Since rapid change has been characteristic of the 20^th century, perhaps people are even more acutely aware of change as we close the millennium. Both societal and technological innovations have made it more difficult for institutions of higher learning to hold fast to traditional patterns. Panola College is facing the exciting task of keeping ahead of change.

In just over 50 years, Panola College has grown both in size and in the scope of services it offers to students and the community. The school, which was established in 1947, was created to provide young people with the opportunity to earn the first two years of a traditional baccalaureate degree. The services offered by the college have expanded greatly to meet community needs, providing a wide range of educational and training opportunities to citizens of all ages.

The college began operating in temporary buildings before the first two permanent buildings were erected in 1949. A 35-acre campus at the junction of Texas State Highway 315 and U.S. 79 in Carthage has been the school's home since its inception. There are now 16 permanent buildings with more than 135 acres available for expansion in the coming century.

In addition to a comprehensive community college in Carthage, the school offers a variety of instructional opportunities in a four-county service area including Harrison, Marion, and Shelby Counties. These three counties became part of the college's official service area by legislative act in 1995.Enrollment at the college has grown from fewer than 100 students at the first registration in of the school's vision statement: "Panola College seeks quality in its instructional programs, quality in its student services, and quality in its service to the community. We seek to become the school of first choice in our region for those seeking transfer to senior colleges and universities, those preparing for the job market, and those pursuing career advancement or self-fulfillment through continuing education. The college seeks to become a leader in the economic development and cultural enrichment of the region."

(Thanks to The Panola Watchman insert (2000) for this information.)

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03/21/05