Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC Regents receive overview of training options
Truck driving is an area of high need
At their monthly meeting, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents received an overview of non-credit training options provided by the Continuing Education Department from Vice President of Workforce Education John Spradling.
In the area of workforce development, non-credit courses are divided into health, business, industry, and childcare sectors. Community service includes topics such as art, cooking, driver’s education, Kids College, and preparation for tests such as ACT/SAT or GRE. Customized training provides what a business or industry needs based on their individual requirements. JobReady offers online digital credentials that meet top-rated corporate needs in such areas as business, management, technology, career readiness, and skilled trades.
“An example of what we do is a recent request from Atmos Energy to expand truck driving training for them,” said Spradling. “We had provided similar training to them previously and COVID began to impact that. They’ve asked us to come back and provide more drivers for them. Training more truck drivers is the easiest way to impact logistics right now. As you know there are all those boats sitting off of California and the reason for that is the lack of physical trucks and operators to get in and out of the port.”
“We’re teaching truck driving in Paris, Greenville, and Sulphur Springs,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “We’re filling every class.”
In other business, the Regents:
• Recommended Ed McCraw as the College’s nominee for the Lamar County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
• Approved increasing the testing fee for the HESI A2 from $45 to $50 and for the Mobility Testing from $60 to $65. The increase defrays the increased costs PJC must pay.
• Approved a contingency fee contract with Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, PD for collection of delinquent taxes owed to the College.
• Received an overview of SACSCOC Section 5 on Administration and Organization. This continues a series of overviews on different requirements for the College to continue its accreditation.
• Reviewed 2021 performance measures that show the College met its estimates.
• Approved a report on the Safety Audit required every three years to the Texas Safety Center.
• Received the President’s Report on upcoming PJC events including a Halloween Carnival at Noyes Stadium from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Homecoming events include the President’s Reception on Friday, Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Love Civic Center.
• Accepted the employment of Educational Talent Search Advisors Regan Anderson and Madison Wells; and the resignations of Education Instructor, Dr. Marian Ellis, LVN Instructor Monica Hevron, Student Recruiter Misty McMikel, and Student Success Coach Stephanie Pinckard.
CDL TRAINING
Truck driving instructor Bryce Walker, left, is teaching a group of students to drive and maintain trucks at the PJC-Greenville Center campus.
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.
