3-6 - Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College
MISSION STATEMENT
STRATEGIC GOALS
and
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2003-2006
Printed Fall Semester
History of Pearl River Community College
Message from the President
Pearl River Community College (PRCC) is among the oldest colleges of its kind in the South and is the
pioneer public junior college in Mississippi. PRCC began its journey an agricultural high school in the first
decade of the twentieth century and has since been a pathfinder for advanced education in South
Mississippi.
The
history of Pearl River Community College is unique among the fifteen
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS), opened its doors in Poplarville in 1909. For the first
public
community
and
junior
colleges
in high
Mississippi.
The status
of being
eleven years,
the school was
devoted
solely
to educating
school age students
in academic
studiesthe
and
in agricultural
and home
sciences.
In 1921, PRCAHS
became
theState
first agricultural
high placed
school to the
offer
"first"
two-year
institution
of
higher
learning
in
the
(1909)
has
freshman college courses. By 1924, the school had become the first public two-year college in the State,
institution
inrenamed
a leadership
role
throughout
the
historyname
of the
and was soon
Pearl River
Junior
College. The
institution's
wasCollege.
changed to Pearl River
Community
on July 1, 1988.
The come
name change
reflectsfor
the the
comprehensive
career,
UnusualCollege
circumstances
have
together
College academic,
to anticipate
technical, and community services programs that are offered through the College.
future
enrollment
growth and
the
need for increased
The College
operates multi-instructional
sites.
A post-secondary
vocational-technical center was built in
1969 in Hattiesburg
and developed
into services.
the Pearl RiverHurricane
Community College
Forrest County Center. The
demands
for programs
and
Katrina
facility has been expanded several times. The most recent addition is a new library and classroom building
dealt
the
College
a
devastating
blow.
The
aftermath
of
that opened in the Spring of 2006. The Hancock Center opened in Waveland in January 2005, only to be
destroyed
by Hurricane
Katrina on August
29, 2005. an
Reopening
of the Hancock
the
storm,
however,
provided
opportunity
for Center is planned for late
2006. The Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center opened in Hattiesburg in October 2004.
significant
growth as the population shift from South
As this is being written in May 2006, the College continues to recover from extensive damage due to
Louisiana
andM.R.
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has caused
many
Hurricane Katrina.
White
Coliseum and
Moody
Hall Auditorium
were the
most significant losses on the
from these coastal areas to relocate into the PRCC
District. The influx of a new population along with the
growth experienced prior to the storm positions the
College for continued expansion of its programs and
services.
Pearl River
history
is unique among the fifteen public community
While
it is Community
importantCollege's
for us to
create
and junior
colleges
The status to
of being the "first" two-year institution of higher
a
vision
forin Mississippi.
the
future
learning in the state (1909) has placed the institution in a leadership role throughout the
accommodate the new growth
history of the College.
patterns,
also needhave
to pause
Unusual we
circumstances
come and
together for the college to anticipate future
reflect
ongrowth
the accomplishments
of
enrollment
and the need for increased
demands for programs and services.
Hurricane
dealt the College
a devastating
blow. The aftermath of the storm,
the
past. Katrina
This publication
provides
an
however, provided
opportunity strategic
for significant growth as the population shift from south
overview
of theanCollege's
Louisiana
and the Mississippi
Gulf
Coast has
goals
(2003-2006)
and the
progress
in caused many from these coastal areas to
relocate into the PRCC district. The influx of a new population along with the growth
meeting
those goals.
experienced prior to the storm positions the College for continued expansion of its
We
are
programs andproud
services.of what has been
accomplished
throughout
the history
While it is important
for us to create
a vision for the future to accommodate the new
growth
patterns,
we
also
need
to
pause
and reflect on the accomplishments of the past.
of our great institution. It is our
intent
This
publication
provides
an
overview
of
the
to work even harder in the future toCollege's strategic goals (2003-2006) and the
progress in meeting those goals.
provide
the quality educational
We are proud of what has been accomplished throughout the history of our great
opportunities
that
assist
the
institution. It is our
intentwill
to work
even
harder in the future to provide the quality
citizens
of South
Mississippi
in assist
reaching
educational
opportunities
that will
the citizens of south Mississippi in reaching their full
potential.
their
full potential.
William A. Lewis, Ed.D
History of Pearl River Community College
Mission
Statement
History of Pearl
River
Community College
Pearl River Community College is a public institution committed to
Pearl River
Community
College
(PRCC)
is among
the oldest
providing
quality
educational
and
service
opportunities
for colleges
all who
of its them.
kind in the South and is the pioneer public junior college in
seek
Mississippi. PRCC began its journey as an agricultural high school in the
first decade of the twentieth century and has since been a pathfinder
Quality
for advanced
educationEducational
in South Mississippi.Programs
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) opened its
doors in Poplarville in 1909. For the first eleven years, the school was
Strategic
Goal: to
To prepare students to transfer and be successful in their studies at
devoted solely
educating high school age students in academic
baccalaureate institutions and/or to be successful in careers for which they have been
studies
and
in
agricultural
and home sciences. In 1921, PRCAHS
prepared.
became the first
agriculturalPearl
highRiver
school
to offer
freshman
college
Commitment
Statement:
Community
College
is committed
to
courses.accredited
By 1924,programs
the school
had become
publicdegrees
two-year
providing
that enable
students to the
earn first
associate's
and
certificates
proficiency,
to transfer
to bachelor's
degree
programs,
to passCollege.
licensure
college inofthe
State and
was soon
renamed
Pearl
River Junior
examinations, and to gain employment in their chosen fields. Students completing these
The institution's name was changed to Pearl River Community College
programs will express a high degree of satisfaction and will be successful in their careers
on inJuly
1, 1988.
The name change reflects the comprehensive
and
their transfer
programs.
academic, career, technical, and community services programs that
are offered throughHighlights
the College.
of Accomplishments
The College operates several
instructional sites. A post-secondary
2003-2006
vocational-technical center was built in 1969 in Hattiesburg and
• The College's regional accreditation was reaffirmed in 2006. All programs participating in
developed into the Pearl River Community College Forrest County
program accreditation were also reaffirmed during 2003-2006
Center. The facility has been expanded several times. The most
RIVER
COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
•recent
In 2004,addition
all instructional
programs
were
reorganized
and
moved
under
theopened
direction of
isPEARL
a new
library
and
classroom
building
that
in
the
newly
created
position
of
Vice
President
for
Instruction.
theCampus
Spring of 2006.
TheCenter
HancockHancock
Center
in Waveland
in
Forrest County
Main
Center openedLowery
A. Woodall
5448 Highway 49 South
101 Highway 11 North
454 Highway 90, Suite D
Advanced Technology Center
January
2005,
only
to
be
destroyed
by
Hurricane
Katrina
on
August
29,
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
Poplarville, Mississippi 39470
Mississippi 39576
906 Sullivan Drive
•
The Associate Degree
Nursing program andWaveland,
the Practical
Nursing program
in Poplarville
(601)
554-5555
(601)
403-1000
(228) 467-9569
Hattiesburg,
2005.
Reopening
of
the
Hancock
Center
is
planned
for
late Mississippi
2006. The
were combined into the Department of Nursing Education.
