August 5, 2024
After years of anticipation, the long-awaited PRCC Aviation and Aerospace Workforce Academy in Hancock County has opened. Governor Tate Reeves and several dignitaries gathered for the dedication and official ribbon cutting on Monday, August 5.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Pearl River Community College and the entire Hancock County community as we celebrate the grand opening of our new campus,” said PRCC President, Dr. Adam Breerwood. “This state-of-the-art facility represents our commitment to providing premier educational and workforce development opportunities. It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal leaders who have prioritized job creation and skill enhancement.
“We are excited to see the long-lasting economic impact this campus will have on our region, serving as a catalyst for growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
Attendees of the grand opening included federal, state, and local officials, along with business partners and local school representatives.
“I appreciate everything that Pearl River Community College is doing to help educate the workers of tomorrow; to help train our people for the jobs of the next fifty years,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “Starting this month, this Academy will play a critical role in the future of Mississippi.”
“Approximately twenty-one million dollars has been invested in this facility, setting Pearl River Community College up to be successful in the future. Because the reality is that when Pearl River wins, what really happens is our people win.”
Department of Economic Development Administration, Gulf Coast Restoration Funds, BP RESTORE Act grant award, as well as state and local investments made the PRCC [LO1] [AK2] [LO3] [AK4] Aviation and Aerospace Workforce Academy and the Frank Ladner Center for Aviation and Aerospace Training Hangar a reality. Groundbreaking for the new location was held in December 2019 with the hangar completed and open for August 2023.
“Seeing this vision and project finally come to fruition as we provide a state-of-the-art facility that will change our students’ lives throughout our communities is so rewarding,” said Director of Governmental and Community Relations, Angie Kothmann. “This new campus is not only a game changer for Hancock County and the state of Mississippi, but the entire Gulf Coast region and we are happy to be part of this journey.”
About the New Hancock County Campus
Located on Fred and Al Key Road in Hancock County, the Academy is an expansive 38,000-square-foot facility signifying PRCC’s expanded presence near Stennis International Airport, Hancock High School, and the Stennis Space Center Buffer Zone. It boasts eight classrooms, five labs, a reception area, faculty and staff offices, a staff break room/kitchenette, an indoor student sitting/vending area, and an outdoor courtyard. Programs based in the Academy include academic, Career and Technical Education, and Practical Nursing programs. Additionally, workforce training classes and adult education will be held in the facilities.
“The opportunity to open a new campus makes me smile,” said Dr. Raymunda Barnes, Vice President of Hancock Campus. “In 2004, Pearl River Community College made an investment in this community. As a result, scores of students enrolled and became graduates of this institution.
“From the Aviation Maintenance Program to the Practical Nursing Program, students and residents of Hancock County will have access to higher education and I am very excited to play a role in this endeavor. Changing lives, creating opportunities, and challenging our students to excel will continue to be our mission.”
Complementing this is an 18,000-square-foot hangar, which commenced operations in August 2023. It features three classrooms with labs, an open hangar area with hands-on lab stations, an outdoor covered space for equipment training, a lobby with a reception area, and faculty and staff offices. Aviation Maintenance Technology and Unmanned Systems Technology programs are taught at the hangar.
The hangar is being named after PRCC alum and Board of Trustees member, Frank Ladner. Ladner began his affiliation with The River when stepping on the Poplarville Campus as a freshman in 1955. Durin his tenure with the Bay St. Louis School District, he consistently recommended PRCC to students. Since April 1992, he has been on the Board of Trustees, serving in various roles.
“Naming this facility after Mr. Frank Ladner, a longtime trustee of Pearl River Community College and a dedicated resident of Hancock County, is a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment and service,” said Dr. Breerwood. “Mr. Ladner’s dedication to education and the betterment of our community has left an indelible mark on all of us. This facility will stand as a testament to his legacy, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region. We are honored to recognize his contributions through this dedication.”
Ladner continues to promote and support PRCC and is honored to have been recognized.
“I’m so proud of the new facilities that we have in Hancock County,” said Ladner. “I can remember when we ran buses from Hancock County and transported our students to Poplarville daily. Then, we opened Hancock Center in Waveland to meet the needs of the community. We’ve come a long way.”
The Acadamy and Hangar provide state-of-the-art learning spaces, combining computer-enhanced classrooms with adjacent hands-on labs, preparing students to operate and maintain equipment for the future. The classrooms and labs are adaptable to accommodate the evolving needs of local businesses and industries. The new Hancock County Campus will provide students with the educational opportunities needed to become a vital part of Mississippi’s workforce.
GETTING STARTED AT PRCC
Enrolling at Pearl River Community College requires just four 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
4. Sign up for ROAR, our orientation program to help you have the BEST experience as a Wildcat
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 by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Kaitlyn Jones, Lauren Johnson, and Laura O’Neill.
