Paris Junior College’s annual course retention rate remains strong, according to an annual update provided to the Board of Regents at their monthly meeting Monday, June 28.
The report for the fall and spring 2020 semesters shows that, despite a pandemic, the institutional retention rate was 94 percent.
“This report shows how many students remained in the course and didn’t drop,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.
In other business, the Regents:
• Received the monthly finance report from Controller Cody Helm showing that revenue continues to be above expenditures. Though not finalized, initial review shows that PJC has lost about $2.7 million in revenues since the pandemic began.
• Heard a report on Summer term enrollment showing contact hours are up 2.53 percent, though head count is down 8.97 percent. One factor changing the head count is an adjustment to the vocational nursing program, where students are in one longer term instead of two shorter terms.
• Learned the U.S. Department of Labor has granted a certificate for an apprenticeship program to train industrial maintenance technicians in Greenville, a process delayed for more than a year due to the pandemic. The program is funded through the Texas Workforce Commission, and only reporting details need to be finalized.
• Accepted the employment of Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach and Kinesiology Instructor Fernando Arellano, Associate Degree Nursing Instructor Christy Armes, Economics Instructor Benjamin Burden, Chemistry Instructor Lisa Shelton, and Student Success Coach Savannah Wood, and the resignations of SBDC Business Recovery Advisor Tiffany Franzoni, PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Assistant Director Iris Gutierrez, and Student Success Coach and Financial Aid Advisor Angela Martinez.
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.