August 20, 2024
The new school year started strong for Phi Theta Kappa Beta Tau Gamma Chapter members on the Forrest County Campus. They welcomed Dr. Ben Burnett, President of William Carey University, to their first meeting on Monday, Aug. 19.
Dr. Burnett was awarded an Honorary Membership in Phi Theta Kappa and joins the Beta Tau Gamma chapter.
PTK Regional Coordinators Drs. Ryan and Terri Ruckel awarded the membership.
“We are very proud of our relationship with Pearl River,” said Dr. Burnett, who spoke to PRCC’s PTK students. “I have a long relationship with Pearl River. We also have a great relationship with all of the community colleges. Since 2018, our student body is 61 percent community college transfer students.”
He told students they can receive up to a $9,450 scholarship to attend William Carey.
“We welcome Dr. Burnett into this outstanding academic society, as well as thank him for being a part of our Pearl River family for such a long time,” said PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood.
Dr. Burnett earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from USM. An experienced educator, he spent 28 years in Mississippi’s K-12 public schools, serving as Superintendent of Lamar County School District and Principal of Oak Grove Middle School. School.
Burnett became the 10th President of William Carey University on Aug. 16, 2022. Previously, he served as Executive Vice-President and Dean of Education at William Carey, where he holds the rank of Professor of Education and teaches in the Educational Leadership Department.
Former PRCC honors students Raegan Anderson and Sarah Williams, Beta Tau Gamma and transfer students at William Carey, awarded Dr. Burnett his pin and certificate of membership.
Dr. Ryan Ruckel praised PRCC’s relationship with William Carey and Dr. Burnett and told students about how past PRCC students have excelled there.
“Dr. Burnett has championed two-year college students just like you,” said Dr. Ruckel. “The transfer path would be a great destination for you, and it is located right next door to us.”
Following the membership ceremony, PTK students heard from Dr. Greg Underwood, Academic Dean of the Forrest County Campus, and Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President of the FCC. PTK advisors Drs. David Collum, Doug Donohue and Terri Ruckel, and Said Otwane also welcomed students to the beginning of the school year.
Phi Theta Kappa officers were also announced.
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 Chuck Abadie. Photography by Kaitlyn Jones.
