Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College and William Carey University have created new pathways to success for Hancock County students through the signing of two memorandums of agreement Friday. 

As part of the first agreement with William Carey University, Carey will provide education classes for third and fourth-year students at Pearl River’s Hancock County Center. 

“We work on a daily basis to provide educational opportunities to those we serve,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “This is a great opportunity for students from Hancock County and just an opportunity to address a problem that has been taking place in the state for many years. The teacher shortage is real and we are excited to be partnering with an outstanding university like William Carey and offering the foundation we can provide to help shore up this issue for our surrounding communities.”

Those participating in the program would remain at PRCC’s campus after completion of their associates degree and finish their bachelor’s degree as WCU students. These students also have the added benefit of receiving a near 50 percent reduction in tuition price. 

“We are proud to have this partnership,” WCU Executive Vice President Dean of Education Dr. Ben Burnett said. “It certainly broadens our base of students that we can reach. Our undergraduate teacher education program at William Carey has grown tremendously; 100 percent in the last two years.  We want to continue to educate as many people as we can in teacher education in part because our schools need a large number of teachers to replace those that are retiring. This gives us one more opportunity to do that.”

Students who complete the program also agree to teach in a Hancock County school system for a minimum of three years.

“This can be such a powerful partnership for everyone,” Superintendent of Hancock County Schools and PRCC board member Allen Dedeaux said. “For our students to get this opportunity to continue their education at an affordable price is going to be a game changer. Hopefully we can continue to get great teachers from a program that put it out there for students to take advantage of. We have a lot of students with other responsibilities and jobs and with the flexibility embedded in this program, I think that’s going to be a benefit to all.”

The two institutions previously made this same agreement for Pearl River’s Poplarville campus in 2018 and now have a successful first class of graduates teaching in Pearl River County school districts. 

William Carey is already beginning the process of advising students currently attending Pearl River with the program officially anticipated to start at the PRCC Hancock Center in the fall of 2021. 

The second memorandum outlines pathways for PRCC academic and technical students to continue their education beyond Pearl River. Technical students interested in continuing their education beyond their Associate in Applied science will be able to apply some if not all of their technical and academic credits toward a Bachelor’s degree at WCU. Students can take advantage of this transfer option immediately. 

Burnett has seen the effects of this transfer option firsthand as his son graduated from both Pearl River’s Unmanned Aerial Program and William Carey with a bachelor’s degree in math and business. 

“It just gives people more options,” Burnett said. “The days are gone of someone graduating with one degree and staying in that job all their life. People don’t just change jobs, they change careers. Because of that we’ve got to give people as many options as we can. That is the beauty of what our community colleges and career technical education can do.”

This draws on the strengths of both institutions; to provide more opportunities in technical education and meet current and future workforce demands. 

Breerwood understands the importance of making students aware of these transfer opportunities and how that can affect their future and the future of others. 

“We’re going to have to continue to market all of our opportunities at our college,” Breerwood said. “There are so many opportunities available and so many routes to success. These two really need to be on the forefront because they not only address the need for people to be able to receive opportunities for outstanding professions, but it also helps us solidify and bring up the younger generation by putting more quality teachers in the classroom.”

Photo LtR: Superintendent of Hancock County Schools and PRCC board member Allen Dedeaux, PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood, WCU Executive Vice President Dean of Education Dr. Ben Burnett and Assistant Director of Student Services Dr. Alesia Haynes.

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Pearl River Community College’s food pantry, The Market, recently received a donation of $700 by The Rotary Club of Poplarville to continue it’s good work. 

“So many needs are met, and lives touched through The Market,” The Market Manager Tina Smith said.  “I would like to say thank you to The Poplarville Rotary Club for their generous donation. We truly appreciate their support.”

The Market first opened in 2018 and is a free food pantry for students, staff, and faculty with food insecurity. Students, both commuter and dorming, can access The Market with a current PRCC ID. It is completely free and its visitors are kept anonymous. The Market is housed within the Carol Williams Station, named after its founder. The Station houses both The Market and The Wildcat Career Closet, a place where students can get free clothing for speeches and job interviews.  The Market is open Wednesday and Thursday of every week from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

Rotary is a service based organization with 1.2 million members globally. The Poplarville Rotary Club was founded February 1926 and has held meetings in Crosby Hall on the Campus of Pearl River Community College since its founding. The Poplarville Club meets Wednesdays at noon in the Special Events Room in the Olivia Bender Cafeteria. 