(601) 554-4667
Lowery A. Woodall Advanced
Technology
Center
opened
in
http://www.prcc.edu
•Hattiesburg
The College'sinQuality
Enhancement
Plan,
involving
technology-based
instruction
in
[email protected]
October 2004.
mathematics,
was
approved.
As this is being written in May 2006, the College continues to recover
Pearl River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges
and Schools todamage
award degrees.
For to
more
information regarding
institutional
accreditation
status only,
from
due
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.
White
Coliseum
•
Pearlextensive
River Community
College
students
generally performed
as
well
as native
students
please contact the Commission on Colleges: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number
and
Moody
Hall
Auditorium
were
the
most
significant
losses
on the
after
transferring
to
senior
colleges
and
universities
in
Mississippi
and
other
states.
(404) 679-4501.
Pearl River Community
College is a
memberare
of thebeing
Americandrawn
Associationfor
of Community
and Junior Colleges
Poplarville
Campus.
Plans
the construction
ofand
a
theEach
Mississippi
Association
Colleges and
Universities.
•
year
most of
students
who
completed career certificate and technical degree
new performing arts center and a new coliseum/assembly center.
programs at Pearl River Community College went to work in their fields.
History of Pearl River Community College
Buildings
and
Grounds
Projects
Exceptional
Student
Services
Message
from
the President
Pearl River Community
College
is among
oldest colleges
its kind in the South and is the
July
1,(PRCC)
2003
– the
June
30,of2006
pioneer public junior college in Mississippi. PRCC began its journey an agricultural high school in the first
decade of the twentieth century and has since been a pathfinder for advanced education in South
To provide quality student services.
Counterclockwise (top left) Malone Chapel,
Mississippi.
The
history of Pearl River Community College
isdoors
unique
among
theForfifteen
new its
addition
Forrest
County
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS), opened
intoPoplarville
in 1909.Center,
thenew
first
public
community
and
junior
colleges
in
Mississippi.
The
status
of
being
boulevard
the
main
campus
at
eleven years,
the school was
devoted
solely
to educating
high
school agethrough
students
in
academic
studiesthe
and
Pearl River Community College is committed to serving
in agricultural
and home
sciences.
In 1921, PRCAHS
became
theState
firstLowery
agricultural
high placed
school
to the
offer
Poplarville,
A. Woodall
Advanced
"first"
two-year
institution
of
higher
learning
in
the
(1909)
has
freshman
college
courses.
1924, by
the providing
school hadspecialized
become
the services.
first public
two-year
college in the
State,
the needs
of our
studentBybody
Technology
Center
in Hattiesburg,
Student
institution
inrenamed
a leadership
role
throughout
the
history
of to
the
College.
and was soon
Pearl River
Junior
College. The
institution's
name
was
changed
to Pearl
River
Life
addition
Crosby
Hall, and
(below)
Community
on July 1, 1988.
The come
name change
reflects
the
comprehensive
academic,
ribbonfor
cutting
ceremony
thecareer,
new
UnusualCollege
circumstances
have
together
the
College
to at
anticipate
technical, and community services programs that are offeredHancock
through the
College.
Center
in Waveland.
future
enrollment
growth and
the
need for increased
The College
operates multi-instructional
sites.
A post-secondary
vocational-technical center was built in
1969 in Hattiesburg
and developed
into services.
the Pearl RiverHurricane
Community College
Forrest County Center. The
demands
for programs
and
Katrina
facility has been expanded several times. The most recent addition is a new library and classroom building
dealt
the
College
a
devastating
blow.
The
aftermath
of
that
opened in theprojects
Spring of 2006.
Hancock
Center opened
in Waveland
in January
onlyHonor
to be
• Renovation
have The
been
completed
in Marion
Hall and
the 2005,
Men's
destroyed
byand
Hurricane
Katrina onon
August
29, 2005.
Reopening
of the
Hancock
is planned for late
the
storm,
however,
provided
an
opportunity
for Center
Dormitory,
construction
the new
student
suite
style
dormitories
has begun.
2006. The Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center opened in Hattiesburg in October 2004.
significant
growth as the population shift from South
As this is being written in May 2006, the College continues to recover from extensive damage due to
Louisiana
and
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has caused
many
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.
White
Coliseumoffice
and
Moody
Hall
Auditorium
the
most
significant
losses onpolice
the
• The PRCC
campus
security
was
elevated
towere
a fully
certified
campus
Strategic Goal:
Commitment Statement:
Highlights of Accomplishments
2003-2006
department
2004, additional
have been
added
the department, a building
from
thesein coastal
areasofficers
to relocate
into
the toPRCC
for the department
hasof
been
constructed,
and several
campus
District.
The influx
a new
population
alongnew
with
the police vehicles have
been
purchased.
growth experienced prior to the storm positions the
College for continued expansion of its programs and
• The Spirit of the River Marching Band performed in the State Street Thanksgiving Day
services.
Parade in Chicago in 2003, and the String of Pearls won the State Championship
Pearl River
College's
history
is unique among the fifteen public community
While
it Dance
is Community
important
for us to
create
Collegiate
Team
trophy every
year during
thisthe
time
frame
at theinstitution
American
and
junior
colleges
in Mississippi.
The status
of being
"first"
two-year
of All-Star
higher
a
vision
for
the
future
to
Competition.
The
String
of
Pearls
also
won
the
Collegiate
Division
National
Championship
learning in the state (1909) has placed the institution in a leadership role throughout the
accommodate
the new growth
in 2003of
and
history
the2005.
College.
patterns,
also needhave
to pause
Unusual we
circumstances
come and
together for the college to anticipate future
reflect
ongrowth
the
accomplishments
of Showdown
• In addition
to winning
the need
State Show
Choir
2005,
the RiverRoad
Show
enrollment
and the
for increased
demandsinfor
programs
and services.
Hurricane
Katrina
dealt
the Disney
College
a devastating
blow.
aftermath
the storm,
the
This publication
provides
an
Choirpast.
performed
at Walt
World
and at the
Phi The
Theta
Kappa of
International
however,
provided
opportunity
for
significant
growth as the population shift from south
Conventions
in Anaheim,
California,strategic
and
Seattle, Washington.
overview
of
theanCollege's
Louisiana
and
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has
caused
many from these coastal areas to
goals (2003-2006) and the progress in
relocate
into
the
PRCC
district.
The at
influx
ofDisney
a newWorld
population
withRiver
the growth
•
The
Jazz
Cats
Jazz
Band
performed
Walt
in 2005,along
the Pearl
Singers
meeting
those goals.
experienced prior to the storm positions the College for continued expansion of its
performed
a
concert
tour
in
England
and
Scotland
in
2004,
and
theater
productions
of
We are
programs
andproud
services.of what has been
Grease (2004) and Big River (2005) were performed before sold-out crowds.
accomplished
throughout
the history
While it is important
for us to create
a vision for the future to accommodate the new
growth
patterns,
we
also
need
to
pause
and reflect on the accomplishments of the past.
of our great institution. It is our
intent
• The
PRCC football
teaman
won
State Championships
instrategic
2003, 2004,
and(2003-2006)
2005, and won
the
This
publication
provides
overview
of
the
goals
and the
to
workNational
even harder
in the future
toCollege's
NJCAA
Championship
in
2004;
the
men's
basketball
team
won
State
progress in meeting those goals.
provide
the 2003
quality
educational
Championships
andhas
2004;
the accomplished
men's soccer team
won the
titleofin our
2003great
and
We are proudin of
what
been
throughout
theState
history
opportunities
that
will
assist
the
the women'sIt soccer
the
State
title
in 2005;
the future
baseball
won
thequality
State
institution.
is our team
intent won
to work
even
harder
in the
to team
provide
the
citizens
of South
in
reaching
educational
opportunities
assist
the citizens
of south Mississippi
in reaching
their full
Championship
in Mississippi
2004; that
andwill
the
women's
basketball
team won
the Region
23
potential.
their
full potential.
