Panola College was established in 1947, and began operations in January 1948. The first permanent buildings were erected in 1949.

Panola College shapes its mission around the needs of the people within its service area since its inception. As a two-year, public community institution, Panola College is dedicated to providing excellence in education for its components. Panola College offers quality instructional programs for those individuals who are interested in academic transfer, vocational/technical fields, developmental studies, workforce training and continuing education. Our excellent faculty provide personal assistance to students in a caring environment. An outstanding array of distance learning courses are also available.

Students who are unable to attend class on campus, or who have tight schedules, may find it easier to enroll in one of Panola College's distance education courses. Currently, this Texas college offers online degree programs in general business, nursing, teaching, and office systems technology. These online programs are flexible, interactive, student centered, and are taught by highly qualified, experienced faculty. Panola College has an active Distance Learning Department offering a variety of both Internet and Instructional Television (ITV) courses. Students interact with their teacher and classmates via web discussion forums, e-mail, chat sessions, and phone calls. If the course is hybrid, then there are face-to-face meetings.

The Panola College offers following degrees: Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts in Teaching, and Associate of Applied Science. Certificates are available in technical areas.

Panola College is accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCC). The school is state accredited.