Twenty-two new members of the Beta Tau Gamma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society were inducted Monday, Oct. 19, at 91福利.

The induction ceremony was held at the Forrest County Campus with family members, friends, faculty, staff, and administration filling the audience. 

Students inducted included Ella Bergman of Petal, Karla Contreras of Hattiesburg, James Conner of Oak Grove, Cristina Dickerson of Jacksonville, Fla., Bella Dubose of Hattiesburg, Ayriel Fortune of Hattiesburg, Jonathan Gwin of Oak Grove, Charles Hicks II of Prentiss, Hunter Hooper of Hattiesburg, Miya Hullum of Hattiesburg, Ihaile Johnson of Hattiesburg.

Tanya Jones of Laurel, Camron Kapinski of Hopewell, Pa., Hayden Navarro of Petal, Logan Pitts of Petal, Lucas Robbins of Petal, Brianna Terry of Hattiesburg, Angie Ventura of Petal, Jackson Walters of Hattiesburg, Tia Washington of Hattiesburg, Stella Whalum of Columbia and Rodney Young of Prentiss. 

Phi Theta Kappa is known as the foremost honor society for two-year colleges with more than 1,300 chapters worldwide. 

Students selected for membership are considered academically successful having completed at least 12 credit hours of non-remedial courses with a minimum cumulative 3.4 GPA.   

Scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship are the four hallmarks of PTK. The current officers briefly shared how those hallmarks have played out for them as members of PTK. 

Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President of the Forrest County Campus, told students that PTK membership will open many doors for their futures.

鈥淭hese students are going to achieve great things while they are here at Pearl River and moving forward,鈥� said Dr. Causey. 鈥淲hat you are going to achieve would not be possible without the help of your teachers at PRCC. You have shown the ability to have pride in what you鈥檙e doing.鈥欌��

Beta Tau Gammas advisors are Drs. David Collum, Terri Smith Ruckel, Ryan Ruckel and Doug Donohue, and Said Otwane.

Dr. Ryan Ruckel, Dean, William Lewis Honors Institute and PTK Regional Coordinator, welcomed the audience.

鈥淭ransfer scholarship opportunities are available to these students as they continue with PRCC,鈥� said Dr. Ruckel. 鈥淭hese students also qualify for membership in our Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute, as well as various research opportunities. We welcome the opportunity to encourage and work with these students as they move forward.鈥�

The program began with the induction of chapter officers by Dr. David Collum, Dean of Career and Technical Education, and Said Otwane, instructor of Computer Coding.

Chapter officers include Jonathan Gwin as President, Ella Bergman of Sumrall, Vice President of Leadership; Amaria Bowie of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Leadership; Karla Contreras of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Scholarship; Akayliah Donaldson of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Service; Charles Hicks of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Service; Alex Miller of Petal, Vice President of Chapter Engagement; Daniel Robinson of Sumrall, Vice President of Chapter Engagement.

Noah Stasny of Lumberton, Vice President of Fellowship; Marin Sumrall of Sumrall, Vice President of Fellowship; Angie Ventura of Hattiesburg, Vice President of Membership; Asia Walker of Hattiesburg, Ambassador of Dual Enrollment; Chloe White of Sumrall, Vice President of Career Readiness; Sam Whittington, Vice President serving as Regional Officer; Grace Kitchens of Oak Grove, Vice President of Officer in Training; and Emory Smith of Hattiesburg, Officer in Training. 

Dr. Greg Underwood, Academic Dean at the FCC, told inductees, 鈥淭his is a night where you can all be proud.鈥�

The induction ceremony was sponsored by the Ole Miss Admissions office. Dr. Rudy Gatlin, PRCC instructor of Psychology and Music Appreciation, provided special music for the event.

For the latest news on 91福利, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (), Instagram (), Facebook (),and TikTok ().

Article by Chuck Abadie. Photography by Cullin Rogers.

91福利 continued its proud tradition of honoring creativity, leadership and dedication to the arts during the 2026 Homecoming ceremonies. This year鈥檚 Fine Arts and Communications Hall of Fame inductees, Jason Cale of Virginia Beach, Va., and Sharon Laird of Petal, exemplify the passion and excellence that define the Wildcat spirit and demonstrate how to live out their legacies. 

鈥淲e are incredibly proud to induct Sharon and Jason into the 2026 Fine Arts Hall of Fame,鈥� said Dr. Trevor Hunt, Fine Arts and Communications Department Chair and Director of the Brownstone Center for the Arts. 鈥淭hey exemplify what it means to be a Wildcat through their character, dedication, accomplishments, and commitment to others. They represent the very best of 91福利, and we are honored to recognize the lasting impact they have made on our college and community. They are truly outstanding examples of what it means to be a Wildcat.鈥� 

About the 2026 PRCC Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductees听

Jason Cale

Cale attended PRCC from 1994 to 1996, forging a strong foundation for his career as a professional musician defined by versatility, discipline and artistic expression. He was a member of The Spirit of the River Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Archie Rawls, performing on the trombone and guitar. He was also a member of the choral program under Dr. Mark Malone.听

When Cale arrived at The River, he didn鈥檛 have the confidence in himself that he has now. What he received over two years was a strong foundation for believing in himself and trusting his musical ear.  

