August 14, 2024
Dozens of new Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute members gathered with their parents in White Hall on the Poplarville Campus for an orientation to the institute.
Dean of the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute, Poplarville Campus, Dr. Jennifer Seal greeted the new students and their parents with opening remarks.
She shared about a former PRCC student who sought her passion, worked hard in her classes, secured scholarships, and is now in medical school. It was through her taking advantage of the opportunities available to her, starting with her choice to become a member of the Honors Institute.
President Dr. Adam Breerwood welcomed students to the Wildcat Family, sharing his vision for an environment supporting students as they transform into better members of our communities.
He also told students about how their time at Pearl River can lead to opportunities in the future they may not have thought possible. Addressing the parents, he reassured them that PRCC will prepare their children well for transferring to a four-year college or university.
Executive Vice President for Student Services Dr. Jeff Long provided an overview of the Poplarville Campus and the types of services his office oversees for the entire college.
Campus Police was mentioned as the one entity on campus available 24 hours a day, with parents and students given the phone number. He also encouraged students to remember that many PRCC alumni have gone on to do fantastic things yet were just like them when they arrived on campus. Holding onto their ‘golden ticket’ as a PRCC student, working hard, and building relationships can get them there.
Executive Director of Development Foundation/Alumni Association Delana Harris shared about Foundation Scholarships and how they can stack on top of academic and service scholarships up to the cost of attendance.
She emphasized that their goal is to retain students until they complete their degree or credential.
Instructor of Psychology Dr. Stan Davis provided remarks on behalf of faculty members, emphasizing the faculty’s commitment to exceptional instruction in a caring environment.
He shared remarks from a past student who shared that honors classes taught him a new way to learn where you open your mind to different levels of thinking.
Academic Advisor Nicole Brown from the Center for Academic Engagement shared more about advisement for classes and where to find their department in Crosby Hall for any questions students have.
She emphasized using Degree Works found inside River Guide while selecting courses and remembering that there are no fluff classes, but rather electives to complement your degree path.
Academic Success Advisor Carlette Bonnette shared about the Trio program, including mention of how students qualify for the services and the need for high-performing students to serve as tutors in the program.
Recent Honors Institute graduate Ariel Goynes spoke about her experience at PRCC, including her service project, PRCC Puppy Day, which brings puppies onto campus before finals to help manage stress.
Current Honors Institute student Sahil Ajmera shared his experience so far, including utilizing the dedicated space for honors students in White Hall, forming study groups to be more successful in academics, Lunch and Learns held during the school year, and the Honors Symposium held each fall.
Dr. Terri Ruckel, Online English Instructor and Advisor for the Beta Tau Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, discussed scholarship opportunities outside PRCC.
She makes herself available to Honors Institute and Phi Theta Kappa members for assistance in writing scholarship applications.
Dr. Ryan Ruckel, Dean of the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute (Forrest County Campus), spoke about the environment at PRCC, where administration, faculty, and staff have a common vision for our students.
He talked about the founding of the Honors Institute with it being designed to speak to the whole person, not just academics. He also shared more details about Phi Theta Kappa which compliments the Honors Institute and offers leadership and service opportunities.
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Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
