Christmas, or just to make ends meet. Basic computer skills are required. The classes will be held on Mondays, November 2, 9, and 16 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Panola College Carthage campus. The instructor is Tina Duncan, and the cost is $45.00. Class enrollment is limited. For more information and to register, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-1193 or e-mail ce@panola.edu.

Learn to Make Deer Sausage and Jerky - October 15, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

The Panola College Office of Workforce and Economic Development announces a class just in time for deer season. Everyone who plans to tag a deer this season should sign up for a course to learn how to make deer sausage and jerky. Cyndi Rutherford will instruct students in making the best deer sausage and jerky in the county. The class will meet Tuesday, October 27 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and will cost $25.00. Space is limited so call early. For more information and to register contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067 or e-mail ce@panola.edu.

Panola Named One of Nation’s Top Digital Community Colleges - October 15, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

Panola College has been declared Number One in the fifth national Digital Community Colleges Survey by the Center of Digital Education and Converge magazine.

The Digital Community Colleges Survey identifies and spotlights colleges that provide high level technology ranging from online registration, distance learning, advisory services, to technology training for students and faculty. Other considerations include Web 2.0 social and collaborative capabilities and the institution’s website now based on Joomla content management system.

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center, stated in the press release that the winners are “First Digitals” that foster collaboration in learning by using tools students are familiar with.

“Panola has placed in the top ten in every survey since it began in 2001, but this is our first time to be number one. Last year we were fourth.” stated Ann Morris, Dean of Distance Education and Information Technology. “The survey is more challenging each year. All responses must be proved in the survey.”

Community colleges were placed in three categories based on size of enrollment for the 2008-09 academic year. At the survey’s conclusion, the top 10 in each of the three categories were named. Whether large or small, the winners reflect the year’s “First Digitals” that are exceptional examples of investing in the future.

President of Panola College, Dr. Gregory Powell, stated, “Panola College has a commitment to excellence in all that we do. With more than sixty percent of our students taking Distance Learning classes, cutting-edge technology is important at Panola College. This recognition as the number one community college in the nation is extremely gratifying.”

The award represents to the public the dedication and talents of many people. “Panola College is fortunate to have the leadership in the Board, President Powell and Dr. Lillian Cook, Vice President of Instruction, to keep us moving forward in our use of technology to serve our students, faculty, and staff,” stated Morris. “Of course, I have to personally name my IT department, Allen West, director of information technology services, Bill Kruger, network administrator, Ray McGrede, computer technician, and Jason Cook, database administrator/programmer. They do the work to make the technology work for us.”

Most of the College’s classrooms are equipped with technology, such as computers, LCD projectors, ELMO’s, DVD players, Interactive Television, or electronic boards which record data that can be uploaded to the professor’s website. Clickers, a type of game technology, and high tech mannequin simulators are used in the nursing programs to improve student learning. Most professors use WebCT, course management software, to teach online courses or to enhance face-to-face courses.

The Center for Digital Education is a division of e.Republic, a national research and advisory institute that conducts national studies that serve as benchmarks for excellence in Information Technology applications and initiatives.

Photo: (L to R) Dr. Gregory Powell, Dr. Lillian Cook, Mrs. Ann Morris, and Mr. Allen West

Panola College Offering 'Wrapping it up!!!' - October 15, 2009
Submitted by Sarah Madden

Learn to make the perfect bow! Make those Christmas presents look professional and make bows for your Christmas decorations.

The cost is $25.00 and the class dates are December 1st at Panola College on Carthage Campus, Carthage, Texas or December 3rd at the Shelby College Center in Center, Texas. Class times for both are from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Instructor is Sarah Madden.

Luminant Strengthens College Foundation - October 8, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

On Monday, October 5 Mr. Rick Hanning, Luminant Community Relations Manager, presented Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement, with a $1,000 check for the Panola College Foundation’s Sustainers Group. “We are grateful to Mr. Hanning and Luminant for this gift,” said Patterson. “The Foundation is in the process of building an endowment to support the future needs of Panola College, and this gift will boost it’s ability to provide long-term financial assistance to the College.” Luminant is a competitive power generation business, including mining, wholesale marketing and trading, construction and development operations. Luminant has over 18,300 megawatts of generation in Texas, including 2,300 megawatts of nuclear and 5,800 megawatts of coal-fueled generation capacity. Luminant is also the largest purchaser of wind-generated electricity in Texas and fifth largest in the United States.