鈥淥ne of my fondest memories is the first time I really sang in front of people, with my own voice, at a band talent show,鈥� said Cale. 鈥淭hat is when I got the bug to truly explore my voice. The different choirs I was part of gave me so many opportunities to grow musically and to trust my ear. I am very grateful to Dr. Malone and Mr. Rawls.鈥� 

Cale spent more than 20 years as a professional musician with the U.S. Army and Air Force bands, performing around the world and representing his country through music before retiring after a 26-year military career. He is an accomplished performer, producer, educator and leader of the Jason Cale Band based in Virginia Beach, Va. The band considers their musical sound to be 鈥渟wampfunk,鈥� a rich blend of soulful blues-rock, gritty New Orleans funk, and jazz fusion.  

鈥淚t is humbling to remember the young man I was at Pearl River and compare him to who I am today as a man and a musician,鈥� said Cale. 鈥淚 think of the teachers and friends I made there, and the peers who are still my friends now, and I can see how much of my success started with the lessons I learned there. I had teachers I looked up to, teachers who cared, and teachers who encouraged me to explore not just the guitar, but my voice and my creativity.鈥� 

Sharon Laird

Laird came to PRCC from Sumrall High School. At The River, she performed in the Concert Choir, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and served as trumpet section leader of the Wildcat Marching Band. She continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was a member of the Wind Ensemble, was trumpet section leader of the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, studied trumpet with Alan Cox and studied conducting with Dr. Thomas Fraschillo. 

Laird credits Archie Rawls’ visit to Sumrall High School with her choice to attend PRCC.   

鈥淣ot only did Archie help me learn how to be a band director and a teacher and a pretty good theory student, but he also introduced me to my life partner,鈥� said Laird. 鈥淪o that’s pretty monumental.鈥� 

Laird spent more than 30 years in public school education, including Oak Grove High School, West Jones, Taylorsville, Magee and Italy, Texas. As band director for 20 years at Oak Grove High School, she led the program to statewide recognition. She spent several years on the staff of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band as both Concert Director and Marching Director. During her tenure as Marching Director, the band won the 2019 Lions International Parade of Nations Championship in Milan, Italy. 

Leaving Mississippi, Laird served as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Wisconsin鈥揈au Claire. While at UWEC, she assisted with the 475-member Blugold Marching Band, served as assistant conductor of the University Band and acted as an organizational liaison for the Blugold Band鈥檚 international performance tour of Australia and New Zealand. 

Laird is currently enjoying semi-retirement while serving alongside her husband, Mark, as Band Director at Loyd Star Attendance Center. During their tenure, the Loyd Star Band has earned All-Superior ratings and received the Sweepstakes Award for the first time in the Lincoln County School District’s history.  

Her professional honors include the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, recognition as a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award, the 2018 Mississippi Woman Band Director of the Year Award, the 2015 MHSAA Outstanding Music Educator Award and SEMBDA Outstanding Band Director of the Year awards in 1997 and 2015. She remains an active clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States. 

鈥淎s I stood on the same field that I stood on in 1984 and 1985 as a student, I realized were it not for Pearl River, I wouldn’t have the life I have now,鈥� said Laird. 鈥淚 wouldn’t have the career I have now. I wouldn’t have my husband. I wouldn’t have my son. All of it started here.  

鈥淚t hit me that, wow, this place truly changed my life. The Hall of Fame membership took on a whole new meaning when I realized what an impact the school had on me.鈥� 

Article by Laura O’Neill.

91福利鈥檚 Workforce Education program has established a new initiative for those people looking to pursue a way to improve their quality of life.

The new program is called Compass Career Pathways.

鈥淲e want to connect Adult Education learners or any learners with short-term skills training, to help them decide what pathway they want to go,鈥� said Jennifer Culpepper, PRCC鈥檚 Compass Pathways Navigator. 

鈥淲e aim to help people鈥檚 understanding of specific occupational rolls and training options along the clustered career pathways. There are seven different pathways that we are going to offer.鈥�

The seven Compass Pathways career options offered are healthcare, business and technology, advanced manufacturing, heavy equipment and transportation, utilities and broadband, construction, and welding and shipbuilding.

Compass Pathways is a 12-hour course, offered at the Lowery Woodall Advanced Technology facility in Hattiesburg, the Poplarville PRCC campus, the Hancock County PRCC campus and the Picayune WIN Job Center. 

