By Dr. Stephen Benson, President, Paris Junior College
In my first eight months as President of Paris Junior College, I have been inspired by the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support we have from our communities, the quality of our instructional programs, and our unwavering commitment to student success. As we plan for the years ahead, we recognize there are challenges before us, but we are ready to meet them with a vision and with determination.
At PJC, we understand that financial barriers often prevent individuals from pursuing college. Thanks to generous donations, we are proud to introduce two new opportunities this Fall for graduating seniors in Lamar and Red River counties: the Dragon Promise and the Presidential Scholars Program. Our hope is to find donors to allow these programs to be expanded to our entire service area.
The Dragon Promise removes financial obstacles by covering tuition and fees for every graduating senior from these counties, ensuring that a college education is within reach for all. The Presidential Scholars Program offers a scholarship for students in the top 10% of their graduating class, covering tuition, fees, and textbooks. Beyond financial support, these scholars will participate in leadership development, engage in community service, serve as ambassadors for PJC, and have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with local and regional leaders.
In addition to these initiatives, the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation provides a variety of scholarship opportunities each year, with PJC staff available to guide students through the application process. The financial benefits of higher education are clear: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with an associate degree earned a median weekly wage of $1,005 in 2022, compared to $853 for those with only a high school diploma—an annual difference of nearly $7,900. Over a lifetime, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that those with an associate degree earn approximately $400,000 more than those without one.
PJC’s mission is not just about education; it is about empowerment—ensuring that every member of our community has access to a brighter future. For more than 100 years, Paris Junior College has been a pillar of excellence in education. But our work is far from finished. We continue to look for new pathways for students to achieve their goals. By equipping students with the education and skills they need to succeed, we are strengthening our communities and driving economic growth.
Together, we can build on a century of excellence and shape an even brighter future for our region.