POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River Community College reanimated this week with students after a relatively quiet summer of slumber — and progress.
A consistently increasing student body was welcomed back to the Poplarville campus — plus Forrest County and Hancock County centers — by eager faculty and staff.
The first week of school got off to a wonderful start as faculty and staff helped welcome more than 750 Wildcats by pitching in and hauling their belongings to their dorm rooms.
“The first week of school has shown that the campus is going to experience a great semester,” said Dr. Martha Smith, Vice President for the Poplarville Campus and Instruction. “Dorm move-in weekend allowed us the opportunity to interact with students and families. Classes are full and students are excited about upcoming events.”
Pearl River’s Forrest County Center, which was opened in 1967 with an Allied Health emphasis, has continued to grow as PRCC’s enrollment has climbed. Just like in Poplarville, this week was as busy as ever at the FCC.
“The first week of school has been fantastic. Classes are full, students are enthusiastic, and our faculty is excited to get the semester rolling,” said Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President for the Forrest County Center.
Pearl River’s Hancock Center, which was recently recognized as one of Hancock County’s 2019 Businesses of the Year, is looking forward to continuous growth and change as it implements new programs such as Airframe & Propulsion Technology, Computer Aided Design & Drafting, Precision Manufacturing, and much more. The center also will be looking to break ground on a new location in Hancock County later this year.
“Hancock Center students are excited to begin and return to campus,” said Assistant Vice President for the Hancock Center, Raymunda Barnes. “Seeing the parking lot consistently full reminds the faculty and staff of the importance of promoting Pride, Respect, Class, and Character.
“We look forward to having a successful semester.”
PARDON OUR PROGRESS
Construction continues on the Poplarville campus as PRCC’s science building is undergoing major renovations that include a new wing that will house state-of-the-art labs and upgrades to the existing structure.
The school is also in the midst of building two new dorms that will offer more than 260 students modern comforts and unique vistas of both Dub Herring Park and Dobie Holden Stadium.
WELCOME WEEK
While the first week at The River was bustling, there’s plenty more ahead as PRCC kicks off a jam-packed Welcome Week, starting Monday with Field Day at Student Life Park from 6 p.m. until dark.
Tuesday is Tie Dye Spirit Shirts Day from 1-5 p.m. under the oaks at the outdoor courts. Students are asked to bring shirts to tie dye with Wildcat Maroon and Wildcat Gold.
The Student Information Fair is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday at Crosby Hall. Wildcats are encouraged to stop by and learn about the many student services and organizations offered on the Poplarville campus.
Let the games begin on Thursday with the Wildcat Olympics. The fun includes Freshmen vs. Sophomores in a wide variety of activities. Event sign-up sheets will be posted. The fun spans from 11 a.m. until dark.
Welcome Week wraps up Friday with an Ice Cream Social, sponsored by the PRCC Alumni Association, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Alumni Gazebo.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
A wide variety of online courses are offered through PRCC’s E-Learning department. The first eight-week and full-term online classes begin Aug. 26. There is still time to sign up for the second eight-week online coursework. Those interested have until Oct. 18 to speak with an advisor and register for second term online classes. Those interested in registering or learning more can visit PRCC.edu/elearning/register-now.
#HearOurROAR
With the new school year comes a new slogan from Pearl River. This year’s rallying cry from PRCC is “Hear Our ROAR.”
Current Wildcats, alumni and local businesses are asked to share what Pearl River means to them by posting their “Roars” with PRCC, either by uploading videos on social media with the hashtag #HearOurROAR or sending their clips to the Pearl River Marketing and Communications Department at media@prcc.edu.
“We are really excited about the ‘Hear Our Roar’ campaign. No one is more suited to tell the stories and share Pearl River’s voice than our students, employees, alumni and friends,” said new Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Candace Harper.
TUNE IN
Pearl River recently partnered with SuperTalk 97.3 FM to launch a new weekly radio show that focuses on PRCC’s vital workforce development. Hosted by Marketing and Communications Specialist Chuck Abadie, the 30-minute show airs every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and hits on a number of topics, including different programs, class offerings and job training. Click HERE to listen to previous shows.
ATHLETICS
Pearl River’s athletics campaign had a soft launch Thursday with the annual Meet The Wildcats extravaganza at Dobie Holden Stadium. The home stands were filled as PRCC introduced its fall sports, including football, men’s and women’s soccer, rodeo, the new volleyball team and the school’s trainers. Additionally, the Spirit of the River Marching Band, String of Pearls and PRCC Cheerleading Team all performed.
The athletics calendar officially gets underway Saturday as Mississippi’s first junior college volleyball program hosts Coastal Alabama-East at 1 p.m. at the newly renovated Shivers Gymnasium. The soccer teams and football program get underway next week; soccer travels to Hinds on Monday and LSU-Eunice on Wednesday before hosting Meridian on Friday at 5 p.m. Football begins its 2019 campaign at Itawamba on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. All football games and every home competition this season will be livestreamed at PRCCAthletics.com and PRCCMedia.com.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats) and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).
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Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.