Picture (L to R): Van Patterson and Rick Hanning

Panola College Offers Aromatherapy - October 5, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

The Office of Workforce and Economic Development announces an Aromatherapy class. The instructor, Dr. Barbara Cordell RN, is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner. Students will learn to make lotions and soaps using essential oils and learn clinical application for use on self and family. The class will be held at the Health Science Center of the Panola College Carthage campus on Mondays, October 19, 26, & November 2. Cost will be $69.00 and will include samples of various oils. Class time will be from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, contact the Continuing Education Office at 903-693-1193 or e-mail us at ce@panola.edu.

College Receives New Yamaha Grand Piano - October 2, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

The Community Room of the M. P. Baker Library of Panola College is now the home of a new grand piano which arrived on Wednesday, September 30. This Yamaha grand is given in honor of Myrna Hook who served the College as piano and voice instructor from 1959 – 1989. The Carthage Music Club, an affiliate of the National Federated Music Club and the Texas Federated Music Club, led the community in raising the funds to provide this instrument to the College. The formal piano dedication will be held on November 1.

Photo (L to R) – Carthage Music Club members Carolyn Reid, Dr. Lillian Cook, and Joyce Hughes stand with Dr. Gregory Powell and Freddy Mason behind the new piano.

Deadline to Enter Nursing Program Approaching - October 2, 2009
Submitted by Van Patterson

The deadline to apply for the Panola College Vocational Nursing Program in Center, Texas is October 15. Prospective students must be able to complete BIOL 2404 and a CNA class by January 18 in order to apply to apply by October 15th. The Vocational Nursing program in Center is limited to 40 students. There is a need for trained licensed vocational nurses with many jobs available in area the in nursing homes and hospitals that pay from $10 to $18 per hour.

Panola College offers a variety of different scheduling opportunities each semester for our diverse population. Beginning Oct. 1 students can enroll online or in the Student Success Center for Fall 2009 Flex Classes. Classes begin Oct. 19 and end on Dec. 10. For additional information please call 903-693-2032 or visit the Panola College website at www.panola.edu.

2009 Fall Flex Classes

Classes Offered:
ARTS 1301 – Art Appreciation
MUSI 1306 – Music Appreciation

Petroleum/Welding Classes:
OSHT 1301 – Intro to Safety & Health
PSYT 1329 – Interviewing & Communication Skills
WLDG 1202 – Fundamentals of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
WLDG 1428 – Intro to Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Also, students interested in Health professions may choose to take Nurse Aide (CNA). This class will begin Oct. 26 and end Nov. 19. A second CNA class will begin Nov. 9 and end Dec. 8.

Panola CNA Class Passes State Exam - September 29, 2009
Submitted by Judy Lee

Another Panola College Certified Nurse Aide Class PASS state exam! The following students successfully passed their skills and written TDADS state exam on September 22nd.

Jordan Franks, Rebekah Eaves, Rachel Eaves, Alyssa Powell, Shanekka
Wilson, Laura Casey, LVN, Instructor, Janice Porter, Teresa Cunningham.
Not pictured: Judy Lee, RN, CNA Director/Coordinator.

Congratulations to these new Certified Nurse Aides for a job well done ! Thanks to Holiday Nursing Home and all the residents for allowing the students to have clinicals at their facility.

Mr. Mike Milliorn, Chevron Operations Supervisor, presents Dr. Gregory Powell, president of Panola College with a $10,000 donation. The gift will be used to fund four $2,500 scholarships to be awarded in the spring. Dr. Powell responded, “We appreciate Chevron for their continuing financial support. These generous scholarships will benefit our community by providing assistance to students with true financial need.”

Photo: (L to R) Dr. Gregory Powell, Mr. Mike Milliorn