Panola College Update: Record Enrollment, New SFA Partnership, Coach Change, Carnegie Honor & Student Success Initiatives

Good afternoon, Panola College! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. Currently, it's mostly sunny with a temperature of 73 degrees. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 94 degrees by 4 PM. There's a chance of thunderstorms around 5 PM, so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out later. In sports news, Men's Basketball Head Coach Joe Kuligoski has resigned after two successful seasons to join Sam Houston State University as an assistant coach. Under his leadership, the Ponies achieved a combined 56-14 record and secured the program's first Region XIV Tournament title this past season. Assistant Coach Rob Rollinson has been promoted to head coach, ensuring continuity for the team. All incoming players have reaffirmed their commitment to Panola College. Panola College has been recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, placing it among 60 community colleges nationwide celebrated for advancing student opportunity and achievement. This designation reflects the college's commitment to student success and workforce readiness. A new partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University has been established to support transfer students. Students who complete their associate degree at Panola College will qualify for additional scholarships at SFA, along with guaranteed admission and up to 90 transferable credit hours. This initiative aims to provide a seamless transition for students pursuing further education. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded Panola College a $125,000 grant to enhance college readiness and student success. The funds will support initiatives like expanding the Texas Success Initiative boot camp program and rebranding the tutoring lab as the Resource Center, offering comprehensive academic support. The college has achieved a historic milestone with a total of 2,573 students enrolled for the Spring 2025 semester, marking the highest spring enrollment in its 78-year history. This growth reflects the dedication of faculty and staff in providing quality education and expanding opportunities for students. Congratulations to the recipients of the Academic Excellence Awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. These awards recognize students who have excelled academically across various fields of study. A full list of awardees is available on the Panola College website. That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a great day, Panola College!