August 12, 2024
New Pearl River Community College faculty and staff members came together for a day of fellowship, orientation, information, and fun on the Poplarville Campus on Tuesday, August 6. From a welcome by PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood to a tour of key offices in the Administration building, the attendees were presented with a strong overview of the college.
Breerwood greeted attendees as they started their day in White Hall. He gave a short introduction to his own journey as a PRCC Wildcat, from his days as a student to his employment path as an Assistant Baseball Coach, who also cut the grass, then entering into administration for Student Services and, ultimately, the presidency. He then talked about the comprehensive approach faculty and staff are asked to take when educating students.
“New Employee Orientation is an exciting time to welcome new educators to the Wildcat Family,” said Breerwood. “We are always looking to add leaders who are ready to invest in students and who are willing to look beyond academic needs. Together, we can build better families and better communities.”
Pearl River has three campuses across the six-county district it serves. Attendees were presented with overviews of each site by the Vice President for Hancock Campus Dr. Raymunda Barnes, the Vice President for Forrest County Campus Dr. Jana Causey, and the Executive Vice President for Student Services Dr. Jeff Long.
Highlights included a look at the new Hancock Campus facilities, the prevalence of Allied Health and Career and Technical Education at Forrest County Campus to serve local industry, and recent and future growth on the Poplarville Campus.
Orientation included a short tour through the different offices inside the Administration Building. The tour provided them with knowledge of the people behind key departments and their physical locations.
Over lunch, attendees listened to informational sessions by Director of College Libraries Tracy Smith, Director of Human Resources Kelly Reid, Director of Public Safety Butch Raby, and Executive Vice President for Planning and Accreditation Dr. Jennifer Seal.
Faculty members then joined Executive Vice President for Instruction/Provost Dr. Martha Lou Smith for expectations and responsibilities of instructors.
“It was an honor to meet well-qualified, enthusiastic new employees who are excited to join our Wildcat Family,” said Seal. “It was a joy to introduce them to our love for students, teaching, and learning. Our goal is to empower them to achieve great things in their new positions.”
David Ladner has joined the PRCC faculty as Instructor of Manufacturing Technology housed at the new Hancock Campus.
“Participating in new employee orientation as an instructor was a fantastic opportunity to be inspired and welcomed as a new member into the Wildcat Family,” said Ladner. “Along with the terrific Hancock Campus opening earlier this week, I feel like I am prepared for the journey ahead.”
Regular classes for the fall semester begin on Monday, August 19, with online courses beginning on Monday, August 26. Registration is still open for classes on all campuses. 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 Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
