Pearl River Community College: A Legacy of Education and Community

Pearl River Community College (PRCC), Mississippi's oldest public two-year institution of higher education, has a rich history of providing life-changing opportunities through high-quality, affordable education. From its humble beginnings as a county agricultural high school to its current status as a comprehensive community college, PRCC has remained dedicated to the academic, social, moral, and ethical development of its students.

Historical Overview

Early Years and Transition to a Junior College

Pearl River College's journey began as the state’s first county agricultural high school in the first decade. For the first eleven years, the school was devoted solely to educating high school-age children in academic studies and agricultural and home sciences. In the school’s twelfth year, PRCAHS became the first Mississippi agricultural high school to offer freshman college courses. By 1924, the school became the first public two-year college in the state. All through its existence, Pearl River College has led Mississippi education into new arenas.

The Mississippi Agricultural High School Law was passed by the state legislature in 1908, leading to the establishment of Pearl River County Agricultural High School. Poplarville was chosen as the site due to the promise of \$2,245 and a suitable tract of land. The cornerstone for the multi-purpose building was laid in July 1909.

Key Milestones and Developments

1911: The new administration building (Jacobs Hall) was built, providing classroom, library, and office space.
1912: The girl’s dormitory (Batson Hall) was built.
1921: A new cafeteria and dormitory combination was built (Crosby Hall).
1926: College Hall (Moody Hall) was constructed, housing classrooms, a gymnasium-auditorium, and college administration offices.
1948: A new gymnasium was erected, named after Judge J.M. Shivers.
1951: The college began a transportation program with the purchase of two buses.
1961: A boy’s dormitory was added (Lamar Hall). The Pearl River College Wildcats football team won the State and National Championships.
1963: A new student center was located front and center on the campus.
1968: A new library building was built on the west side of the campus (Garvin H. Johnston Library).
1969: Hurricane Camille caused extensive damage to every building on campus.
1970: Marion Hall was built to replace damaged Batson Hall.
1998: Pearl River Community College launched its first official internet site.
2000: Renovations were begun on Huff and Pearl River halls.
2003: Men’s Basketball won the State Championship.
2004: Crosby Hall Student Life Center was completed, and chapel construction continued. Men’s Basketball garnered the State Championship for a second year in a row. Wildcat Baseball defeated Meridain for the State Championship.

Post-World War II Era

After World War II, Pearl River College responded to the influx of returning servicemen by building a facility in 1947 for married veterans, offering GED programs, and providing vocational courses. The 1950s saw a remodeling of the school's curriculum to include courses offering training for job skills.

Academics and Programs

Pearl River Community College offers associate degrees or certifications in 55 majors. Both Academic and Technical students take courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Those interested in pursuing a career in the Humanities and Social Sciences are encouraged to refer to the Pearl River Community College Catalog, which includes an extensive listing of educational programs and Mississippi universities to which those programs transfer. These courses are offered at PRCC and are eligible as transfer credits towards pursuing a degree at a 4-year university.

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Students can avoid repeat courses and save time at PRCC by ensuring their credits are eligible for transferring to the university and program they are interested in. The college encourages students to make the most of their time at PRCC and meet other Wildcats with the same goals.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology (UAS) Program

PRCC offers an Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology (UAS) program, preparing students for careers in the UAS industry through simulator and live-flight training. Students gain essential flight knowledge and may earn an FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot License.

Barbering and Cosmetology

The college's Barbering and Cosmetology students provide services in the salon, open to the PRCC Wildcat Family and community members.

Success Stories

Several PRCC graduates have achieved notable success:

Mary-Catherine Galloway: Graduated with an A.A.S in Nursing and participated in various organizations and leadership positions. She has landed her dream job as a postpartum nurse at Forrest General Hospital and will further her education in pursuing her BSN and MSN at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Natalie Herrington: Was a two-year starter for the Wildcat softball team and was named Second Team All-NJCAA, All-Region 23, First Team All-MACCC, MACCC Pitcher of the Year, NFCA All-South Region and First Team NFCA All-American following the 2024 season. Natalie will continue her academic and athletic careers at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Peyton Barber: Graduated with an Associate in Arts from PRCC and was a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute, PRCC Rodeo team, Peer Tutoring Program, and the River Navigators recruitment team. She will attend Mississippi State University to major in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and will receive multiple scholarships.
Jorge: Graduated with an A.A.S in Electronics Technology and was selected for an internship with Rolls Royce at Stennis Space Center, working on airplane engines for Aerobus and Boeing.

Campus Life

Pearl River Community College is located on Highway 11 in Poplarville, Mississippi.

PRCC Museum

The Pearl River Community College Museum is open by appointment. The mission of the Museum is dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and interpretation of materials and memorabilia related to the institution’s history and the lower Pearl River valley, which it serves.

The Museum is committed to providing a suitable environment for preservation and displaying of artifacts, recording all objects donated, exhibiting artifacts to chronicle the history of Pearl River Community College and the six-county district, and educating the public through exhibits and media. The Museum also conducts interviews, does research, and works with historical societies to preserve historical records.

The Museum’s collections policy provides guidelines for its collections-related activities and is a public statement of the Museum’s commitment to care for and manage its collections properly. The Museum restricts its collection to materials that relate to the history of the institution and its six-county district.

Museum Collections

The Museum collects both artifacts and archival materials. An Artifact is preserved and used for its evidential value, while Archival Material is preserved and used for its informational value. The museum also collects paper records, iconographic records, and audio-visual material.

The public has controlled access to archival materials for research purposes. Access to artifacts is restricted to the Director and, under proper supervision, volunteers, workers, and student workers.

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Museum Acquisitions and Disposal

The Museum has criteria that guide its actions in the acquisitions process, including relevance to the Museum’s mission, available storage space, authenticity, condition, and potential for use. The Museum may divest itself of artifacts and archival materials if the item has deteriorated, poses a health hazard, no longer fits the Museum’s purpose, or if there exists a similar item of greater significance.

Loans

The Pearl River Community College Museum will not engage in large-scale loans due to constraints in storage space and limited funds for maintenance of artifacts. However, working partnerships with other institutions may require loans for the purpose of exhibition.

Mission and Philosophy

Pearl River Community College blends its rich traditions with state-of-the-art facilities and timeless curriculums. The college embraces the philosophy of "Pride, Respect, Class and Character…The Wildcat Way!"

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