Championship
in 2003.
William A. Lewis, Ed.D
History of Pearl River Community College
• From 2003-2006, Workforce Education personnel trained approximately 35,000 people.
Mission
Statement
Innovative
Programs College
History of Pearl
River
Community
• Pearl River Community College, in conjunction with the Mississippi Construction
Education Foundation and Twin Districts Workforce Area, offered Project Outreach, fourweek multi-craft programs in construction basics which trained students for direct entry into
Strategic
To provide
access toiscollege
courses
and programs
using various
Pearl
RiverGoal:
Community
College
a public
institution
to
jobs associated
with the rebuilding
of South Mississippi
following
Hurricanecommitted
Katrina.
instructional
methods,
including
distance
education.
Pearl River Community College (PRCC) is among the oldest colleges
providing quality educational and service opportunities for all who
Commitment
Statement:
Pearl is
River
College
is committed
to making
•ofAllits
Workforce
Act students
who
were
enrolled
in Allied
Health
had
kind inInvestment
the South
and
theCommunity
pioneer
public
junior programs
college
in
seek
them.
its
programs
and
services rate
available
to2004-2005
all who seek
anyear.
education. Various instructional
a
100
percent
completion
for
the
school
Mississippi.
PRCC
began
its
journey
as
an
agricultural
high
school
in
the
methods, including distance education and offsite instruction, will be utilized, and the
of the
twentieth
century
been
pathfinder
College
will provide
reasonable
accommodations
tohas
the since
students
with
developmental
•first
Thedecade
Office
of Adult
Education
Services
servedand
2,921
students
during
thea
2003-2006
time
disabilities.
Quality
Educational
Programs
for advanced
education
in their
South
Mississippi.
period,
with more
than
550 earning
General
Education
Diplomas.
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) opened its
of Accomplishments
doors in Poplarville Highlights
in 1909. For
the first eleven years, the school was
Strategic
Goal:
To prepare students
to transfer and be successful in their studies at
2003-2006
devoted solely to educating high
school age students in academic
baccalaureate institutions and/or to be successful in careers for which they have been
studies
and
in
agricultural
and
home
sciences.
In2005
1921,
prepared.
•
The Hancock Center in Waveland was officially opened
in January
and PRCAHS
created a
became
the
first
agricultural
high
school
to
offer
freshman
college
new
avenue
of
accessibility
for
students
living
in
the
southern
part
of
the
College's
service
Commitment Statement:Testimonials
Pearl River Community College is committed
to
area;
however,
facility
was
destroyed
by become
HurricanetoKatrina
and public
is in the
process
of
courses.
By the
1924,
the
school
had
the
two-year
providing
accredited
programs
that enable
students
earn first
associate's
degrees
and
being
rebuilt.of proficiency, to transfer to bachelor's degree programs, to pass licensure
certificates
college in the State and was soon renamed Pearl River Junior College.
examinations, and to gain employment in their chosen fields. Students completing these
The
name
was
changed
to Pearl
River
Community
College
is the CEO
and
Chairman
of
•
The institution's
PRCC
program
was Templeton
reviewed
and
by the
Commission
programs
willdistance
express education
a Jean
high Baughman
degree
ofWessel
satisfaction
and(1954-55),
will approved
be successful
in their
careers
the
Board
of
Wesfam
Restaurants,
Inc.,
a
franchisee
of
Burger
King
Corp.
Her three
onColleges
July
1,
1988.
The
name ofchange
reflects
comprehensive
on
of the
Southern
Association
Colleges and
Schools the
in 2004.
and
in
their transfer
programs.
children endowed a $20,000 scholarship to PRCC in her name.
academic, career,
technical,
services
that
"Pearl
River allowedand
me to community
realize my long-time
dream ofprograms
obtaining a college
• During the 2005-2006
academic
year,
91
percent
of
students
whoa were
active
education.
The
teachers
took
a
real
interest
in
us.
Pearl
River
was
big
part
of
my
are offered throughthe
theDevelopmental
College.
Highlights
of Accomplishments
participants (metlife.with
Disabilities
as scheduled)
in may
the
It makes me
very happy to think
that my Specialist
family, through
this scholarship,
The College
operates
several
instructional
sites.
A ofpost-secondary
2003-2006
SUCCESS
Projectbewere
in
good
standing
and maintained
a goals
cumulative
grade
point
able
to help
some
young
person
reach his or
her
obtaining
a college
education.
I
had
a
great
time
there."
average
of
2.0
or
better.
vocational-technical center was built in 1969 in Hattiesburg and
• The College's regional accreditation was reaffirmed in 2006. All programs participating in
developed
into the
Pearl
River Community
College Forrest County
program
accreditation
were
also reaffirmed
during 2003-2006
•
TheGeorge
Office
of Extended
Education
whichCommissioner,
administers
online
and off-campus
instruction
Dale
(1959-60),
Mississippi's
Insurance
has
served
State
Center.
The staffed.
facility has been expanded severalthetimes.
The most
was
created
for
eight
terms. and
He currently is the longest-serving elected insurance commissioner in
RIVER
COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
•recent
Incountry.
2004,addition
all instructional
programs
were
reorganized
and
moved
under
theopened
direction of
isPEARL
a new
library
and
classroom
building
that
in
the
the
newly
created
position
of
Vice
President
for
Instruction.
"People
like
me
would
not
have
an
opportunity
to
get
an
education
if
not
for
•
Thirty-seven
courses
were
offered
to
students
at
off-campus
sites
in
2005,
a
95
percent
theCampus
Spring of 2006.
TheCenter
HancockHancock
Center
in Waveland in
Forrest County
Main
Center openedLowery
community
colleges.
I remember
my daddy
one acre
of cotton and told me A. Woodall
increase
the Fall
2003
offerings
ofgave
19. me 454
5448 Highway
49 South
101 Highwayover
11 North
Highway 90, Suite D
Advanced Technology Center
January
2005,
only
to
be
destroyed
by
Hurricane
Katrina
August 29,
whatever
you make
on that
acre, you
can 39401
take it and
go to Mississippi
school in
Poplarville.
Ion Drive
Hattiesburg,
Mississippi
Poplarville, Mississippi
39470
Waveland,
39576
906 Sullivan
•
The one
Associate
Degree
Nursing
program
and
the Practical
Nursing
program
in Poplarville
made
bale
of
cotton,
and
that's
what
I
went
to
Pearl
River
on.
My
second
year
(601)
554-5555
(601)
403-1000
(228)
467-9569
Hattiesburg,
2005. Reopening
ofDepartment
the Hancock
Center
is planned for late Mississippi
2006. The
wereI combined
into thescholarship.
Nursing
Education.
(601) 554-4667
there
earned a basketball
Pearlof
River
was mighty
good to me."
