Olin Joffrion, Jr. and Charley Schelhouse named 2025 Alumni of the Year

The Panola College Alumni Association is honored to announce the recipients of this year’s Alumnus of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year awards: Olin Joffrion, Jr. and Charley Schelhouse. Both individuals will be featured speakers at the College’s upcoming commencement ceremonies on May 8.

Olin Joffrion, Jr. – Alumnus of the Year

Olin Joffrion, Jr., originally from Paincourtville, La., and raised in Carthage, is being honored as the Panola College Alumnus of the Year. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1975 and earned his associate degree from Panola College in 1977. After marrying his high school sweetheart, the former Tresa Woods, he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979.

After beginning his career in insurance adjusting, Joffrion returned to Carthage in 1982 to open an insurance agency and later began selling real estate. Following the death of his father in 1987, he took on the management of his father’s oil and gas investments, which ultimately led to his own involvement in the oil and gas industry. In 2004, he co-founded Fairplay Exploration Company, which focuses on leasing and developing mineral acreage in Panola County.

Joffrion has been a dedicated community leader, serving on numerous church, civic, regional, and state boards. Notably, he was elected to the Carthage City Commission in 1987 at the age of 29, and has since held roles as Commissioner, Mayor Pro Tem, and currently, Mayor.

Joffrion and his wife have two children and seven grandchildren, and they are looking forward to spending time with their family in the years ahead.

Charley Schelhouse – Young Alumnus of the Year

Charley Schelhouse, a 2009 graduate of Panola College, is being honored as the Young Alumnus of the Year. His journey began in Carthage, where he attended Panola College after high school. The College’s flexible schedule and hands-on training were key to his development, allowing him to gain real-world experience while still in school. The connections he made have played a significant role in his career, with many of those relationships evolving into lifelong professional partnerships.

After graduation, Schelhouse was immediately hired by Chevron through a hiring event hosted by the College. Over the past 16 years, he has built a successful career in the oil and gas industry, working in upstream drilling, completions, and well intervention. Throughout his career, he has taken on increasing levels of responsibility, contributing to complex projects focused on operational efficiency and safety.

Currently, Schelhouse works as a Cementing Subject Matter Expert for Chevron’s Midcontinent Business Unit. He resides in Needville, Texas, with his wife Pamela and their three sons. Outside of work, Charley enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and volunteering in his local youth baseball community.

The Panola College Alumni Association congratulates Olin Joffrion, Jr. and Charley Schelhouse for their exceptional accomplishments and their ongoing dedication to their communities and careers. Both individuals will be celebrated and presented with awards at the May 8 commencement ceremonies, where they will share their inspiring journeys with graduates, families, and friends.