“That Rotary Club of Poplarville is very thankful for our partnership with Pearl River Community College,” Rotary Club of Poplarville President Dalton Spiers said. “We are so excited to be able to donate back to the Carol Williams Station to assist PRCC students, faculty, and staff in their ability to access the Market Food Pantry. Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, is demonstrated daily on the campus of PRCC as members of the Wildcat Family demonstrate Pride, Respect, Class and Character.” 

Donations can be made to The Market by contacting Tina Smith at tjsmith@prcc.edu.

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Pearl River Community College’s Business Management Technology program will be providing even more varied opportunities this spring by offering a flexible schedule including short-term coursework and a fully online degree option.  

“The changes being made to course offerings within the Business Management Technology program are going to offer our students ultimate flexibility,” Department Chair of Business Management Technology Lauren Mayeaux said. “ There will be varied terms anywhere from 4, 8, or 15 week sessions.  This will allow students to complete more credit hours within the semester while focusing on fewer classes at one time.”

The Business Management Technology program, offered at PRCC’s Poplarville and Hattiesburg locations, allows students to take advantage of both online and face-to-face instruction. This gives them the ability to build a schedule around their lives. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to further their career in small business ownership, hospitality and retail management, accounting services, administration services, human resource management and other management organizations. Students completing the program will have the opportunity to obtain OPAC certifications in Word, Excel, QuickBooks and Proofreading. 

“The great thing about the program is flexibility,” Instructor of Business Management Technology Reginald Townsend said. “It allows students to complete their courses on their own time regardless of where they live, work, or play. 

“We meet the students where they are. Simply amazing.” 

Whether someone is a first-time college student or coming back to continue their education, this program gives them the ability to reimagine their future without rearranging their lives.

“We are really excited about offering a more flexible option,” Instructor of Business Management Technology Amy Smith said. “Students can be anywhere to learn and interact with instructors and other students. We will offer dynamic, interactive courses to prepare students for the workplace.” 

The program has already changed the lives of many students and allowed them to take hold of their futures amidst their busy lives. 

When Brittany McLaurin made the decision to go to college, she was already a wife and mother of three children. 

“I chose Pearl River Community College because I had heard excellent reviews about their business program and it was close to my home,” McLaurin said. “While in my second semester, my instructors selected me to interview for a new internship at NASA Shared Services Center. I was offered the 12 week position in the Human Resources department. This program gave me the chance to receive on the job training while working on my degree and set me on an unexpected career path.”

Upon completion of the internship McLaurin was offered a full time position as a Human Resources Assistant. 

“The program opened doors that I never imagined,” McLaurin said. “Thank you PRCC for this life changing opportunity.” 

As students excel in their class work and various projects, they learn life skills that will help them grow in business, industry and the community workforce. Courses such as QuickBooks, Entrepreneurship, Microsoft Office, Communication Essentials and Business Accounting will help students to gain skills they need to grow in an ever changing job market.   

The skills BMT graduate, Cierra Plaisance, gained during her time in the program took her farther than she could have imagined as she now works as a Flight Attendant for Frontier Airlines. 

“This program completely set me up for success, it gave me the confidence to achieve opportunities and not settle for less than where I wanted to be. Without the program, and my amazing instructors I wouldn’t be where I am today. The sky is the limit.” 

The Business Management Technology program offers a 30-hour Career Certificate, 45-hour technical certificate and a 60-hour Associate of Applied Science degree. 

For more information about the BMT program you can contact Mayeaux at 601-403-1188 or lmayeaux@prcc.edu.

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

The following students graduated last week from the Certified Nurse Aide course offered by Pearl River Community College at the Lowery Woodall Advanced Technology Center in Hattiesburg. They are from left: First row - Kristi Cagins of Columbia; second row - Erma McCullough of Hattiesburg and Kimmion Prewitt of Collins; third row - Jessica Magee of Columbia and Contessa Jones of Columbia; top row - Leslie Morgan of Sumrall and Cierra Cotton of Columbia. Program instructor is Adison King. Enrollment is currently underway for January 2021 classes. For information, call 601-554-4646 or visit the Woodall Advanced Technology Center. 

