Three inducted into Academic Hall of Honor
Published or Revised October 22, 2021
Three Paris Junior College leaders were inducted into the PJC Academic Hall of Honor on Nov. 3. They included, from left, former Chair of the PJC Board of Regents Paul Gene Roden, former PJC instructor and Dean of Instructional Services, Continuing Education and Off-Campus Centers Jimmye Hancock, and former PJC instructor and Division Chair of Math and Sciences E.C. Hancock.
Three leaders from Paris Junior College were inducted into the PJC Academic Hall of Honor on Saturday, Nov. 3. The 2012 class included former PJC instructor and Dean of Instructional Services, Continuing Education and Off-Campus Centers Jimmye Hancock, former PJC instructor and Division Chair of Math and Sciences E.C. Hancock, and former Chair of the PJC Board of Regents Paul Gene Roden.
PJC's Academic Hall of Honor was founded in 1995 to recognize those persons loyally supporting PJC since its beginning in 1924 and contributing to its success through the years.
Dottie Thielman, retired PJC Dean of Instructional Support Services, introduced Jimmye Hancock and lauded Jimmye's many accomplishments in gaining grant funding and starting the off-campus centers.
"Special thanks go to our dear friends who are here today to celebrate this occasion with us," Jimmye said. "E.C. and I spent most of our professional lives here at Paris Junior College. He was here 41 years, and I was here 36 years. Amazingly, it is our seventh year of retirement. And so this really is a homecoming for us today, and we feel we've been welcomed home with open arms.
"When I got the opportunity to come to PJC to teach English I was thrilled. I accepted right away and the first look I got of those English classes that were wall-to-wall people was pretty intimidating. But as it turned out I had wonderful mentors whose trust and encouragement and sage advice helped me make the transition from teaching 'Bright Little Butterfly' and 'Jimmy Crack Corn' to teaching college freshman how to write descriptive, narrative and expository essays. What gratitude I'll always feel for these great administrators and educators.
"My years at PJC have been very rewarding and I take great pride in having been a part of this institution's unique history and excellence. We are the institution of a five-county area, and it's clear that Paris Junior College has become the premiere provider of educational opportunity and workforce development in this northeast Texas area."
PJC instructor of biology Mike Barnett then introduced E.C. Hancock, adding that he had known E.C. since he was 10 years old and was always amazed at everything E.C. knew about the natural world.
"It is a great pleasure for me to be here today to be recognized as a member of the 2012 Academic Hall of Honor," E.C. said. "I am truly proud to join that elite company. The greatest reward from having taught biology here for 41 years is to see my former students enjoy the fruits of their academic labors at PJC. I have watched with great anticipation and pleasure the rise of the new Math and Science Building.
"I remember one of my most difficult situations to deal with was how to get enough chairs in the lecture room to accommodate all the students. I trust that the lack of space will no longer be a problem when the new building is complete. Congratulations to the Math and Science Division on their new facility.
"Thank you all for being here and for your continued support of Paris Junior College."
PJC Regent Roma Street introduced Paul Gene Roden, saying what an honor and a privilege it was and touching on his commitment to family, church, community and PJC.
"I'm not usually this overcome but this has to be one of the highlights of my life," an emotional Roden said. "I really can't help but be humbled that the people associated with the college find me worthy to be named among the distinguished and honored predecessors that fill the Hall of Honor.
"I must admit that I enjoyed my years of effort on behalf of Paris Junior College. They were very fulfilling and satisfying to see the community through this college develop and grow into the place you see today," Roden said.
"As a Christian, my belief teaches me that my relationship with God and mankind are very important to my happiness and peace of mind and I view my service to Paris Junior College in this light. Thank you very much."
Concluding the program, Dr. Anglin said: "Thank you Jimmye, E.C. and Mr. Roden, and thank all of you for joining us today to honor these three outstanding individuals who have made such a difference for Paris Junior College."