December 9, 2024 – At its December 2 meeting, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents welcomed a new member.
Taylor Slagle, Regional Director for Quality Care ER, is the new at-large board member. The position was formerly held by Mark Buster, whose term ended at the October meeting. At that meeting, Board of Regents President Curtis Fendley presented Buster with plaque of appreciation for his service.
The Board then approved creation of a two new horology credentials: Basic Watch Repair Certificate at 24 semester credit hours (SCH) and an Encasement Technician Occupational Skills Award at 12 SCH. Also approved was a reduction in the Vocational Nursing Certificate from 51 to 50 SCH.
Approval was also given for an easement for the City of Greenville’s Fire Administration and Training Facility, an interlocal agreement to use existing contracts of the Texas Association of Community College Business Officers member institutions, and a revised management fee for the Follett bookstore contract extension.
Regents received an update on the Quality Enhancement Plan from Government faculty Brandon Langehennig. Part of PJC’s accreditation, the plan’s goal is to improve student success by ensuring students have the basic computer skills to engage fully in PJC’s
modern learning environment. The success of students in the Learning Frameworks course increased about 1.5 percent last year.
“I’ll be glad if I can stand here next year and say we’re still making improvements,” Langehennig said.
Turning to campus improvements, the Regents approved construction of a parking lot and fire lane for the baseball field and new softball field. They also approved a contract to overhaul the campus fiber infrastructure.
The Regents approved Pyro’s Reboot Program, which will allow eligible former students to pay down their debt to $500 and have that amount forgiven if they successfully meet program requirements.
In the October meeting, the Regents amended the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar to reopen after the Winter Break on January 6, 2025, and adjust the Summer Long Term to begin on May 21, 2025. The 2025-2026 Academic Calendar was also approved.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