Lowery A. Woodall Advanced
Technology
Center
opened
in
http://www.prcc.edu
Highly
Qualified
Faculty
and
Staff
•Hattiesburg
The College's
Quality
Enhancement
Plan,
involving
technology-based
instruction
in
[email protected]
in October
2004.
Thomas Malone (1957-59), is the retired executive vice chairman of Milliken
mathematics,
was
approved.
As this is being
inlargest
Mayprivately
2006, owned
the College
continues
toUnited
recover
& Co.,written
one of the
textile manufacturers
in the
States
Pearl River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
The
company
employs
more
than
11,000
associates
in
65
manufacturing
Colleges
and Schools todamage
award degrees.
For to
more
information regarding
institutional
accreditation
status only,
from
due
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.
White
Coliseum
•
Pearlextensive
River Goal:
Community
College
students
generally
performed
as
well
as native
students
operations
Strategic
To employ
qualified
faculty
staff,
compensate
well,
and
please contact the
Commission
onworldwide.
Colleges:
1866 Southern
Lane,and
Decatur,
Georgia
30033-4097,them
Telephone
Number
and
Moody
Hall
Auditorium
were
the
most
significant
losses
on head
the
"The
best
teachers
I
ever
had
were
at
Pearl
River.
And
what
(PRC
after
transferring
to
senior
colleges
and
universities
in
Mississippi
and
other
states.
(404) 679-4501.
provide
opportunities for their professional development.
football
coach)
Dobie
Holden
taught
me
on
the
football
field
there
fits
business
to
Pearl
River
Community
College
is
a
member
of
the
American
Association
of
Community
and
Junior
Colleges
Poplarville
Campus.
Plans
areRiver
being
drawnCollege
for the
ofand
a
Commitment
Pearl
Community
willconstruction
employ
well-qualified
theEach
Mississippi
Association
of
Colleges
and
Universities.
aStatement:
"T."
He
always
had
a game plan
and then
put his players
positions
where
they
•
year
most
students
who
completed
career
certificate
andin technical
degree
new performing
arts
center
and
a of
new
center.
faculty
and staff, could
provide
them
with
a fullest
competitive
salary
andThat's
benefit
package,
invest
achieve
to
the
theircoliseum/assembly
potential.
all I've
done
inand
getting
to
programs at Pearl River Community College went to work in their fields.
where
I am today."
in their professional
development.
History of Highlights
Pearl River
Community College
of Accomplishments
2003-2006
Message from
the President
Pearl River Community College (PRCC) is among the oldest colleges of its kind in the South and is the
•
All PRCC faculty members are qualified, as affirmed by the Commission on Colleges of
pioneer public junior college in Mississippi. PRCC began its journey an agricultural high school in the first
the
Southern
of Colleges
Schools
2006.
decade
of theAssociation
twentieth century
and hasand
since
been ainpathfinder
for advanced education in South
Mississippi.
The history of Pearl River Community College is unique among the fifteen
County
Agricultural
High School
(PRCAHS),
opened
its doors
in Poplarville
in 1909.
For the first
• Pearl
PearlRiver
River
Community
College
instructors
hold
degrees
from
more than
65 American
public
community
and
colleges
Mississippi.
The Instatus
of to
being
eleven years,
the school was
devoted
solely
to educating
high
school age students
in academic
studiesthe
and
colleges
and
universities
andjunior
from
institutions
ininEurope
and Africa.
addition
almost
all
in agricultural
and home
sciences.
In 1921, PRCAHS
became
theState
first agricultural
high placed
school to the
offer
"first"
two-year
institution
of
higher
learning
in
the
(1909)
has
the
universities
colleges
in the
Mississippi,
these
institutions
Princeton,
Texas
A&
M,
freshman
college and
courses.
By 1924,
school had
become
the firstinclude
public two-year
college
in the
State,
institution
inrenamed
a leadership
role
throughout
the
historyname
of the
Ohio
State,
Duke,
Tulane,
Hopkins,
and many
more.
and was
soon
PearlJohns
River
Junior
College.
The
institution's
wasCollege.
changed to Pearl River
Community
on July 1, 1988.
The come
name change
reflectsfor
the the
comprehensive
career,
UnusualCollege
circumstances
have
together
College academic,
to anticipate
technical,
and community
services programs
that
are offered through
the College.
•
Employees
held leadership
in numerous
professional,
governmental, and civic
future
enrollment
growthpositions
and
the
need for
increased
The College
operates multi-instructional
sites.
A post-secondary
vocational-technical center was built in
organizations
and,
therefore,
provided
additional
expertise
for
the
community and region,
1969 in Hattiesburg
and developed
into services.
the Pearl RiverHurricane
Community College
Forrest County Center. The
demands
for programs
and
Katrina
gained
and
shared
valuable
andrecent
experience,
provided
much
recognition
facility has
been
expanded
severalknowledge
times. The most
addition isand
a new
library and
classroom
building
dealt
the inCollege
blow.
aftermath
for
College.
thatthe
opened
the Spring a
of devastating
2006. The Hancock
Center The
opened
in Wavelandof
in January 2005, only to be
destroyed
by Hurricane
Katrina on August
29, 2005. an
Reopening
of the Hancock
the
storm,
however,
provided
opportunity
for Center is planned for late
2006. The Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center opened in Hattiesburg in October 2004.
•
Although State
fundingas
was
reduced
during thisshift
period,
professional
significant
growth
the
population
from
South development for the
As this is being written in May 2006, the College continues to recover from extensive damage due to
faculty
increased
becauseand
ofMoody
additional
Tech
Prep,losses
theonPRCC
Louisiana
and
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
hasfunding
caused
many
Hurricane has
Katrina.
M.R.
White
Coliseum
Hall Auditorium
werefrom
the
most
significant
the
Development Foundation, and a number of external sources.
from these coastal areas to relocate into the PRCC
District.
The
influx ofpresented
a new population
•
In spite of
challenges
by reductionsalong
in the with
State'sthe
financial support, PRCC
growth experienced
prior to the storm positions the
employees
received salary increases.
College for continued expansion of its programs and
services.
Pearl River
history
is unique among the fifteen public community
While
it is Community
importantCollege's
for us to
create
and junior
colleges
The status to
of being the "first" two-year institution of higher
a
vision
forin Mississippi.
the
future
learning in the state (1909) has placed the institution in a leadership role throughout the
accommodate the new growth
history of the College.
patterns,
alsoToneed
tofacilities,
pause
and
Unusual we
circumstances
have
come technology,
together forand
thesupport
college
toinanticipate
future
Strategic
Goal:
provide
staff
order to improve
reflect
ongrowth
theenhance
accomplishments
ofperformance,
enrollment
and the
needand
for staff
increased
demands
for programs
and services,
services.
student
learning,
faculty
augment
community
Hurricane
Katrina
dealt the
College
a the
devastating
the
past.college
This publication
provides
an
and
make
services
available
via
Internet. blow. The aftermath of the storm,
however,
provided
an
opportunity
for
significant
as theCollege
population
shift from south
overview
of
the
College's
strategic
Commitment Statement: Pearl River growth
Community
is committed
to
Louisiana
and
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has
caused
many
from
these
coastal
to
providing
the resources
necessary
for students
to have
goals (2003-2006)
and
the progress
in and others served by the College areas
relocate into
the PRCC
district. The influx of a new population along with the growth
successful
educational
experiences.
meeting
those goals.
experienced prior to the storm positions the College for continued expansion of its
We
are
programs andproud
services.of what has been
accomplished
throughout
the of
history
While it is important
forHighlights
us to create
a Accomplishments
vision for the future to accommodate the new
growth
patterns,
we
also
need
to
pause
and reflect on the accomplishments of the past.
