September 21, 2023
Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute students welcomed Picayune attorney and Pearl River alum Bill Cruse onto the Poplarville Campus to deliver the first Honors Forum talk of the school year. He was asked to talk about his decisions, both intentional and unintentional, and how they led to his current career.
Cruse provided highlights of his personal journey, including how he came to be a student at PRCC, taking classes for a STEM pathway that led to a degree in chemistry at Mississippi College. He planned to go into dental school but switched gears and attended law school.
He considers his time at The River the most productive time of his life. The contacts he made during his two years at PRCC have carried over into his current practice.
“Be flexible on what your career and path is,” said Cruse. “I walked off campus with a path and it changed.
“Instead, focus on making all the connections you can while you can.”
Sophomore Savannah Sylvest appreciated the opportunity to ask questions about Cruse’s time in law school and as a practicing lawyer. She originally planned to become an English teacher when she started her time at PRCC and has now shifted her focus.
“I found his life experience very helpful because I came into college not knowing what I wanted to do,” said Sylvest. “I have not taken any pre-law or preparation yet. Hearing how he was able to shift into law was very motivational for me.”
About Bill Cruse
Bill Cruse, a Mississippi native, has deep roots in Pearl River County. After graduating from Picayune Memorial High School in 2001, he pursued higher education at Pearl River Community College and Mississippi College, where he earned a degree in chemistry in 2005. Following his passion, he obtained his law degree from the Mississippi School of Law in 2009. Bill’s career journey led him from a decade of youth ministry in Jackson to practicing law in Pearl River County. Specializing in estate planning, real estate, and business law, he’s dedicated to helping clients navigate significant life transitions and prosper in their futures. Bill is a devoted family man, married to Morgan Cowart Cruse since 2005, and they have four children. He is actively involved in the community as a member of the Kiwanis Club and maintains lifelong memberships in Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Mu.
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Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
