A legacy is defined as something lasting that you leave behind through your actions, relationships, values, or accomplishments. At Pearl River Community College, Mississippi’s oldest community college and fastest growing institution in the state, more than a century has been spent cultivating a unique space that encourages legacies to be born, lived and left behind for generations to benefit from. This year, the college proudly unveils its 2026-2027 annual theme, “Living My Legacy”, a celebration of the people, experiences, and purpose that defines what it means to be a Wildcat.
At Pearl River, legacy is more than history. It is the impact students make in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, in the community, and ultimately in the lives of others. Every class attended, every friendship formed, every challenge overcome, and every milestone achieved becomes part of a story that extends far beyond graduation.
“Living My Legacy is more than this year’s campaign; it reflects who we are as a college and the impact we strive to make every day,” said Dr. Kari Eve Valence, Director of Marketing & Recruitment. “Every student arrives at Pearl River with unique goals, talents, and dreams. Along the way, they are encouraged by faculty, supported by staff, challenged in the classroom, and inspired through experiences that help shape their future. At Pearl River, legacy isn’t measured solely by what you leave behind; it’s measured by the lives you touch while you’re here. We are proud to celebrate the students, employees, alumni, and community partners who continue to make Pearl River’s legacy stronger with each passing year.”
For generations, Wildcats have come to Pearl River seeking an education and discovered something even greater, a place where they belong. Alumni often reflect on the relationships they built, the mentors who believed in them, and the experiences that shaped the people they have become. Their stories continue to inspire today’s students as they begin writing chapters of their own.
That culture of belonging and excellence continues to fuel the college’s remarkable growth. In fall 2025, Pearl River welcomed a record-setting enrollment of 6,307 students, breaking previous institutional and state records. Since 2017, enrollment has grown by an astounding 29%, while credit hours have increased by 34%. Pearl River remains the only community college in Mississippi to experience significant headcount growth during that period—a testament to the life-changing opportunities found across its campuses.
Legacies Forged In The Classroom
Community colleges all often tout smaller class sizes, personalized instruction and instructors that see students as more than a number on a roll call. While this is all true at Pearl River, what makes the Wildcat experience so different from other institutions is the culture that has been fostered over years by people that truly believe in its mission. Whether attending classes on campus or online, students find themselves being supported every step of the way by instructors who challenge, encourage, and inspire them to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
From the President’s Office to every classroom, dorm hall, practice facility, and office building across campus, Pearl River embraces the Wildcat Way through its core values of Pride, Respect, Class, and Character. These principles help develop graduates who leave not only with degrees, but with confidence, leadership, and integrity to positively impact their communities.
The college continues to invest in student success through holistic support services that promote academic, emotional, social, and occupational wellness. Programs such as TRIO provide individualized resources, including peer tutoring and academic support, ensuring students have every opportunity to succeed.
Pearl River proudly celebrated the record-breaking number of students named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s and President’s Lists, marking the highest academic honors achievement ever recorded for a spring semester.
A total of 1,054 students have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, with 362 earning a place on the President’s List and 792 on the Dean’s List.
Academic excellence also thrives through Phi Theta Kappa. The Beta Tau Gamma Chapter on the Forrest County Campus and the Iota Mu Chapter serving the Hancock County and Poplarville campuses continue to distinguish themselves among the nation’s top honor societies. Since 2014, ten Pearl River students have earned the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, including Diego Sosa Vazquez, whose remarkable achievement reflects the exceptional opportunities available to Wildcats.
Champion Legacies Outside the Classroom
Athletics, Fine Arts, student organizations, leadership opportunities, and campus traditions empower students to discover new passions, develop lifelong friendships, and become leaders on campus and beyond.
Annual events such as Welcome Week, Homecoming, the Fall Campfire, Wildcat Wonderland, TurnUp Tuesdays, and the Spring BBQ create opportunities for students to connect, celebrate, and build a vibrant campus community.
Pearl River Athletics continues to establish a championship legacy. During the 2025-2026 academic year, Wildcat teams earned 189 victories while capturing three MACCC Championships in Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, and Baseball, along with three National Championships in Baseball, Softball, and Cheer. Excellence extended into the classroom as 160 student-athletes were named to the President’s and Dean’s Lists during the fall semester, 142 earned those honors in the spring, 75 received NJCAA All-Academic recognition, and 12 athletic teams finished with cumulative GPAs above 3.05.
Fine Arts students continue building a legacy of creativity and excellence. The Spirit of the River Marching Band welcomes one of its largest ensembles in recent history, with many students continuing their musical journey through Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band.
Vocal ensembles, including Currents, PRCC Singers, Rapids, and Voices, represent Pearl River through performances, competitions, and community service, while the PRCC Players inspire audiences of all ages through annual productions that entertain and educate both campus and local school communities.
Student organizations also play a vital role in shaping the Wildcat experience. Groups such as the Ally Club, Gaming Club, History & Humanities Club, and the Student Government Association provide opportunities for students to lead, serve, advocate, and build meaningful relationships that all help craft a bright future for Pearl River graduates.
Be Part of the Living My Legacy
Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the very first time, preparing to graduate, or returning years later as a proud alumnus, every Wildcat has an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Throughout the year, Living My Legacy will highlight the stories of students discovering their purpose, faculty and staff changing lives through education and service, alumni making a difference in their communities, and supporters who continue strengthening the future of Pearl River Community College.
The college invites students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to share the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped their journey by using #LivingMyLegacy on social media.
Staying Up to Date on All Things PRCC
Between social media, an easy-to-navigate website, and weekly radio shows, many avenues are available for staying up to date.
Wildcat Family and community members are encouraged to follow the college on social media. The college can be found on Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), LinkedIn, Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
The weekly Wildcat Radio Show hosted by Chuck Abadie is broadcast on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. on SuperTalk Mississippi 97.3 FM Hattiesburg. Recent episodes can be found on the Wildcat Radio Show podcast page.
How To Enroll
Enrolling at Pearl River Community College requires a few simple steps:
1. Apply for Admissions online and have your transcript(s) sent from high school and any past colleges you have attended.
2. Apply for Financial Aid, including doing your FASFA. Submit your ACT score for academic scholarships.
3. Apply for Housing if needed
Visit PRCC.EDU/Admissions to become a Wildcat today.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG),and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