2003-2006
of our great institution. It is our intent
This work
publication
of theto
College's strategic goals (2003-2006) and the
to
evenprovides
harderaninoverview
the future
progress in meeting those goals.
provide the quality educational
WeInternet
are proud
of what
been
accomplished
throughout
the history
ofby
our
great
• The
version
of the has
College
student
information
system, which
is utilized
over
70
opportunities
that
will
assist
the
institution.
It isreturning
our
intent
to work
harder inclasses
the future
to next
provide
the quality
percent
of all
students
to even
pre-schedule
for the
semester,
was
citizens
ofaSouth
Mississippi
in assist
reaching
educational
opportunities
that
will
the
south
Mississippi
their full
enhanced;
new student
identification
cardcitizens
systemofwas
installed;
andinareaching
wireless Internet
potential.
service
forpotential.
students and faculty on the Poplarville Campus, at the Forrest County Center,
their
full
and at the Lowery A.William
WoodallA.
Advanced
Technolgy Center was installed.
Lewis, Ed.D
History of Pearl River Community College
Augmented Resources
• Numerous facilities, including the Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center, the
Hancock Center, and the Malone Chapel were opened, and Crosby Hall was expanded
according to the Master Facilities Plan schedule.
History of Pearl River Community College
• Faculty and staff positions were added in order to accommodate enrollment increases.
Pearl River
Community
College
(PRCC)
is among
the oldest
colleges
• Student
scholarships
provided by
the PRCC
Development
Foundation
totaled more
than
$487,435
during
the
Fall
2003
through
Spring
2006
time
span.
of its kind in the South and is the pioneer public junior college in
Mississippi. PRCC began its journey as an agricultural high school in the
• The Wellness Center offered a number of different classes, hosted speakers from medical
first decade
of the twentieth
century
and has
been
a pathfinder
facilities,
and sponsored
special programs
to promote
thesince
wellness
of students,
faculty,
for advanced
education
staff,
and community
members. in South Mississippi.
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) opened its
doors in Poplarville in 1909. For the first eleven years, the school was
devoted solely to educating high school age students in academic
studies andMulti-Faceted
in agricultural and Communication
home sciences. In 1921, PRCAHS
became the first agricultural high school to offer freshman college
courses. By 1924, the school had become the first public two-year
Strategic
Goal:
improve
communication
campus
personnel
and
college in the
StateToand
was soon
renamedamong
Pearl River
Junior
College.
community
members
regarding
the
College
goals,
objectives,
and
activities.
The institution's name was changed to Pearl River Community College
Commitment
Statement:
Pearl River
Community
College
is committed
to specific
on July 1, 1988.
The name
change
reflects
the
comprehensive
activities with the goal of improving communication.
academic, career, technical, and community services programs that
are offered through the College.
Highlights of Accomplishments
The College operates several instructional sites. A post-secondary
2003-2006
vocational-technical center was built in 1969 in Hattiesburg and
developed
intostructure
the Pearl
College
•
The administrative
of the River
CollegeCommunity
was reorganized
in 2004. Forrest County
Center. The facility has been expanded several times. The most
• New electronic message
boards
were
installed at bothCOLLEGE
Poplarville Campus and the
RIVER
COMMUNITY
recent addition isPEARL
a new
library
and
classroomthebuilding
that opened in
Forrest County Center.
theCampus
Spring of 2006.
TheCenter
HancockHancock
Center
in Waveland
in
Forrest County
Main
Center openedLowery
A. Woodall
5448
Highway
49 South
101
Highway 11
North
454 Highway 90, Suite
Advanced
Technology
Center
•
Alumni
associations
have
been
organized representing
all DsixKatrina
counties
which
compose
January
2005,
only
to
be
destroyed
by
Hurricane
on
August
29,
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
Poplarville, Mississippi 39470
Waveland, Mississippi 39576
906 Sullivan Drive
the
PRCC
district.
(601)
(601)
403-1000
(228) 467-9569
Hattiesburg,
2005.
Reopening
of 554-5555
the Hancock Center
is planned for
late Mississippi
2006. The
(601) 554-4667
Lowery
A.
Woodall
Advanced
Technology
Center
opened
in
http://www.prcc.edu
• According to the College Public Relations
Association of Mississippi, the College web site
[email protected]
Hattiesburg
in October
received
first-place
awards in2004.
2003 and 2005 as the top web site in Mississippi among
community
colleges
in
the State,
and 2006,
the RiverSide,
a quarterly
publication
for PRCC
As
this
is
being
written
in
May
the College
continues
to recover
Pearl River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
employees,
alumni,
and
friends,
was
judged
tops
in
institutional
magazines
in
2003
and
Colleges
and Schools todamage
award degrees.
For to
more
information regarding
institutional
status only,
from extensive
due
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.accreditation
White Coliseum
2004.
please contact the Commission on Colleges: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number
and679-4501.
Moody Hall Auditorium were the most significant losses on the
(404)
Pearl
River
Community
College
is a
member
of thebeing
American
Associationfor
of Community
and Junior
Colleges
Poplarville
Campus.
Plans
are
drawn
the
construction
ofand
a
•
PRCC periodicals,
schedules,
pictures,
and bookstore
items
were
made
continuously
the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities.
available
at the College
cartand
in Turtle
Creekcoliseum/assembly
Mall.
new performing
artsdisplay
center
a new
center.
History of Pearl River Community College
Buildings
and
Grounds
Projects
Diverse
Student
Populations
Exceptional
Student
Services
Message
from
the
President
Pearl River Community
College
is among
oldest colleges
its kind in the South and is the
July
1,(PRCC)
2003
– the
June
30,of2006
pioneer public junior college in Mississippi. PRCC began its journey an agricultural high school in the first
decade of theGoal:
twentieth century
and
has
since
been a from
pathfinder
for advanced
education in South
Strategic
and
retain
students
a diverse
population.
Strategic Goal: To
To recruit
provide
quality
student
services.
Counterclockwise (top left) Malone Chapel,
Mississippi.
The
history
of
Pearl
River
Community
College
is
unique
among
theForfifteen
new its
addition
toPoplarville
Forrest County
Commitment
Statement:
Pearl
River opened
Community
College
is in committed
to
Pearl River County Agricultural
High School
(PRCAHS),
doors in
1909.Center,
thenew
first
public
community
and
junior
colleges
in
Mississippi.
The
status
of
being
the
boulevard
the
main
campus
at
eleven years,
the school
was
devoted
solely
toofeducating
high
school
agethrough
students
in
academic
studies
and
increasing
the
number
and
diversity
the
student
population
and
to
helping
students
Commitment Statement: Pearl River Community
College is committed to serving
in agricultural and home sciences. In 1921, PRCAHS became
the firstLowery
agricultural
high school
to offer
Poplarville,
A. Woodall
Advanced
complete
academic
and of
career/technical
programs
through
strong
recruitment,
"first"
two-year
institution
higher
learning
in the
thefirstState
(1909)
has
placed
the
freshman
college
courses.
