Dr. Andrew Fisher new director of SS Center

Published or Revised January 26, 2011

Dr. Andrew Fisher has been selected as the new director for the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center following the retirement of long-time director Linda Bennett. Dr. Fisher brings excellent qualifications in college readiness and developmental education to the PJC – Sulphur Springs Center. Fisher comes to PJC from Panola College where he served as chair of Developmental Studies and director of the Quality Enhancement Plan. The QEP is an education improvement program required for reaccreditation of all colleges by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He was also a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board — College Readiness Special Advisor, classroom professor and GED teacher. "We are very pleased to have Dr. Fisher join the staff at Paris Junior College," said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. "Dr. Fisher's experience will be very beneficial to the college and the students that attend the Sulphur Springs Center." Seeing a need for better college readiness in the region, Fisher helped found the East Texas College Readiness Council, which works to establish community and educational partnerships to support college readiness, dual credit, and increase college-going rates among HB 400 schools. He currently serves as an Executive Committee member and Grant Coordinator for the Council. At Panola he taught developmental writing, reading and mathematics, and helped the college gain grant funding Of his time at Panola, Fisher said, "I've enjoyed the many opportunities to teach afforded me at Panola. I hope that I can continue to help students see how important college is here in Sulphur Springs." Fisher has his Doctor of Education in Supervision, Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership, as well as his Master of Science in Higher Education Teaching from Texas A&M University – Commerce. He also received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of North Texas. He has numerous academic publications and has presented at local, regional, state and national conferences. He is a member of the Texas and National Associations of Developmental Education, Texas Community College Teachers' Association, Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, and National Down Syndrome Society. Prior to Panola College, Fisher was a special educator with the Quinlan Independent School District. He has served the community through religious service, Cub Scouts, as well as volunteering time for civic opportunities.