Pearl River Associate Vice President recognized as Top 50 Under 40

Pearl River Community College’s Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication Candace Harper was recently named to the Mississippi Business Journal’s prestigious Top 50 Under 40 list.

The program seeks to identify and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Mississippi’s overall economic progress, often working at their own local levels. The awards ceremony was originally set to be held April 30, 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Mississippi Business Journal decided to cancel the celebration for the safety of the honorees, community and MBJ staff. Instead, MBJ will release a video presentation and special publication to highlight 2020 honorees. 

“Candace is most deserving of this distinction,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “She is passionate about her work and brings energy and enthusiasm to our campus on a daily basis. Candace has served and excelled in a variety of roles at Pearl River Community College. She has a bright future and we are blessed to have her as a member of our staff. I am thrilled for her to receive recognition of this magnitude.” 

Harper has an extensive background in marketing, having been an adjunct instructor at PRCC for more than 15 years. She currently oversees the marketing and advertising efforts for the institution in addition to her role as Director of Bookstore Services. Her duties include maintaining the brand for PRCC, promoting the institution and running the two Wildcat Den bookstores and gift shops. Additionally, Harper received the Sales and Marketing Professionals Pine Belt Award for her rebranding of the campus bookstore in 2016.

“It comes as no surprise to me that Candace has been recognized as a Top 50 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal. Candace has demonstrated time and again the ability to embrace a challenge or opportunity, and bring it to fruition for the benefit of the College and our students,” Senior Vice President for College Operations Roger Knight said. “She has the exceptional gift as a visionary to think outside the box, and the leadership skill set to bring her team along the way. It has been a true pleasure for me to have served as her supervisor and to watch her grow and mature in her professional skills.”

Since joining PRCC’s family as a professional in 2004, Harper has served in a number of roles, including recruiter, cheerleading coach, student activities coordinator and alumni coordinator. 

Harper has an associate’s degree in business marketing from PRCC, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and a MBA from Troy University. She’s also working towards her doctorate from USM.

A Carriere native, Harper is married to Andy Harper. They have three children, Parker, Preston and Piper.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal for Mississippi’s Top 50 Under 40 and I am excited to be included in a class with such amazing individuals,” Harper said. “I credit Pearl River Community College for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to serve our students and community for many years. I am grateful for the people in my work environment and family who have poured into me, allowing me to flourish as an individual not only professionally, but morally and spiritually. I hope I can continue to make my husband, children, family and PRCC proud. Wildcats Never Quit.”