1924, by
the providing
school hadspecialized
become
public
two-year
college in the
State,
the needs
of our
studentBybody
services.
Technology
Center
in Hattiesburg,
Student
retention,
and
transition
programs.
institution
in
a
leadership
role
throughout
the
history
of
the
College.
and was soon renamed Pearl River Junior College. The institution's name was changed to Pearl River
Life addition to Crosby Hall, and (below)
Community
on July 1, 1988.
The come
name change
reflects
the
comprehensive
academic,
ribbonfor
cutting
ceremony
thecareer,
new
UnusualCollege
circumstances
have
together
the
College
to at
anticipate
technical, and community services programs that are offeredHancock
through the
College.
Center
in Waveland.
future
enrollment
growth and
the
need for increased
The College
operates multi-instructional
sites.
A post-secondary
vocational-technical center was built in
1969 in Hattiesburg
and developed
into services.
the Pearl RiverHurricane
Community College
Forrest County Center. The
demands
for programs
and
Katrina
facility has been expanded several times. The most recent addition is a new library and classroom building
dealt
the
College
a
devastating
blow.
The
aftermath
of
that
opened in theprojects
Spring of 2006.
The
Hancock
Center opened
in Waveland
in January
onlyHonor
to be
• Enrollment
Renovation
have
been
completed
in Fall
Marion
Hall and
the 2005,
Men's
•
increased
9.91
percent
from
Fall Reopening
2003 to
2005.
destroyed
byand
Hurricane
Katrina onon
August
29, 2005.
of the
Hancock
is planned for late
the
storm,
however,
provided
an
opportunity
for Center
Dormitory,
construction
the new
student
suite
style
dormitories
has begun.
2006. The Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center opened in Hattiesburg in October 2004.
significant
growth
the population
shift
from South
•
Plans
a new
earlyin as
registration
session
implemented
achieved
As thisfor
is being
written
May 2006, the
Collegewere
continues
to recover for
fromstudents
extensivewho
damage
due to
Louisiana
and
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has caused
many
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.
White
Coliseum
and
Moody
Hall
Auditorium
the
most
significant
losses onpolice
the
• The
PRCC
campus
security
office
was
elevated
towere
a fully
certified
campus
high
academic
goals
while
in high
school.
Highlights of
of Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Highlights
2003-2006
2003-2006
department
2004, additional
have been
added
the department, a building
from
thesein coastal
areasofficers
to relocate
into
the toPRCC
•
allow
moreinflux
students
enroll,population
especially
non-traditional
students,
innovative
class
forTo
the
department
hasof
been
constructed,
and several
campus
vehicles have
District.
The
ato new
alongnew
with
the police
schedules
have
included
weekend,
late
afternoon,
and
more
two-day-a-week
classes
been
purchased.
growth experienced prior to the storm positions the
History of Pearl River Community College
College
for
continued
expansion
oftoitsCollege
programs
and initiated in order to
•
Student
Support
Services
Bridge
Program
• The
The PRCC
Spirit of
the River
Marching
Band
performed
in the
State was
Street Thanksgiving Day
services.
assist students who are at a disadvantage in their transition to college.
Parade in Chicago in 2003, and the String of Pearls won the State Championship
Pearl River
College's
history
is unique among the fifteen public community
While
it Dance
is Community
important
for us to
create
Collegiate
Team
trophy every
year during
thisthe
time
frame
at theinstitution
American
and
junior
colleges
in Mississippi.
The status
of being
"first"
two-year
of All-Star
higher
a
vision
for
the
future
to
Competition.
The
String
of
Pearls
also
won
the
Collegiate
Division
National
Championship
learning in the state (1909) has placed the institution in a leadership role throughout the
accommodate
the new growth
in 2003of
and
history
the2005.
College.
patterns,
also needhave
to pause
Unusual we
circumstances
come and
together for the college to anticipate future
reflect
ongrowth
the
accomplishments
of Showdown
• In addition
to winning
the need
State Show
Choir
2005,
the RiverRoad
Show
enrollment
and the
for increased
demandsinfor
programs
and services.
Hurricane
Katrina
dealt
the Disney
College
a devastating
blow.
aftermath
the storm,
the
This
publication
provides
an
Choirpast.
performed
at Walt
World
and at the
Phi The
Theta
Kappa of
International
Strategicprovided
Goal:anToopportunity
provide workforce training programs that meet requirements of
however,
for
significant
growth as the population shift from south
Conventions
in Anaheim,
California,
and
Seattle,
Washington.
overview
of
the
College's
strategic
business, industry,
educational,
and
public
service
agencies for basic skills, specific job
Louisiana
and
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has
caused
many from these coastal areas to
goals
(2003-2006)
and
the progress in
skills, and
technical skills
training.
relocate
into
the
PRCC
district.
The at
influx
ofDisney
a newWorld
population
withRiver
the growth
•
The
Jazz
Cats
Jazz
Band
performed
Walt
in 2005,along
the Pearl
Singers
meeting
those
goals.
Commitment
River Community
Department
of Workforce
experienced
priorStatement:
to the stormPearl
positions
the CollegeCollege
for continued
expansion
of its
performed
a
concert
tour
in
England
and
Scotland
in
2004,
and
theater
productions
of
We are
proud
hasbusinesses,
been industries, educational and public service
Education
is committed
enabling
programs
and
services.oftowhat
Grease
(2004)
and
Big
River
(2005)
were
performed
before
sold-out
crowds.
organizations,
andthroughout
individuals
need
of
improvement
to achieve
their
accomplished
the history
While it is important
for us toincreate
a employability
vision for the skills
future
to accommodate
the new
personal
and
organizational
job
performance
goals.
growth
patterns,
we
also
need
to
pause
and
reflect
on
the
accomplishments
of
the
past.
of our great institution. It is our intent
• The
PRCC football
teaman
won
State Championships
2003, 2004,
and(2003-2006)
2005, and won
the
This
publication
of theto
College'sinstrategic
goals
and the
to
work
evenprovides
harder
inoverview
the future
NJCAA
National
Championship
in
2004;
the
men's
basketball
team
won
State
progress in meeting thoseHighlights
goals.
of Accomplishments
provide
the 2003
quality
educational
Championships
andhas
2004;
the accomplished
men's soccer team
won the
titleofin our
2003great
and
We are proudin of
what
been
throughout
theState
history
2003-2006
opportunities
that
assist
the
the women'sIt soccer
team
won
the
State
title
in 2005;
the future
baseball
won
thequality
State
institution.
is our
intentwill
to work
even
harder
in the
to team
provide
the
citizens
of South
Mississippi
in
reaching
educational
assist
the citizens
of south
in reaching
their full
Championship
2004; that
andwill
the
women's
basketball
team won
Region
23
• The Loweryopportunities
A. in
Woodall
Advanced
Technology
Center
in Mississippi
Hattiesburg,
athe
35,000-squarepotential.
their
full potential.
Championship
in 2003.
foot facility
which
serves as the "crown jewel" of the PRCC Workforce Program, was
opened in August 2004.
William A. Lewis, Ed.D
Superlative Workforce Training
• From 2003-2006, Workforce Education personnel trained approximately 35,000 people.
