CARTHAGE, Texas (KLTV) – The Panola College Board of Trustees approved the construction of a new multi-million dollar building at their meeting Tuesday night.
The new facility will house some of the college’s most popular programs, which are currently offered in an unassuming building with limited space.
“We really need more space, and this new space will allow us to triple our number,” said Dr. Greg Powell, president of Panola College.
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The new building will have 32,000 sq. The average indoor area is 25,000 sq. The building will house a welding lab, engine and compression lab, shops and classrooms for wiring, electrical and automotive, tools, hydraulics and mechanics, along with HVAC.
That’s a big upgrade from their current building, according to Daniel Hall, chairman of the energy department.
“Anywhere from five to nine courses are being taught at the same time,” Hall said. “And that’s what this new facility will help alleviate.”
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“Right now they’re on top of each other, and the preparation is tough,” Powell said.
The new building comes at a time of growth in the academic offerings at Panola College, according to Natalie Oswalt, dean of arts, sciences, and technology.
“Our programs have grown tremendously,” he said. “When starting a petroleum program, we work with companies to see what they need and that’s how they expand to other associate degree programs and then minor certificates.”
Oswalt said the new facility will allow for other new programs.
“We will be adding other things like drone technology,” he said. “We want to offer this to our students and businesses. We work with corporate partners to be able to train. We have OSHA training that just started this year for certification, and forklift operation, and other things like that for our partners. “
Opportunities will also be provided to students to increase their employability skills.
“For my graduates in the two-year programs, we have a high rate of employment before graduation,” Hall said.
Unlimited career opportunities like Panola College create for the future.
“I’m very happy with the construction,” Powell said. “I think it will be life-changing,”
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