Each class is divided into six hours of career exploration and six hours of workplace hands-on activities, with some fields featuring activities like taking blood pressure or using a thermometer.

The cost is $15 per class and that covers all supplies. There is no age requirement.

鈥淲hen learners complete the course or courses they earn a certificate showing they have had some hands-on experience and showing they have had 12-hour of direct instruction in one of these pathways,鈥� said Culpepper.

Job shadowing opportunities are available as well as internships  

Said Culpepper, who has background in counseling and workforce development: 鈥淚 love working one on one with students to help them make their next step, to help them reach where they want to be one day.鈥�  

Contact information: Jennifer Culpepper 601-554-4694 at the Woodall Center or mail:听jculpepper@prcc.edu听听

For the latest news on 91福利, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (), Instagram (), Facebook (),and TikTok ().

Article by Chuck Abadie.

91福利 has joined forces with AccelerateMS to offer a program that aims to improve Workforce instructors in the classroom.

鈥淎ccelerate is piloting this new instructor training program, and we are hosting the second iteration ever,鈥� said Bo Worley, PRCC鈥檚 Industrial Business Developer.

鈥淲e wanted to give this opportunity to our PRCC Workforce trainers.鈥�

The program鈥檚 official title is Facilitation Academy for Certified Excellence in Training (FACET).

FACET aims to improve instructor confidence and capability in areas such as: Presentation and platform skills, classroom management, adult learning principles and moderation and facilitation techniques.

PRCC will have two groups beginning the Week of April 27 and May 11. Graduations will be at noon at the end of each week, on May 1 and May 15. 

According to information provided by Accelerate MS, FACET is a statewide initiative designed to elevate the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of workforce trainers across industry, government, higher education, and career/technical education. The program focuses on strengthening facilitation skills, improving instructional delivery, and ensuring trainers can transfer skills across settings.

The program notes that improved instructor training is strongly linked to better student outcomes. For example, it states that 鈥渟tudent satisfaction can improve by 15鈥�20 percent, and course completion rates can rise by 10鈥�15 percent鈥�when instructors receive structured facilitation training. 

The program鈥檚 structure is as follows: 

Duration:听5 days

Modality:听Instructor-led training

Format:听70 percent practicum; 30 percent lecture

Cohort Size:听PRCC will have eight participants in the first class and 14 in the second class.

As far as the core curriculum, the program covers six major competency areas:

1. Adult Learning Principles & Styles
2. Meeting Preparedness & Planning
3. Emotional Intelligence in Facilitation
4. Fundamental Facilitation Techniques
5. Platform Skills
6. Managing Distractions

For more information, contact Worley at 601-554-4653 or email: bworley@prcc.edu.

For the latest news on 91福利, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (), Instagram (), Facebook (),and TikTok ().

Article by Chuck Abadie.

New applicants: never completed a previous PRCC Housing Application should select “No” when prompted to choose Prior Housing Ind.

Returning resident students, if you plan on living on campus in Spring 2026, you will be prompted to select Prior Housing Ind. Please select “Yes” to avoid paying the $50 deposit again. If you choose “No”, you will have to pay the $50 application deposit again.

If you have paid the deposit in the past but did not have a room assignment, click “Yes” to Prior Housing Ind to avoid paying the deposit a second time.

Returning students will have the same room assignment as Fall 2025.

Spring Housing Application Open Date: September 15, 2025
Spring Housing Application Priority Deadline: November 3, 2025
Spring Housing Application Closes: February 15, 2026

**Important Announcement: Campus Closure Due to Severe Winter Weather**

Attention Wildcats! Due to temperatures across our area remaining near freezing and the continued threat of hazardous road conditions, all 91福利 campuses will remain closed on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The safety of our faculty, staff, and students remains our top priority.

Online classes will continue as scheduled.

Dormitory students are advised to monitor their email for updates regarding the cafeteria schedule.

Additionally, students with clinical assignments should reach out to their instructors for further information and guidance on their specific situations.

All PRCC campuses will resume normal operations on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Please stay tuned for further updates, and continue to monitor your email and the College鈥檚 social media accounts for any additional information.

ALERT 2: January 20, 2025 5:08 p.m.

Attention Wildcats! Due to the possibility of icy weather conditions, all PRCC campuses will be CLOSED TUESDAY, JANUARY 21st & WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22nd.

All online classes will resume as scheduled.

Dormitory students are advised to check their email for further details.

Please monitor PRCC.EDU, social media sites and email for new information as it becomes available. We will resume normal campus hours THURSDAY, JANUARY 23rd at 8am.

Stay warm, Wildcats!

Attention Wildcats! Due to the possibility of icy weather conditions, all PRCC campuses will be CLOSED TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025.

All online classes will continue as scheduled. Dormitory students are advised to monitor their email for further details.

