81R9176 JNC-D By: Hopson H.R. No. 684 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Panola College nursing programs have enhanced the lives of countless northeast Texans by providing exceptional nursing education for thousands of students; and WHEREAS, Located in Carthage, Panola College established its Licensed Vocational Nursing Program in 1972 and its Associate Degree Nursing Program in 1994; through the years, more than 2,000 people have graduated with nursing degrees; and WHEREAS, The outstanding curriculum and instruction provided by the institution is evidenced by a 90 percent first-time licensing exam passing rate for graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing Program; in addition, both programs have earned accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; and WHEREAS, Progressive and future-oriented, Panola College anticipates student needs, and it is only the second school in Texas to offer a complete RN program online; and WHEREAS, The college emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of nursing as well as academic requirements; students have provided health screening and primary health care provider referral services to approximately 1,200 people at annual Panola County health fairs and participated in trips to Belize, bringing basic health services to that country's most remote villages; and WHEREAS, To better serve students, Panola College has used grants from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for innovation in nursing education to increase both graduation rates and opportunities for experiential learning, and it operates a new simulation lab in conjunction with East Texas Medical Center Carthage; and WHEREAS, Committed to excellence, the Panola College nursing programs are truly worthy of recognition for their academic excellence, innovation in education, and generous service to the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor the Panola College nursing programs and extend to the faculty, staff, and students sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.