May 28, 2025
Naomi Williamson’s journey at Pearl River Community College ended with not just a diploma, but a triumph. The day after graduation brought life-altering news — she was awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, making her PRCC’s ninth recipient in the past 11 years and the only student in Mississippi to earn the award this year.
Williamson came to The River with a limited frame of reference for what to expect as she had been homeschooled prior to college, which reduced her options for social interactions. One activity she did have each week was that of a Sunday School teacher, a volunteer role where she could help and invest in children who might not have many people to support them.
On her first day on the Poplarville Campus, Williamson was a bundle of nerves, sitting in her car 30 minutes early and terrified to enter the building for her first class. She made it to class and soon found her footing on campus. As her confidence grew, she sought out leadership roles, including President of the Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and Sophomore Representative for the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute.
“My 17-year-old self never could have dreamed I’d be chapter president of an honors society, giving speeches to crowds, or unafraid to lead a class discussion,” said Williamson. “I remember speaking at our PTK induction and feeling so much pride in the fact that I wasn’t afraid.”
Along with her leadership roles, Williamson held a student worker position in the library. One of her roles was to assist with the digitization of documents for an archival record.
Even with her excellent academic performance and willingness to serve in leadership positions, Williamson hesitated at first to apply for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. She found her motivation waning once she realized how many exceptional students would be competing for the spots. However, she convinced herself to do her best and shoot for it. It was a long shot that paid off.
“To be recognized nationally for my achievements has proved to me that chasing your dreams, no matter how far away they seem, is one of the most important parts of life,” said Williamson. “Even if you don’t achieve what you set out to, there is always more of a lesson to be learned in every failure than in success.”
This year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation received more than 1,600 applications for the highly competitive scholarship. Only three students from Mississippi community colleges were semifinalists, with two from PRCC. There are 90 Cooke Scholars from 28 states selected from the 467 students who were named as semifinalists.
Awardees can receive up to $55,000 per year for two to three years at a four-year accredited undergraduate institution in any field of study. Beyond the financial help to complete their bachelor’s degree, Cooke Scholars also receive comprehensive advisement to guide them through the transition to a four-year college and preparation for a career, opportunities for internship, study abroad, graduate school funding, and access to a network of Cooke Scholars and Alumni.
Dr. Terri Ruckel serves as PRCC’s primary point of contact for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. She is one of five JKC Representatives in the state of Mississippi, providing application information, including deadlines, recruitment, and support to students in Mississippi. She also works with Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute Deans Dr. Jennifer Seal and Dr. Ryan Ruckel to recruit qualified students at Pearl River.
“Helping students navigate the scholarship landscape has been the most rewarding endeavor of my career,” said Dr. Terri Ruckel. “Receiving the scholarship from Jack Kent Cooke is a life-changer for students!”
Kira Arthurs, Instructor of Sociology and Phi Theta Kappa Iota Mu Chapter Advisor, has interacted with Naomi both in sociology class and as an active member of the PTK chapter.
“Over the last two years, Naomi has grown in her leadership and her confidence,” said Arthurs. “This year, she led Iota Mu as Chapter President, overseeing two major projects we completed, helping our chapter win international recognition. She has shown grit and determination in navigating all these pursuits. It has been a joy to watch her go from a quiet student to one who takes charge.”
“Being chosen as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar is a life-changing opportunity that will allow Naomi to realize her dream of Law School with little to no debt. She is very deserving of this scholarship, and I can’t wait to see her shine in her future endeavors.”
Faculty and staff have been supportive throughout Williamson’s time on campus. Being able to interact with her instructors was helpful for staying engaged and growing as a student. She is particularly grateful for Arthurs, who has become a mentor for her.
“My instructors encouraged me to dream big, and my advisors have given me practical support to help me achieve those dreams,” said Williamson. “What makes all of this so exciting is that I recently realized that younger me would be so unbelievably proud of who I am today. She may have had slightly different dreams and goals, but she would look up to me, which means a lot.”
Williamson is heading to Oxford, where she will continue her studies at the University of Mississippi. In five years, she hopes to have completed a Juris Doctor, passed the bar, and begun work as a criminal prosecuting attorney. Receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship has alleviated the financial burden on her, her fiancée, and her family, taking her one step closer to achieving her dream.
“To achieve these goals, I must continue working hard, studying, and seeking help from advisors and faculty to ensure I’m on the right track,” said Williamson. “The most important thing will be to make sure I don’t lose sight of why I chose this path in the first place: to help others.”
Previous Recipients
Past recipients from Pearl River include the following students:
Trevor Creighton (2014): Columbia, Creative Writing (plus $200,000 JKC Graduate Scholarship to Harvard in Higher Education administration)
Rachael Carraro (2017): Mississippi State, Landscape Architecture
Said Otwane (2018): Columbia University, Computer Engineering (plus $200,000 JKC Graduate Scholarship; currently undecided)
Savannah Barnes (2020): Ole Miss, Multi-disciplinary Studied, Korean, TESOL
Riley Cleveland (2021): Mississippi State, Elementary Education
Kyle Simpson (2021): University of Michigan, Psychology
Quindalin Harper (2021): Ole Miss, Psychology (Psychiatric Medicine)
Hanna Lambert (2022): Mississippi State, Veterinary Science
Naomi Williamson (2025): Ole Miss, Law Studies (pre-law status)
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).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Laura O’Neill and River Roderick.