Please monitor , social media sites and email for new information as it becomes available.

Stay warm, Wildcats!

Update January 15, 2024, 3:40 p.m.
Due to the potential for severe winter weather, all PRCC campuses will be closed tomorrow, January 16.

• All online classes will continue as scheduled.
• Residence halls will remain open.
• All regularly scheduled college operations will resume on Wednesday, January 17 at 8 am.

Students, please continue to check your PRCC email, website, social media, and our emergency Lynx system for updates. If you have not signed up for Lynx notifications, click the Lynx tile in to start receiving updates.

Update January 15, 2024, 12:30 p.m.

Severe Weather Update:
The PRCC Administration is monitoring the incoming winter weather system.
Students, sign up with the PRCC Lynx notification system in RiverGuide and PRCC social media for campus updates.

Lynx
Pearl River Campus Notification System

Students, sign up for Lynx, the Pearl River Campus Notification System in .

Important FAFSA Update: Patience Pays Off!

Dear 91福利 Parents and Students,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and thriving in the new year. As we gear up for the 2024-25 academic year, we want to share some important information regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Traditionally, the FAFSA application process begins in October of each year, causing many students and parents to feel the pressure to complete it as soon as possible. However, this year, we have some exciting news to share: the FAFSA system is currently undergoing enhancements by the Federal Department of Education to provide you with an even better experience.

Why the Delay? Think of it as a construction zone 鈥� the FAFSA is under construction! The Federal Department of Education is working diligently to improve the system to make it more user-friendly and efficient. As a result, we recommend that current and future students wait until March to complete the FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year.

Benefits of Waiting: By patiently waiting until March, you’ll be ensuring a smoother and more streamlined FAFSA experience. The updates that are being implemented are designed to enhance the application process, making it more intuitive and accessible for everyone involved.

Processing Aid in April: We understand the importance of timely financial aid processing. Rest assured, by waiting until March, you are not delaying the receipt of your financial aid. Our goal is to start processing aid for students in April, allowing ample time for you to plan for the upcoming academic year.

Avoid Panic 鈥� Plan Strategically: We want to alleviate any concerns or pressures you may feel about the FAFSA timeline. Waiting until March is a strategic move that ensures you have the best possible experience when completing your application. It’s all part of our commitment to providing you with the support and resources you need for a successful college journey.

While You Wait: Make sure to create your FSA ID or recover it if you鈥檝e forgotten it while you wait! The FSA ID is basically your user name and password to the studentaid.gov website. You must create this ID before filling out the FAFSA because it takes several days to be authenticated once created.

Spring and Summer Applications: Just a reminder, if you are enrolling in the immediate spring or summer semesters you will need to fill out the 2023-24 FAFSA application. This is important for making sure you have a smooth and successful semester.

Stay Connected: In the coming weeks, we will keep you informed about any specific information that you may need to know about the updates that are happening. We are confident that these changes will make the financial aid application process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as the Federal Department of Education works to enhance the FAFSA experience for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our financial aid office for assistance.

Here’s to a successful and stress-free FAFSA season!

Warm regards,
91福利

FAFSA Update: 2024-25 Application Delayed

We understand that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial component of your student’s financial aid journey. The Department of Education has made the decision to delay the release of the 2024-25 FAFSA application until December 2023. Please rest assured that this delay is not a decision made by PRCC but a nationwide policy set by the Department of Education.

We want to emphasize that this delay will not put your student at any disadvantage. PRCC remains committed to providing the same level of support and assistance in securing financial aid, scholarships, and grants for our students. We are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that our students have all the resources they need when the application becomes available.

Taking Action: Create or Recover Your FSA ID

While waiting for the new FAFSA application to open, we encourage both parents and students to take proactive steps. You can create or recover your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at STUDENTAID.GOV. This ID is essential for electronically signing and submitting the FAFSA and for accessing other federal financial aid websites. It’s a crucial tool in making the financial aid process smooth and efficient.

Quick Housing Update

For our returning students who have already made PRCC their home away from home, the housing application is now open! For our incoming Wildcats who are joining us for the first time, mark your calendars! The housing application for new students will open on November 1st. Keep your eyes open for the next edition of the Parent Newsletter as we give more detailed information about the application process, due dates, and helpful tips!

Stay Connected with PRCC!

We invite you to return to our website regularly to stay updated on all the latest news, events, and information that are important to both students and parents. We’ll be posting new editions of the Wildcat Parent Newsletter right here, so be sure to check back often.

Additionally, we encourage you to follow us on Facebook, where we’ll be sharing timely updates as they are released. It’s another great way to stay connected and be part of the PRCC community.

Thank you for entrusting us with your student’s education. We’re excited to embark on this journey together, and we look forward to achieving great success as a team! If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated staff.

Go Wildcats!