March 24, 2025
The Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Pearl River Community College proudly welcomed 50 outstanding students during a special induction ceremony held on Monday, March 10, 2025. Held at the Brownstone Center for the Arts, the event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of these students, who exemplify the highest standards of academic achievement.
The foremost honor society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) currently has over 1,300 chapters worldwide. This evening was the Iota Mu Chapter’s 67th induction ceremony. The chapter covers both the Hancock and Poplarville campuses.
Membership is reserved for students who have proven their dedication to academic achievement, requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and the completion of at least 12 credit hours of non-remedial coursework.
Scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship are the four hallmarks of PTK. The current officers briefly shared personal reflections on how these hallmarks have shaped their journey within PTK.
Attendees heard from Dr. Kristi Motter, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Manager at The University of Southern Mississippi. She encouraged the inductees to celebrate their accomplishments and remember those who supported them along the way.
“Your induction here today places you ahead of the norm — for that you should be acknowledged,” said Motter. “Each and every aspect of life, whether academically or personally, is based on the choices you make. Choose wisely. Choose carefully. Make good decisions. Be resilient.”
For students considering the transition from community college to a four-year institution, PTK serves as a transfer resource to its members. Many colleges and universities, especially those in Mississippi, offer special scholarships to PTK members with additional value for PTK officers.
PRCC Vice President of Poplarville Campus and Student Services Jeff Long spoke to the students about how they exemplify the best of Pearl River Community College. He also thanked the students for showing pride in their work and their families for supporting them.
“Focus on what you choose to do every day, which should include hard work and include taking pride in everything you do,” said Long. “And the byproduct of what you do daily will be a positive and something that we can be proud of.”
Iota Mu Advisor Kira Arthurs shared more about the level of excellence the chapter has obtained. She mentioned past year’s recognition and the recent awards from the MS/LA Region. Additionally, she shared about the projects completed this year including a digital cookbook and a video to bring awareness to the Poplarville Campus food pantry. Chapter members will attend Catalyst, the international conference for PTK, in a few weeks where they will learn of any awards for the current year.
Greeting inductees after the ceremony were representatives from Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, the University of South Alabama, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University.
PRCC students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Iota Mu Chapter for the spring 2025 semester are:
Josie Bartletter, Bay St. Louis
Anayah Beck, Carriere
Caden Belken, Picayune
Syerra Boggs, Carriere
Alexis Bonds, Carriere
Courtney Brewer, Petal
Blakely Byrd, Oak Grove
Lesly Castaneda, Poplarville
Brooke Clymer, Picayune
Austin Crawford, Columbia
Jabari Daniel, Columbia
DeAndrea Dexter, Sandy Hook
McKenzie Dillard, Poplarville
Jayci Dusang, Picayune
Cailey Ferrell, Sumrall
Emma Fletcher, Franklinton
Diana Garcia, Foxworth
Victoria Garcia, Wiggins
Natalie George, Purvis
Bonnie Guilot, Folsom
Emily Hand, Colorado Springs, CO
Akirah Herd, Poplarville
Jennifer Herrin, Sumrall
Summer Hunt, Poplarville
Jada Johnson, Gautier
Jordan Jones, Greenville
Hannah Lagasse, Waveland
Nhi Le-Bui, D’Iberville
Jakeyia Luckett, Canton
Emma Malley, Pass Christian
Zaniya Martin, Picayune
Camryn Oney, Poplarville
Emma Grace Pender, Purvis
Daniel Pickens, Gautier
Claire Quave, Picayune
Alexander Randall, Purvis
Ryan Reed, Fayette
Alexis Richardson, Poplarville
Henry Ros, Pascagoula
Sydney Rowell, Foxworth
Lilian Sanzin, Saucier
Hailey Scardino, Hattiesburg
Amy Snider, Picayune
Lacie Sosebee, Petal
Jacelyn Stockstill, Carriere
Hope Wheat, Hattiesburg
Molly Varnado, Carriere
MeiKiara Vivians, Carthage
Juliana McKenzie Willis, Poplarville
Lily Yanez, Bay St. Louis
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG),and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