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Pearl River Community College Development Foundation recently received a generous $10,000 endowment gift by The American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Mississippi, Steel Magnolias. 

The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic women’s organization in the world. With more than 800,000 members across the United States and beyond, they provide volunteer service in communities around the state and across the nation enriching the lives of veterans.

The Steel Magnolias organization is comprised of past presidents from the American Legion Auxiliary. When the group began looking for a place for their raised funds, one member had a personal connection with the institution.

“My granddaughter went to school here, graduated from the nursing program and is an RN at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport,” Past State President Phyllis Moran said. “We were very pleased with the education she got here so when it came down to deciding where we wanted to put our money, Pearl River was one of our choices.” 

The endowment of a scholarship means that the donor provides a permanent principle amount to be devoted to fund scholarships and the foundation uses the earnings from the investment toward the scholarship support. This helps ensure that the principle endowment and any funds the donor chooses to add to that gift will be retained and carry on for years to come.

The scholarship endowment will support a student who has entered the PRCC Nursing Program and is either the child or grandchild of a veteran. The student could also be a veteran. 

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at PRCC is designed to prepare graduates for a challenging and satisfying career as a registered nurse. The ADN program begins each fall and spring semester on the Poplarville campus. Once accepted into the ADN program, the traditional option is four semesters in length or the LPN to ADN option is one part-time semester with the remaining two semesters of the traditional program of study. The curriculum includes a balance of nursing and general educational courses. Students have the opportunity to apply nursing theory and skills in the simulation/skills lab and in a variety of healthcare agencies. Clinical settings may include hospitals located within the six counties the college serves as well as clinics, long-term care facilities, physician offices, rehabilitation centers, and K-12 schools. 

The application period for the program is July 1 to Oct. 1 for spring entrance and Dec. 1 to March 1 for fall entrance. 

Those interested in the ADN program can visit http://www.prcc.edu/academics/plans/health-nursing/adn to learn more. 

Since the Pearl River Community College Development Foundation was established in 1987, the growth and development of its scholarship program has been a highlight of the foundation's mission. The endowment of financial gifts for scholarship support is very important to the college’s continued enrollment growth and how the foundation can support PRCC students. 

“On behalf of our College Foundation Board, the college administration and Board of Trustees, and the thousands of students at Pearl River Community College, I want to express our sincere gratitude for this investment in our scholarship program by the Mississippi American Legion Auxiliary,” Executive Director of Development Foundation/Alumni Association Ernest Lovell said. “When organizations or families or individuals invest in the endowment of scholarships it means they want something that will be around for many years to come and will assist with the needs of our students. 

“It also acknowledges the trust that they have in our management and governance of the funds as we help make a student’s life-long ambitions become a reality.” 

Those interested in supporting a student through a scholarship endowment can call  Ernie Lovell 601-403-1191 or email elovell@prcc.edu.

Photo LtR: Past ALA State President and Alternate National Executive Woman Mary Smith Ried, Past ALA State President Phyllis Moran and Executive Director of Development Foundation/Alumni Services Ernest Lovell 

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Pearl River Community College received a donation of a mini excavator from Mississippi Power for its Utility Lineman Program on Tuesday.

“We are extremely appreciative of the donation from Mississippi Power,” PRCC Dean of Career and Technical Education Programs Dr. Ed Pinero said. “They’ve been a great partner and they are doing great things to support our students.”

The mini excavator will allow students to receive more hands-on experience, preparing them for their careers in the field. 

Mississippi Power Area Manager - West Coast Division Jason M. Farve started working in the power business directly out of high school. After a while, he decided to go back to school and found himself at PRCC in the Utility Lineman Program. It’s partly because of this experience that he finds these opportunities to give back so rewarding and important.

“This particular program is very near and dear to my heart,” Farve said. “It’s something I’m passionate about: Helping students directly from high school or college who want to come work for the power company. They can become a lineman or an engineer or whatever their passion is. This is a way that we can help those young students find where they want to be in their career in the future and where better than the power company. The power company is a great place to work. It’s a huge family and I’d love to see all these young men and women come and work with us.” 

The Utility Lineman Technology Program is a modular program designed to prepare the student for employment in the field of utility power transmission and distribution construction, troubleshooting, and repair.

