August 20, 2024
For 115 years, Pearl River Community College has been a launching pad for thousands of phenomenal stories. Wildcats, both near and far, are invited to play an active role in the new 2024 – 2025 school year campaign, “My Story Starts Here,” celebrating how moments experienced at The River set up memories that last a lifetime and set the tone for further educational, professional, and life-changing triumphs.
In Fall 2023, PRCC experienced record-setting enrollment of 5,646 students across all campuses. The trend continued in Spring 2024 with the college staying above the state’s enrollment average and leading the state in enrollment and credit hours for allied health programs at the community college level.
A solid foundation for academics or career technical training and the commitment to keep PRCC affordable and accessible have fueled the continued growth. Alongside is a culture at The River, from the President to the faculty and staff, focusing on developing the whole person. By walking the Wildcat Way of Pride, Respect, Class, and Character, PRCC works toward building better people, families, and communities.
How to Participate in “My Story Starts Here”
Pearl River wants to hear from students, employees, alumni, and community members about their experiences at The River. Whether it is a story of an instructor who encouraged you to persevere through a challenging course, how a coach inspired you to become a better version of yourself, or sharing the amazing transformations seen in students as they grow over time, each story has value. We can find the true story behind PRCC through the thousands of individual stories.
“We believe that the true heart of Pearl River Community College lies in the stories of those who have been a part of our journey,” said Director of Marketing and Recruitment Dr. Kari Eve Valence. “We invite our community to share their experiences and memories, as these personal stories are what make Pearl River more than just a college—they make us a Wildcat Family.
“Your voices and your stories are the legacy that continues to inspire future generations. We encourage everyone to get involved and let the world know why Pearl River Community College means so much to you and why so many have chosen to live their lives the ‘Wildcat Way’, with Pride, Respect, Class, and Character.”
When sharing experiences at PRCC, everyone is invited to use the hashtag #MyStoryStartsHere to possibly be shared across the PRCC social media channels.
Meeting Needs of the Local Workforce and Campuses
With dozens of Allied Health, Career Technical Education, and Nursing pathways and numerous academic pathways for those seeking to continue at a four-year college or university, there is something for everyone at PRCC. Students can start their story at The River with an eye on their future career success, resting securely in the knowledge their skills will be highly valued.
Each program is geared toward meeting the needs of the local workforce, with Career and Technical instructors maintaining close ties to local industry. New programs are continually added to meet the changing demands of the local economy. Graphic Design, Landscape Maintenance, and Manufacturing Maintenance programs begin this fall.
PRCC Workforce Development supports businesses and industries across the six-county district with exceptional training programs while helping individuals gain valuable new skills. Under the direction of this team, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs provide individuals with the professional tools and skills needed to successfully join the workforce and increase employment in Mississippi.
Refurbishing current structures and building new ones reflects the importance PRCC Administration and the Board of Trustees place on continually meeting the needs of programs, students, and the local workforce.
New Opportunities in Hancock County
August 5th was a day of celebration when the long-awaited Hancock Campus officially opened. Split between two structures, the Aviation and Aerospace Workforce Academy and the Frank Ladner Center for Aviation and Aerospace Training Hangar, the Hancock Campus is on Fred and Al Key Road near Hancock High School. Students from the coast now have a beautiful campus close to home where they can begin their journey, with options from aviation-focused career paths to more traditional academic paths.
The Academy is a spacious 38,000-square-foot facility featuring eight classrooms, five labs, a reception area, faculty and staff offices, a library and testing center, an indoor student lounge with vending options, and an outdoor courtyard. Academic, Career and Technical Education, and Practical Nursing programs, workforce training, and adult education classes are offered at the facility.
Complementing the facilities is an 18,000-square-foot hangar that opened its doors in August 2023. It features three classrooms with labs, a vast open hangar space with hands-on lab stations, an outdoor covered area for equipment training, a reception area within the lobby, and offices for faculty and staff. This hangar is the teaching ground for the Aviation Maintenance Technology and Unmanned Systems Technology programs.
Expansion and Renovation at the Forrest County Campus
Be it an allied health program or the first step in a student’s college journey, the Forrest County Campus is here to help them begin their story at The River. A growing economy in the Pine Belt Region provides ample opportunities for PRCC students to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Meeting the needs of local healthcare entities is the driving force behind the continued growth of Allied Health and Nursing programs. Ground was broken earlier this year for the new Asbury Nursing Building & Annex adjacent to the Allied Health Building. The structure will contain both classrooms and labs. Once completed, enrollment capacity for the Associate Degree of Nursing Program at FCC to 200 students.
With continued enrollment growth, the Forrest County Campus will remodel Building 1, the original Forrest County Campus structure. It houses many classrooms, faculty office space, and science labs. The renovations will begin around Thanksgiving and are expected to take about one year.
Meeting Demand on the Poplarville Campus
The Poplarville Campus is constantly growing to ensure students get the best possible start to their journey. Whether someone is seeking a high school equivalency diploma through Adult Education, a technical certificate or degree in a Career and Technical program, future nurses, or a student launching their academic career, PRCC is where each student can start their story.
