Pride. Respect. Class. Character. The Wildcat Way. These are the principles upon which Pearl River Community College was built. Over the past year, the Wildcat Way thread has continued to weave itself throughout the culture of the institution. While many of its students face insurmountable challenges in order to make it to one of its three locations for the first day of classes, they continue not only to survive but thrive. Faculty and staff have embodied the Wildcat Way by implementing it in their instruction and embracing student’s challenges like never before.
The Faculty Associations at both the Poplarville/Hancock and Hattiesburg locations met this week to discuss the upcoming year and had the opportunity to ask questions of their president, Dr. Adam Breerwood. Questions regarding campus projects, policies, and parking were rattled off from the group as Dr. Breerwood took them in stride.
From left: David Collum, Career Education Department chair, president; Chris Christen, Health and Science Department chair, vice president; Sharon Clark, Mathematics instructor, secretary; and Doug Donohue, Mathematics instructor, treasurer.
“I value your opinion,” said Breerwood. “I want to be completely transparent and talk with you anytime I can.”
Poplarville/Hancock Faculty Association President, Lonnie Burchell, announced at the group’s first meeting that a vote has been settled to change their name to the Faculty and Staff Association as to be more inclusive of those employees able to join the organization. They are also taking on several major projects including a Food Drive for the Poplarville campus Food Pantry “The Market” on Friday, August 16th at Ramey’s Market Place in Poplarville. They will be working dorm move-in weekend to assist students and their families move their personal items into their rooms. Alongside these endeavors, the group has agreed to take on collecting dorm essential items to create baskets for students that are in need of basic necessities for college life.
Over 1500 students have “ROARED” through PRCC’s new student orientation this summer. Over 60 advisors met for 17 total orientation sessions to get these students registered and prepared for their first day of classes. These new Wildcats have much to look forward to.
Former students have found their passions and because of the strong leadership opportunities and student-led avenues for success, these students were afforded the opportunity to chase those dreams.
The Wildcat Way has never been more evident than through our athletic programs. By holding these student-athletes accountable on and off the field, the college continues to create competitive athletes as well as productive citizens. Success on the field and on the court translates into success in the classroom.
Exciting changes are happening at PRCC including an unprecedented amount of concurrent construction projects across campuses. However, one thing that does not seem to be changing at The River anytime soon is the dedication to the Wildcat Way.
As Pearl River begins the 2019-20 school year, it continues to help students walk The Wildcat Way so that PRCC graduates become the leaders, the doers, and the entrepreneurs in the communities which they serve. The River is Rising.
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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.
