This fall semester starting August 26 at Paris Junior College is significant for a number of reasons. One hundred years ago, PJC’s first fall semester began on September 14. Special events and celebrations will be held throughout the 2024-2025 academic year to mark the anniversary. “Last chance registration” will be held August 19-22.
In addition to the over 70 certificates and degrees offered, this fall PJC has added Occupational Skills Awards (OSA) that are designed to meet specific employment needs of
the community. Students who enroll in an OSA are generally interested in upgrading job-related skills in order to enhance employment specialization. Most of these awards lead to certifications.
This fall OSAs are available in Autocad Associate, Mechanical Drafting, Certified Medication Aide, Certified Nurse Assistant, CISCO Certified Network Associate, EMT Basic, Helpdesk Support Professional, Metal Arc Welder, Network Support Professional, Phlebotomy Technician, Pipe Welder, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Stone Setting.
It is the first fall semester for the College’s ninth president, Dr. Stephen Michael Benson, who began his presidency using the phrase, “Together We Can.” He has been conducting internal listening sessions and external meetings to to gain input from as many constituents of PJC as possible to help set the College’s future course.
This fall semester also means 100 years of innovation and improvement for student success and meeting the timely needs of the residents, businesses, and economy in PJC’s five-county service area. Especially in the last 10 years, PJC has received both state and national recognition in the Guided Pathways movement.
Last December PJC was recognized as the first community college in Texas to meet all four goals of the Texas Success Center’s Texas Pathways strategy. PJC was also one of 150 community colleges – out of 1,000 – shortlisted to compete for the $1 million Aspen prize. That puts PJC in the top 15 percent of community colleges, something our students, alumni, faculty and staff and area residents may be very proud of.
To aid students in registering for fall, PJC offices will be open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, August 19-22, for “Last Chance Registration.” Offices will also be open until 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, August 26-27, to help students get their classes.
Students may register online at www.parisjc.edu/apply and email [email protected] with questions. Go to www.parisjc.edu/programs to see all the programs the College offers. For 100th anniversary events, go to www.parisjc.edu/100-events.
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.
