PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 101 U.S.HIGHWAY 11 NORTH POPLARVILLE, MS 39470 FEBRUARY 2008 Centennial plans are well underway Faculty, staff and students invited to participate By ERNIE LOVELL Community College. Volunteer your time and Executive Director talents to our great Centennial Celebration. ■ The co-chairmen of the PRCC Centennial If you are even a little bit familiar with what Steering Committee are Mary Lynn Smith of is about to take place with the Pearl River Poplarville and Berlon Lee of Picayune. Community College Centennial Celebration The faculty appointments include: Dr. Becky you must be experiencing those kid-at- Askew, chief planning officer; Dr. John Grant, Christmas sensations. vice president for instruction; Dr. Cecil Burt, An undercurrent of excitement is already dean of the Forrest County Center; and Ronn making its way through the many committees Hague, museum director and digital media co- Eric Clark replaces Stonecypher that are diligently planning this year-long cele- ordinator. bration of Mississippi’s pioneer two-year col- Board of Trustees appointments include: as executive director of SBCJC lege. Since June of 2007, a Centennial Steering Frank Ladner of Bay St. Former Secretary of State Eric Clark is the new executive di- Committee has been working and developing our college,” said PRCC President William Louis and Herbert Ray rector of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. the plans for this celebration. Lewis. “To be a part of this will be really spe- Nobles of Petal. Clark, 56, replaces Wayne Stonecypher, On Sept. 8, 2008, the festivities will begin cial. This is going to be a really good time for Foundation who ended a five-year stint the same day with parades, luncheons, government and busi- the college.” Board/Alumni Clark took over Jan. 22. ness officials, dedication ceremonies, and many If you are a student and you want to be an Association appointments “The community colleges are one of the more programs that are designed to reenact the active participant of the centennial celebration include: Ann Morris of great treasures of Mississippi and I look celebration that occurred 100 years ago on you may come by the Alumni House on the Pearl River County, forward to being part of helping them these very grounds. Poplarville Campus and get information on the Maude Parrish of Marion move forward,” said Clark, who will annu- The Centennial Committee wants and needs activities that will be occurring over the course County, Dr. Elton Raby of ally earn $150,000. the participation of students, faculty, staff, of the year and you will be given contact infor- Forrest County, Verlene Stonecypher earned $170,000 a year. alumni, and business and community leaders, mation for particular organized committees. Cole of Lamar County, The board oversees the state’s 15 two- as we prepare for such a monumental celebra- If you are a faculty, staff, administrator or James Ginn of Hancock year academic institutions, which have an tion. alumnus of the college, and you want to serve in County, and Francis Herrin Lovell annual enrollment of more than 90,000 What greater way to live out the full college the celebration, you may contact the Alumni for out of district. students. Clark experience than to be a part of this history in House at 601-403-1183 or just come by the ■ Ernie Lovell is Executive Director of the Clark was elected secretary of state in the making. Alumni House. PRCC Development Foundation/Alumni 1995, 1999 and 2003. He did not seek re-election last year for “We are coming up on a really special time for There is no better time to be at Pearl River Affairs. the post in which he was paid $90,000 a year. Before becoming secretary of state, Clark served four terms in the state House. “Legislative experience is always beneficial,” Stonecypher Centennial Courtyard complete said of Clark’s appointment. “He will (be able to) get addition- al funds for the colleges. It’s a great opportunity for anybody.” The board interviewed Clark Jan. 17 at Pearl River Community College’s Advanced Technology Center. The board met the next day at PRCC’s Poplarville campus. ■ See Board photograph and story, page 7. Two Pearl River students killed in automobile crash Funeral services were held Jan. 23 and 25 for two Pearl River Community College students from Picayune who were killed after their car hydroplaned and smashed into trees, the Highway Patrol said. Brandon King, 26, and Deshone Warren, 25, were killed in the accident, which occurred around 11:45 a.m. Jan. 16 on U.S. 11, about three miles south of Poplarville, Master Sgt. Joe Gazzo said. King was driving a 2007 Chevrolet that hit a stream of water that had overflowed from a ditch. The car hit a small tree head-on, then struck a second tree, which caused the car to go into a spin. The car then hit a third three and “it wrapped completely around the tree,” Gazzo said. The men were not wearing seatbelts. Miss PRCC Wildcat Scholarship Pageant scheduled for Feb. 7 Twenty-one young women will compete in the annual Miss PRCC Wildcat Scholarship Pageant. The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Olivia Bender Cafeteria. The winner will receive a full tuition scholarship. Contestants are Angelica Fairley, Samira Ahmad, Heather Hinson, Lauren Morrow, Kayla Burger, Andrea Kelly, Stephanie Stuart, Katrina Gardner, Summer Carrington, Desiree Morgan, Tiffany Hicks, Kaitlyn Lock, Emiley Mills, Kristin Teston, Cristina Mumme, Danielle McCarter, Jessica Garner, Kheo Ly, Kristen Henderson, Khristen Cocknell and Kellye Bolar. The recently-completed Centennial Courtyard features a clock $875,000 pedestrian plaza is located between Crosby Hall and the Advanced Technology Center tower, plenty of lighting and trees as part of the landscape. The Information Technology Building. hosts Legislative Update Series Building projects continue; Bilbo Hall demolished The Lowery A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center in Building projects on Pearl River Community The old transportation building, located in the new coliseum and field house just south of Hattiesburg is hosting the Legislative Update Series, which College’s main campus in Poplarville continue to the center of campus, was destroyed by Katrina. Dobie Holden Stadium. gives Area