As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of Panola College includes:[1] Panola College was established June 14, 1947, and began operations on January 19, 1948 at the corner of State Highway 315 and U.S. Highway 79, where it continues to operate today.

In 1995, the adjacent counties of Harrison (excluding parts as noted above), Marion, and Shelby were added by law to Panola's designated service area.

The college also serves residents of nearby Louisiana parishes (as Panola County is on the state border) and United States Air Force members stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base.

He was succeeded by Floyd Boze (1950–51), M. P. Baker (1951–67), former Carthage school superintendent Q. M. Martin (1967–73), Dr. Charles Hays (1973–74), longtime PJC basketball coach Arthur M. Johnson (1974–81), Dr. Gary McDaniel (1981–92), Charles Hughes (1992–93), Dr. William Edmonson (1993–2000), and Dr. Gregory Powell, (2000–Present).

Panola plays in the Region XIV Athletic Conference, a part of the NJCAA.