The Dr. Gregory S. Powell Scholarship was established by the Panola College Foundation and friends upon the retirement of Dr. Gregory Powell and in honor of his remarkable 24-year journey of tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the mission and values of Panola College during his time as president. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving Panola College student.
Dr. Powell assumed the role of President at Panola College in June of 2000, and throughout his tenure, he has guided the institution to unprecedented heights of achievement and success. Under his leadership, the Chronicle of Higher Education has consistently recognized Panola College to the honor roll as a Great College to Work For 12 consecutive years in all 10 possible categories.
His dynamic leadership is evident through remarkable achievements, including a substantial increase in enrollment from 1,400 to 2,800 students. During his tenure, he has awarded an impressive 10,500 degrees and certificates, reinforcing Panola College’s vital role in the community.
Dr. Powell spearheaded significant campus expansions throughout his tenure, including student housing, the library, the student center, a science building, a music building, and energy buildings. In addition, he renovated buildings such as the Monk Building, W.C. Smith Building, and Merle Glass Building. The renovated and newly erected buildings provide students with state-of-the-art facilities that are conducive to learning and personal growth.
His fiscal stewardship ensured the College’s long-term financial stability and growth. According to the 2022 State of Texas’ Composite Financial Index, Panola College is considered the healthiest financially out of all Texas community college districts.
Dr. Powell’s career in higher education began at Texas State University as an interim government professor. He recalled how he felt after his first lecture to more than 130 students, “I remembered walking out of that first class thinking, ‘I cannot believe people get paid to stand up here and talk about politics and government.’ I knew then that education was what I wanted to do.”
His passion for teaching and leadership roles led him to Kilgore College and Middle Georgia College before becoming Panola College’s longest-tenured president.
For his advocacy of higher education in multiple areas, Dr. Powell has received state, regional, and national awards. In addition to his accolades in higher education, he was actively engaged with the community as a Panola County Chamber of Commerce member, which honored him with the 2012 Citizen of the Year Award, Panola County Rotary Club, and Panola County Industrial Development Foundation. He was also named Stephen F. Austin Alumni of the Year in 2013.
Dr. Powell's retirement in August 2024 marked a significant moment in the history of Panola College, as the institution celebrates a transformative leader whose dedication to educational excellence has inspired and empowered generations of students.