November 21, 2024
Alania (Pendarvis) Cedillo of Fruitland Park came to the River to play basketball and find her calling. She left the sports behind when she doubled down on schoolwork and her desire to become a pharmacist. Her time at Pearl River set her up for success.
A Wildcat legacy, Cedillo’s mother, Darlene Davis Pendarvis graduated from Pearl River in 1977. Cedillo’s own journey with PRCC began when she attended Lady Wildcat Basketball Camp, where her aunt Norma Pendarvis Gates, a 1988 PRCC graduate, was a counselor. Her sister-in-law Emily Burt Pendarvis, also joined the Wildcat family when she graduated from the Radiology Tech program in 2003.
As she continued with the weekly summer basketball camp, Cedillo developed friendships and competitive acquaintances that she maintains to this day. She looked forward to the week each year. When it came time to attend college, she chose to be a Wildcat over full scholarships offered by four-year institutions.
“It’s a decision I have never regretted,” said Cedillo. “My two years playing basketball, the relationships I developed, the growing up that I needed, and the confidence gained – created the foundation for future college and career success.”
With excellent grades, Cedillo joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also served as a manager for the softball team. Free time found her with friends attending everything on campus everything on campus – crawfish boils, every sporting event, and just sitting outside the steps of Marion Hall like it was a front porch.
Role Models at PRCC
Polly Kirkland coached the Lady Wildcat Basketball Team while Cedillo was on it.
“She had a belief in me that surpassed the belief I had in myself,” said Cedillo. “She set in motion segments of influence within my life for which I am forever thankful. And she let me keep playing the game that I love.”
Cedillo was a member of the team for the 11th and 12th seasons of Kirkland’s time at PRCC. Like others who came before her, she experienced growth as a basketball player under Kirland’s leadership.
From the Wildcat 1998-99, Kirland said of Cedillo, “She improved her game 15 times over last year. But this year, as a starter, she’s not even the same player. The opportunity will be there for her to show the state what she can do.”
Former Chemistry Instructor and Chair of the Science Department Dr. James W. Barnes also influenced Cedillo’s journey.
“Little did he know that a tiny ultimatum would fuel an entire academic pursuit,” said Cedillo. “Dr. Barnes advised that I may have to choose between basketball and pharmacy school since there was only one section of organic chemistry – and it was during basketball practice! The youthful obstinance that advice ignited fueled motivation to press on and take organic chemistry later and finish pharmacy school.”
From Pharmacist to Hospital Administration
After PRCC, Cedillo pursued a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy from The University of Mississippi which she earned in 2004. After she began working full-time as a pharmacist, she enrolled at The University of Southern Mississippi to obtain a Master of Public Health in 2009. While working on the MS Gulf Coast in 2010, her healthcare career expanded to other clinical disciplines.
Currently, Cedillo serves as the Chief Operating Officer Partner Hospitals for South Central Regional Medical Center. Her administrative responsibilities cover Covington County Hospital, Magee General Hospital, Simpson General Hospital, and the upcoming Smith County Emergency Hospital.
Cedillo is the current President of the MS Rural Hospital Alliance and past president of ACHE of MS. Over the past decade, she has been fortunate to have explored many communities across south Mississippi.
“Meeting the people and working toward better healthcare in rural areas is truly purpose-driven work,” said Cedillo.
Paying it Forward
Cedillo stays active in the community, paying it forward where she is able. She has taken her years of playing basketball and channeled it into being a coach for South Forrest County Recreational Basketball League. She also serves on the Forrest County Agricultural HS Foundation.
Cedillo’s connection to The River remains strong as she helps where she can. A regular attendee of the annual Women’s Health Symposium, she hosted a session discussing good medicine practices. She continues to follow the Lady Wildcat Basketball team, attending at least one game each school year.
“The most helpful contribution I have made back to PRCC is my persistent and passionate voice of support for community colleges,” said Cedillo. “I tell my story anytime someone asks if community college was the right decision for me or if it is an option for them.”
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photos supplied by Alania Cedillo.