Mission
Statement
History of Pearl
River
Community College
• Pearl River Community College, in conjunction with the Mississippi Construction
Education Foundation and Twin Districts Workforce Area, offered Project Outreach, fourweek multi-craft programs in construction basics which trained students for direct entry into
Pearl
River Community
College
a public
institution
to
jobs associated
with the rebuilding
of South is
Mississippi
following
Hurricanecommitted
Katrina.
Pearl River
Community
College
(PRCC)
is among
the oldest
providing
quality
educational
and
service
opportunities
for colleges
all who
•
All
Workforce
Investment
Act
students
who
were
enrolled
in
Allied
Health
of its them.
kind in the South and is the pioneer public junior programs
collegehad
in
seek
a
100 percent completion
rate for
2004-2005
year.
Mississippi.
PRCC began
itsthe
journey
as school
an agricultural
high school in the
of the
twentieth
century
since
been
pathfinder
•first
Thedecade
Office of Adult
Education
Services
servedand
2,921has
students
during
thea2003-2006
time
Quality
Educational
Programs
for advanced
education
in their
South
Mississippi.
period,
with more
than
550 earning
General
Education
Diplomas.
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) opened its
doors in Poplarville in 1909. For the first eleven years, the school was
Strategic
Goal: to
To prepare students to transfer and be successful in their studies at
devoted solely
educating high school age students in academic
baccalaureate institutions and/or to be successful in careers for which they have been
studies
and
in
agricultural
and home sciences. In 1921, PRCAHS
prepared.
became the first
agriculturalPearl
highRiver
school
to offer
freshman
college
Commitment
Statement:
Community
College
is committed
to
Testimonials
courses.accredited
By 1924,programs
the school
had become
publicdegrees
two-year
providing
that enable
students to the
earn first
associate's
and
certificates
proficiency,
to transfer
to bachelor's
degree
programs,
to passCollege.
licensure
college inofthe
State and
was soon
renamed
Pearl
River Junior
examinations, and to gain employment in their chosen fields. Students completing these
The institution's name
was
changed
to Pearl
River Community
College
Templeton
is the CEO and
Chairman
of
programs will express a Jean
high Baughman
degree ofWessel
satisfaction
and(1954-55),
will be successful
in their
careers
the
Board
of
Wesfam
Restaurants,
Inc.,
a
franchisee
of
Burger
King
Corp.
Her three
on inJuly
1, 1988.
The name change reflects the comprehensive
and
their transfer
programs.
children endowed a $20,000 scholarship to PRCC in her name.
academic, career,
technical,
services
that
"Pearl
River allowedand
me to community
realize my long-time
dream ofprograms
obtaining a college
education.
The
teachers
took
a
real
interest
in
us.
Pearl
River
was
a
big
part
of
my
are offered throughHighlights
the College.
of Accomplishments
life. It makes me very happy to think that my family, through this scholarship, may
The College
operates
several
instructional
sites.
A ofpost-secondary
2003-2006
be able
to help some
young
person reach his or
her goals
obtaining a college
education.
I
had
a
great
time
there."
vocational-technical center was built in 1969 in Hattiesburg and
• The College's regional accreditation was reaffirmed in 2006. All programs participating in
developed into the Pearl River Community College Forrest County
program accreditation were also reaffirmed during 2003-2006
George Dale
Mississippi's
Insuranceexpanded
Commissioner, has
served thetimes.
State
Center.
The(1959-60),
facility
has been
several
The most
for eight terms. He currently is the longest-serving elected insurance commissioner in
PEARL
RIVER
COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
•
In
2004,
all
instructional
programs
were
reorganized
and
moved
under
the
direction of
recent
addition
is
a
new
library
and
classroom
building
that
opened
in
the country.
the
newly
created
position
of
Vice
President
for
Instruction.
"People
like
me
would
not
have
an
opportunity
to
get
an
education
if
not
for
theCampus
Spring of 2006.
TheCenter
Hancock Center
in Waveland in
Forrest County
Main
Center openedLowery
community
colleges. I remember
my daddy gave me Hancock
one acre
of cotton and told me A. Woodall
5448 Highway 49 South
101 Highway 11 North
454 Highway 90, Suite D
Advanced Technology Center
January
2005,
only
to
be
destroyed
by
Hurricane
Katrina
August 29,
whatever
you make
on that
acre, you
can 39401
take it and
go to Mississippi
school in
Poplarville.
Ion Drive
Hattiesburg,
Mississippi
Poplarville, Mississippi
39470
Waveland,
39576
906 Sullivan
•
The one
Associate
Degree
Nursing
program
and
the Practical
Nursing
program
in Poplarville
made
bale
of
cotton,
and
that's
what
I
went
to
Pearl
River
on.
My
second
year
(601)
554-5555
(601)
403-1000
(228)
467-9569
Hattiesburg,
2005. Reopening
ofDepartment
the Hancock
Center
is planned for late Mississippi
2006. The
wereI combined
into thescholarship.
Nursing
Education.
(601) 554-4667
there
earned a basketball
Pearlof
River
was mighty
good to me."
Lowery A. Woodall Advanced
Technology
Center
opened
in
http://www.prcc.edu
•Hattiesburg
The College'sinQuality
Enhancement
Plan,
involving
technology-based
instruction
in
[email protected]
October
2004.
Thomas Malone (1957-59), is the retired executive vice chairman of Milliken
mathematics,
was
approved.
As this is being
inlargest
Mayprivately
2006, owned
the College
continues
toUnited
recover
& Co.,written
one of the
textile manufacturers
in the
States
Pearl River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
The
company
employs
more
than
11,000
associates
in
65
manufacturing
Colleges
and Schools todamage
award degrees.
For to
more
information regarding
institutional
accreditation
status only,
from
due
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.
White
Coliseum
•
Pearlextensive
River Community
College
students
generally performed
as
well
as native
students
operations
please contact the Commission
onworldwide.
Colleges: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number
and
Moody
Hall
Auditorium
were
the
most
significant
losses
on head
the
"The
best
teachers
I
ever
had
were
at
Pearl
River.
And
what
(PRC
after
transferring
to
senior
colleges
and
universities
in
Mississippi
and
other
states.
(404) 679-4501.
football
coach)
Dobie
Holden
taught
me
on
the
football
field
there
fits
business
to
Pearl
River
Community
College
is
a
member
of
the
American
Association
of
Community
and
Junior
Colleges
Poplarville
Campus.
Plans
are being drawn for the construction ofand
a
theEach
Mississippi
Association
of
Colleges
and
Universities.
a "T."
He
always
had
a game plancareer
and then
put his players
positions where
they
•
year
most
students
who
completed
certificate
andin technical
degree
new performing
arts
center
and
a of
new
center.
could
achieve
to the
fullest
theircoliseum/assembly
potential. That's all I've done
in getting to
programs at Pearl River Community College went to work in their fields.
where I am today."
History of Pearl River Community College
Buildings
and
Grounds
Projects
Message
from
the President
Pearl River Community
College
is among
oldest colleges
its kind in the South and is the
July
1,(PRCC)
2003
– the
June
30,of2006
pioneer public junior college in Mississippi. PRCC began its journey an agricultural high school in the first
decade of the twentieth century and has since been a pathfinder for advanced education in South
Counterclockwise (top left) Malone Chapel,
Mississippi.
The
history of Pearl River Community College
isdoors
unique
among
theForfifteen
new its
addition
Forrest
County
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS), opened
intoPoplarville
in 1909.Center,
thenew
first
public
community
and
junior
colleges
in high
Mississippi.