The curriculum includes Pole and Bucket Rescue, Elevated Work Sites, Pole Climbing, Overhead Construction, Underground Construction, System Design and Operation, National Electric Safety Code, AC and DC Circuits, and Electric Power. Students may earn the following certifications: National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER) in Core and Utility Lineworker, First Aid CPR, OSHA 10, Forklift, and Flagging. 

Upon successful completion of the program, students may earn a Technical Certificate or a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Those interested in learning more about the Utility Lineman Program can visit http://www.prcc.edu/academics/plans/agriculture/utility or email Randy Henry at rhenry@prcc.edu. 

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats)  Instagram](PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).

Photo LtR: FRONT PRCC Dean of Career and Technical Education Programs Dr. Ed Pinero, Mississippi Power Scholarship Recipient Anna Necaise of Saucier, PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood, Mississippi Power Area Manager – West Coast Division Jason M. Farve, Mississippi Power Local Manager Byron Hill 

BACK: PRCC Utility Lineman Technology Department Chair/Instructor Randy Henry 

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Two Pearl River Community College Industrial Electronics Technology students, John Curtis Richards and Austin Nickey, were recently awarded $6,000 scholarships from the Kohler Manufacturing Machining Company in Hattiesburg.

Richards, 31, is from Petal and Nickey, 24, is from Choctaw. They are sophomore students in the program.

“I am grateful for our continued partnership with Kohler Engines,” said Dr. James David Collum, Dean of Career and Technical Education at PRCC’s Forrest County Center. “They work closely with us to help align curriculum with industry needs and assist with training students through internship opportunities.

“The Kohler Ready to Work scholarship is set up to allow two second-year students, who have successfully completed their first year in the Industrial Electronics Technology pathway, to stay in school and continue to be successful.”

Both Richards and Nickey plan to put their scholarships to good use.

“This scholarship means getting into a field I would enjoy working in and getting paid pretty decent doing it,” said Richards, who is a Petal High School graduate. “This degree is a symbol of my ability to understand what’s going on in this field.”

The same is true from Nickey, who is a Phi Theta Kappa student and a member of the National Technical Honors Society. He is a graduate of Choctaw Central High School.

“This scholarship is a sign of an opportunity and recognition that the work I have done means something,” said Nickey. “I am inspired to work even harder.”

Both plan to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate.       

Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler and is based in Kohler, Wisconsin. 

Kohler Engines opened an engine manufacturing plant in Hattiesburg in 1997. There are now two plants – one for machining iron and aluminum components and one for warehousing and engine assembly – both located in the Hattiesburg - Forrest County Industrial Park.

Collum believes this partnership will be a benefit for PRCC students for years to come.

“With this new scholarship program, Kohler Engines will help Pearl River Community College retain students who have shown the ability to persist and be successful,” he said.

For information about the Industrial Electronics Technology program at PRCC, contact Collum at jcollum@prcc.edu or instructor Sam McNease at 601-554-5477, or email: smcnease@prcc.edu.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram](PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Pearl River Community College has received a 2020 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Board of Trustees Award. The award was presented during the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) annual Leadership Congress, held virtually October 5-8.

The award recognizes the Board’s continued support of its PTK chapter and the opportunities for leadership and professional development it has provided for students. Only four Boards of Trustees nationwide were selected for this honor.

“The Board exemplifies the Society’s philosophy of servant leadership,” the Beta Tau Gamma chapter wrote in its nomination. “Superintendents of Education, business professionals, and even a former Secret Service officer, our board members are rooted in their communities; they represent competing needs brought together for the good of students. Those serving on our Board serve our community in numerous ways because they see volunteer work as shaping student lives.”

The PRCC Board of Trustees was nominated by PRCC’s Beta Tau Gamma PTK chapter. The Board provides $13,000 for students to travel to conferences offering professional development opportunities, and members even donate their own money to support student travel that results in personal growth and development.

The Board participates in campus organizations and supports projects and events that encourage leadership among students. It also invites PTK members to report on chapter projects and initiatives at Board meetings.

“An engaged and student-focused Board of Trustees is vital to the student success efforts of the entire institution,” PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “We commend the PRCC Board of Trustees for their high commitment to the education and service initiatives shown to increase student completion and employment outcomes.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. It provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship of scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats)  Instagram](PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).

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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.