Several construction projects are wrapping up, underway, or planned to begin soon to continue growth on the Poplarville Campus. Each project is to meet a need for continued growth at The River.
The Lineman Technology program moves into their new building on the backside of campus. The program continues to operate at full capacity with a perpetual waiting list.
Even after opening two new dorms in 2022, providing 230 beds, the waiting list for living on campus remains close to 600 students. Ground has been broken to construct four new single-story dormitories near the soccer and baseball fields. Student-athletes from baseball, soccer, and softball will be placed in the new dorm, freeing up 130 beds for other students.
A new Career and Technical Education building will be constructed along Highway 11. It will house Barbering, Cosmetology, and Early Childhood Education programs with easier entry for community members accessing services. The current building near the front of campus will be torn down to make way for a large addition to the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts. The addition will accommodate band practice space and other Fine Arts classes.
Welcoming Students
New and returning students have several opportunities to start writing their story through activities on campus.
Student-athletes and members of The Spirit of the River Marching Band began their story-making time a few weeks ahead of classes. They came onto campus with a new structure for move-in days that ensured all necessary paperwork had been completed before receiving their dorm key. Key departments were available under one roof to ensure a smooth transition.
The Poplarville Campus Student Activity Board has a full calendar mapped out for the semester. The second week of classes (August 26 – 28) has been named “Welcome Week,” with a Movie Night on Monday, Game Night on Tuesday, and Karaoke Night on Wednesday. Student favorites including kickball, color battles, a haunted house experience, and campfires are on the schedule.
Activities and events are planned across our Forrest County Campus and Hancock Campus as well, including the PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) Sponsored First Annual Wildcat Challenge Volleyball Tournament.
Kicking off Athletics at the River
Attending and/or participating in athletic events is a cornerstone of the college experience. All 12 of PRCC’s teams are located on the Poplarville Campus.
Students, employees, and community members are invited to meet the 2024-25 PRCC athletic teams at Meet the Wildcats. The annual kickoff event is free and will be held on August 21st at 7 p.m. inside Marvin R. White Coliseum.
Football, Soccer, and Volleyball teams are poised to begin their seasons. Men’s Soccer won the 2023 Region 23 Championship and received a preseason ranking of 15th in the nation. Women’s Soccer will open the 2024 season ranked 13th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll. The Volleyball Team is the reigning Region 23 Champions, coming off their third consecutive 20-win season. Women’s Basketball won the 2023-24 Region 23 Championship; and Baseball won the 2024 MACCC Championship.
Football has its first game at Northwest Mississippi Community College on August 29. Homecoming is planned for Thursday, October 10 with the Wildcats taking on Co-Lin.
Wildcat fans can purchase individual game tickets or season passes for sporting events at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. All-sport passes grant entry to all PRCC regular season competitions.
Between the exceptional faculty, program offerings, and optimal learning environments, PRCC provides ample opportunities for each student to write their own story for future success. Looking back at their time at The River, Wildcat graduates often remark that those were the best two years of their lives, with further reflection on the moments that have turned into memories and the lifelong friendships forged.
Fine Arts Brilliance
Fine Arts students can get their start at The River with productions on the stage of the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts, recitals, or an Art Walk to showcase items made in classes. Many of the students are active in multiple entities, including The Spirit of the River Marching Band, PRCC Singers, Concert Band, and Theater. Smaller groups such as The JazzCats and The Voices bring their talents into the community and at competitions, including the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) competition.
The 2024 – 2025 Fine Arts Season at the Brownstone has been announced. Season Tickets can be purchased for $119 per person at prcc.edu/Brownstone or by calling 601-403-1180. They are available until September 10th.
Marshall Ramsey — September 10 at 7 p.m.
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra — October 1 at 7 p.m.
Aca-Fest — November 15 at 6 p.m
Holiday Pops — November 21 at 7 p.m.
The Nutcracker — December 7 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and December 8 at 2 p.m.
Annie Moses Band — January 27 at 7 p.m.
Variety Show — February 25 at 7 p.m.
Clue — April 3 & 4 at 7 p.m.
Symphonic Band — April 10 at 7 p.m.
JazzCats — April 15 at 7 p.m.
Spring Pops: The Voices, Currents & Rapids— April 22 at 7 p.m.
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. Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), LinkedIn, 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 just a few simple steps:
1. Apply for Admissions online and have your transcript sent
2. Apply for Financial Aid, including doing your FASFA
3. Apply for Housing if needed
Visit PRCC.EDU/Admissions to become a Wildcat today.
How to Schedule a Tour
Anyone interested in a tour of the Forrest County Campus or Poplarville Campus can reach out to the Office of Recruitment by calling 601-403-1197, emailing recruitment@ prcc.edu, or visiting the webpage Prcc.edu/recruitment.
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. Photography by Jacob Cochran, Lauren P. Johnson, Kaitlyn Jones, and Laura O’Neill.
