The Center for Workplace Learning is a unique partnership between GCC, Workforce Texoma, economic development entities and area universities. The mission of the Center is to provide learning solutions for education, training and professional development to employers and individuals in the Texoma region.       

Pool brings a wealth of experience to the region.

"I am delighted to be at the CWL. I look forward to helping support area economic development, business, and industry partners in responding to training needs at the speed of business," Pool said in a recent interview.

Before joining the GCC staff, she was an assistant professor in the Management and Marketing Department at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She served on that faculty since 1993 where she was selected as outstanding teacher and researcher by the University Faculty Senate.

While at SOSU, Pool was instrumental in developing online classes in leadership, management and marketing, and served as a faculty mentor for the use of technology in the classroom. Pool also brings extensive experience from Texoma Medical Center and Southwestern Bell Telephone.        

Her educational training is equally impressive. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Human Resources Management from the University of Arkansas, a master's of Business Administration from Texas A & M-Commerce and a Ph.D. in Training and Development - Performance Improvement from the University of North Texas. She has completed 18 hours of post-doctoral studies in management.           

Pools' vision for the CWL is to increase visibility and to expand services. "Area human resource managers are well aware of the return on investment in employee training and development programs. I want to increase the visibility of the CWL so that our region's small to medium-size businesses also know of affordable training solutions to strengthen their competitive positions. The Center will continue to be customer focused, community connected, and quality driven," said Pool.           

The CWL staff will be moving into their new facility over the holidays. An official opening will be held after the first of the year.           

Pool can be reached at GCC by phone at 903-463-8759 or by email at poolp@grayson.edu.

Dr. Patricia Pool, Executive Director of Grayson County College's Center for Workplace Learning