PJC Starts 100th Fall Semester On August 26

This fall semester, starting August 26, at Paris Junior College is significant for a number of reasons. One hundred years ago, PJC’s first fall semester began on September 14. There will be special events and celebrations to mark the anniversary held throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. “Last chance registration” will be held August 19-22.

In addition to the over 70 certificates and degrees offered, PJC has added Occupational Skills Awards (OSA) designed to meet the community’s specific employment needs. Students who enroll in an OSA are generally interested in upgrading job-related skills to enhance employment specialization. Most of these awards lead to certifications.

This fall, OSAs are available in Autocad Associate, Mechanical Drafting, Certified Medication Aide, Certified Nurse Assistant, CISCO Certified Network Associate, EMT Basic, Helpdesk Support Professional, Metal Arc Welder, Network Support Professional, Phlebotomy Technician, Pipe Welder, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Stone Setting.

It is the first fall semester for the College’s ninth president, Dr. Stephen Michael Benson, who began his presidency using the phrase “Together We Can.” He has been conducting internal listening sessions and external meetings to gain input from as many constituents of PJC as possible to help set the College’s future course.

This fall semester also means 100 years of innovation and improvement for student success and meeting the timely needs of the residents, businesses, and economy in PJC’s five-county service area. In the last ten years, PJC has received both state and national recognition in the Guided Pathways movement.

Last December, PJC was recognized as the first community college in Texas to meet all four goals of the Texas Success Center’s Texas Pathways strategy. It was also one of 150 community colleges—out of 1,000—shortlisted to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize. That puts PJC in the top 15 percent of community colleges, something our students, alumni, faculty and staff, and area residents may be very proud of.

To help students register for the fall, PJC offices will be open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, August 19-22, for “Last Chance Registration.” Offices will also be open until 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, August 26-27, to help students get their classes.

Students may register online at www.parisjc.edu/apply and email [email protected] with questions. Go to www.parisjc.edu/programs to see all the programs the College offers. For 100th anniversary events, go to www.parisjc.edu/100-events.