PRCC PTK Learns Scholarship and Service

 

The Pearl River Community College Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa on the Poplarville campus has started their semester off with talk of scholarships! 

Dr. Terri Ruckel, Instructor of English (FCC)/Dean of Honors Institute (FCC), visited the PTK students to talk about the types of scholarships that being in PTK can offer them as well as other opportunities ranging from state to international. Ruckel encouraged students to find the best university fit for them and the best way to stack their scholarship opportunities. 

JD O’Brian, PRCC PTK Iota Mu President, from Baxterville/Purvis, MS spoke about the importance of PTK as he looks forward to his academic career progressing. “Phi Theta Kappa has given me tremendous opportunities to grow as a student and a leader,” said O’Brian. “Not only has it been a wonderful tool for professional development, it has also opened many doors for scholarships to four-year institutions, such as Mississippi State University which has awarded an additional $2000 on top of my PTK scholarship!”

Dr. Ruckel stressed to students how pertinent it is that they apply for scholarships even if they don’t think they could receive them. Many scholarships at the state, national, and international level go unawarded because no one applied for them. 

Lisa Wall, First Year Experience Coordinator and PTK Advisor, talked about the upcoming opportunities for this chapter’s PTK students. “Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges.  It recognizes scholarship and promotes leadership among members.  The Iota Mu chapter, serving the Poplarville and Waveland campuses, will be hosting monthly meetings for general and prospective members called Third Thursdays (3rd Rs),” explained Wall. “These meetings are designed for members to learn more about scholarships and transfer processes while engaging in service and fellowship.  The next 3rd R meeting will be held on Thursday, October 18 from 11:00-12:00 in Seal Hall 109 with MS State as our transfer presenter.  Members are also encouraged to bring a quarter to support the River Essentials project, providing supplies for dorm students in need.”

The service project the group supported for their last meeting was bringing food for PRCC’s Market which provides food to students and employees with food insecurities. Mrs. Carol Williams, Marketing Assistant/Social Media Coordinator and The Market Coordinator was excited to receive the donation and said, “Anytime The Market receives a food donation it is a great day but it is especially great when it comes from the students on the PRCC campus.”

The Market Donation

Photo caption: Fred McCullom VP of Membership of Iota Mu shared a donation of food to The Market. 

PRCC Marketing and Communications photo/ Article by Alexx Kennedy, Communications Specialist 

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.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.