The status
of being
boulevard
the
main
campus
at
eleven years,
the school was
devoted
solely
to educating
school agethrough
students
in
academic
studiesthe
and
in agricultural
and home
sciences.
In 1921, PRCAHS
became
theState
firstLowery
agricultural
high placed
school
to the
offer
Poplarville,
A. Woodall
Advanced
"first"
two-year
institution
of
higher
learning
in
the
(1909)
has
freshman college courses. By 1924, the school had become
the first public
two-year
college in the
State,
Technology
Center
in Hattiesburg,
Student
institution
inrenamed
a leadership
role
throughout
the
history
of to
the
College.
and was soon
Pearl River
Junior
College. The
institution's
name
was
changed
to Pearl
River
Life
addition
Crosby
Hall, and
(below)
Community
on July 1, 1988.
The come
name change
reflects
the
comprehensive
academic,
ribbonfor
cutting
ceremony
thecareer,
new
UnusualCollege
circumstances
have
together
the
College
to at
anticipate
technical, and community services programs that are offeredHancock
through the
College.
Center
in Waveland.
future
enrollment
growth and
the
need for increased
The College
operates multi-instructional
sites.
A post-secondary
vocational-technical center was built in
1969 in Hattiesburg
and developed
into services.
the Pearl RiverHurricane
Community College
Forrest County Center. The
demands
for programs
and
Katrina
facility has been expanded several times. The most recent addition is a new library and classroom building
dealt
the
College
a
devastating
blow.
The
aftermath
of
that opened in the Spring of 2006. The Hancock Center opened in Waveland in January 2005, only to be
destroyed
by Hurricane
Katrina on August
29, 2005. an
Reopening
of the Hancock
the
storm,
however,
provided
opportunity
for Center is planned for late
2006. The Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center opened in Hattiesburg in October 2004.
significant
growth as the population shift from South
As this is being written in May 2006, the College continues to recover from extensive damage due to
Louisiana
andM.R.
the
Mississippi
Gulf
Coast
has caused
many
Hurricane Katrina.
White
Coliseum and
Moody
Hall Auditorium
were the
most significant losses on the
from these coastal areas to relocate into the PRCC
District. The influx of a new population along with the
growth experienced prior to the storm positions the
College for continued expansion of its programs and
services.
Pearl River
history
is unique among the fifteen public community
While
it is Community
importantCollege's
for us to
create
and junior
colleges
The status to
of being the "first" two-year institution of higher
a
vision
forin Mississippi.
the
future
learning in the state (1909) has placed the institution in a leadership role throughout the
accommodate the new growth
history of the College.
patterns,
also needhave
to pause
Unusual we
circumstances
come and
together for the college to anticipate future
reflect
ongrowth
the accomplishments
of
enrollment
and the need for increased
demands for programs and services.
Hurricane
dealt the College
a devastating
blow. The aftermath of the storm,
the
past. Katrina
This publication
provides
an
however, provided
opportunity strategic
for significant growth as the population shift from south
overview
of theanCollege's
Louisiana
and the Mississippi
Gulf
Coast has
goals
(2003-2006)
and the
progress
in caused many from these coastal areas to
relocate into the PRCC district. The influx of a new population along with the growth
meeting
those goals.
experienced prior to the storm positions the College for continued expansion of its
We
are
programs andproud
services.of what has been
accomplished
throughout
the history
While it is important
for us to create
a vision for the future to accommodate the new
growth
patterns,
we
also
need
to
pause
and reflect on the accomplishments of the past.
of our great institution. It is our
intent
This
publication
provides
an
overview
of
the
to work even harder in the future toCollege's strategic goals (2003-2006) and the
progress in meeting those goals.
provide
the quality educational
We are proud of what has been accomplished throughout the history of our great
opportunities
that
assist
the
institution. It is our
intentwill
to work
even
harder in the future to provide the quality
citizens
of South
Mississippi
in assist
reaching
educational
opportunities
that will
the citizens of south Mississippi in reaching their full
potential.
their
full potential.
William A. Lewis, Ed.D
History of Pearl River Community College
History of Pearl River Community College
Pearl River Community College (PRCC) is among the oldest colleges
of its kind in the South and is the pioneer public junior college in
Mississippi. PRCC began its journey as an agricultural high school in the
first decade of the twentieth century and has since been a pathfinder
for advanced education in South Mississippi.
Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) opened its
doors in Poplarville in 1909. For the first eleven years, the school was
devoted solely to educating high school age students in academic
studies and in agricultural and home sciences. In 1921, PRCAHS
became the first agricultural high school to offer freshman college
courses. By 1924, the school had become the first public two-year
college in the State and was soon renamed Pearl River Junior College.
The institution's name was changed to Pearl River Community College
on July 1, 1988. The name change reflects the comprehensive
academic, career, technical, and community services programs that
are offered through the College.
The College operates several instructional sites. A post-secondary
vocational-technical center was built in 1969 in Hattiesburg and
developed into the Pearl River Community College Forrest County
Center. The facility has been expanded several times. The most
COLLEGE
recent addition isPEARL
a newRIVER
libraryCOMMUNITY
and classroom
building that opened in
theCampus
Spring of 2006.
TheCenter
HancockHancock
Center
in Waveland
in
Forrest County
Main
Center openedLowery
A. Woodall
5448 Highway 49 South
101 Highway 11 North
454 Highway 90, Suite D
Advanced Technology Center
January
2005,
only
to
be
destroyed
by
Hurricane
Katrina
on
August
29,
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
Poplarville, Mississippi 39470
Waveland, Mississippi 39576
906 Sullivan Drive
(601)
403-1000
(228) 467-9569
Hattiesburg,
2005.
Reopening(601)
of 554-5555
the Hancock Center
is planned for
late Mississippi
2006. The
(601) 554-4667
Lowery A. Woodall Advanced
Technology
Center
opened
in
http://www.prcc.edu
[email protected]
Hattiesburg in October 2004.
As this is being written in May 2006, the College continues to recover
Pearl River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges
and Schools todamage
award degrees.
For to
more
information regarding
institutional
status only,
from extensive
due
Hurricane
Katrina.
M.R.accreditation
White Coliseum
please contact the Commission on Colleges: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number
and
Moody
Hall
Auditorium
were
the
most
significant
losses
on the
(404) 679-4501.
Pearl
River
Community
College
is
a
member
of
the
American
Association
of
Community
and
Junior
Colleges
Poplarville Campus. Plans are being drawn for the construction ofand
a
the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities.
new performing arts center and a new coliseum/assembly center.
PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Main Campus
101 Highway 11 North
Poplarville, Mississippi 39470
(601) 403-1000
Forrest County Center
5448 Highway 49 South
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
(601) 554-5555
Hancock Center
454 Highway 90, Suite D
Waveland, Mississippi 39576
(228) 467-9569
Lowery A. Woodall
Advanced Technology Center
906 Sullivan Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
(601) 554-4667
http://www.prcc.edu
[email protected]
Pearl River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools to award degrees. For more information regarding institutional accreditation status only,
please contact the Commission on Colleges: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number
(404) 679-4501.
Pearl River Community College is a member of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges and
the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities.
Pearl River Community College offers educational and employment opportunities to all persons without regard to
sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, or handicap.