Development Partnership members the opportunity dominate the scene. According to Clint Tapper, director of the phys- Work is ongoing on a new 30-foot by 30-foot to hear directly from legislators about the issues being ad- Just in the last six weeks, the Centennial ical plant, that area will be converted into a new gazebo on the grounds of the alumni house. It dressed during the legislative session. Courtyard was completed. lighted parking lot, adding some 100 new park- will tie into the courtyard and face Crosby Hall. At the end of the morning updates, ADP members will have Bilbo Hall, once a dormitory for married vet- ing spaces. “We plan to have some of our monthly cen- the opportunity to ask any questions they may have regarding erans built in 1946, was demolished during the The new career-technical building on the tennial functions, like story-telling history the legislative session. Christmas break. Future plans call for building a north end of the campus, a $3 million project, is events, there next year,” said Ernie Lovell, exec- Legislative updates begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. new dormitory in that spot. progressing. Completion date is in March. utive director of the Development Foundation. The schedule includes: Construction continues on a new $1.3 million Once the programs in the old vocational Work will resume soon on the $1.2 million re- Feb. 11 - Rep. Harvey Fillingane; Feb. 25 - Rep. Toby Barker; transportation building located behind the visi- building move into the new career-technical modeling and renovation of Dobie Holden March 3 - Rep. Larry Byrd; March 17 - Rep. Percy Watson; April tors’ side of Dobie Holden Stadium. The project building, the maintenance department will Stadium for the first time since it was built in 7 - Sen. Joey Fillingane; April 14 - Sen. Tom King. includes a new warehouse, shipping department move from its present position into the voca- 1966. Features include all new metal seating, a and motor pool for transportation. Completion tional building. Future plans call for demolish- new air-conditioned pressbox and entry area FCC planning history tribute; date is sometime next August. ing the maintenance building to make room for with ticket booth and expanded restrooms. museum open for visiting ■ The Forrest County Center of Pearl River Community PRCC accepts grant from Asbury Foundation College will pay tribute to Black History Month. Students, faculty and staff will gather at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. A grant from Asbury Foundation know digital. If they train here, 26, in the multipurpose room for a special program. The public to Pearl River Community College they’re going to live here.” is invited.For more information, contact Benny Hornsby at 601 will allow radiographic technology PRCC radiography students cur- 554-5561. students to receive the latest state- rently receive digital and comput- ■ PRCC Museum will be open this semester for students of-the-art training. ed radiography experience during who are interested in the history of the college. The museum, Foundation president Bill Ray met clinical training at area hospitals. with 2,000 square feet of exhibit space, is Mississippi’s first recently with PRCC officials to confirm The new equipment will allow community college museum. the grant of $262,241 for the purchase them to train at the PRCC Allied The museum also features a research room with newspapers, of digital radiography and computed Health Center at the Forrest magazines, photos, DVDs and audio CDs from the college’s radiography equipment. County Center. past. The museum is located in Hancock Hall. “We hope a better prepared stu- “This will bring us out of the dent will produce a better product stone age of film processing into for the consumer,” said PRCC the new technology,” said David Non-discrimination statement President William Lewis. “That’s Armstrong, program director. Pearl River Community College offers equal education and the bottom line in all this.” “It will allow us to teach it on employment opportunities. We do The Asbury Foundation’s mis- campus rather than depending on not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sion emphasizes improving health- them to teach it during clinicals. national origin, veteran status, or care in southern Mississippi. We really appreciate Asbury disability. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination The need for radiographic tech- Foundation and Bill Ray.” policies or to request accommodations, nologists trained to operate the PRCC will be the first college in Bill Ray, center, president of Asbury Foundation, met recently with special assistance, or alternate format publication, please equipment used in hospitals the state, with the exception of Pearl River Community College officials to present a grant of contact Tonia Moody, ADA/Civil prompted the foundation to do- University Medical Center, to have $262,241 to the radiography program at the Forrest County Center. Rights Coordinator, at P.O. Box 5118, Poplarville, MS 39470 nate the money to PRCC, Ray said. digital radiography equipment, With Ray are, from left, program director David Armstrong, PRCC or 601 403-1060. “Everything’s gone digital,” he which displays the image directly President William Lewis, radiography instructor Hope Husband and said. “If you’re going to put them on a computer screen, instructor Forrest County Center Dean Cecil Burt. in the labor market, they have to Hope Husband said. PRCC Public Relations Photo

February 2008 • Page 2 The DIXIE DRAWL NEWS&OPINION Coping with grief and loss part of everyday life By JIM MOORE Over the next 28 years, healthcare profes- In general, humans do not respond well a weakness to express loss. We have real help. Some help by offering encourage- Special to The Dixie Drawl sionals, clergy, nurses, doctors, caregivers, to change. By this way of thinking, grief physiological responses to severe loss, in- ment. Others help by taking care of things students, and other readers of the book communicates the severity of the loss, but cluding inattention, loss of energy, insom- for us. Often, however, we are not keen on On Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, two stu- somehow mutated the stages into the 5 nonetheless any loss is generally not well nia, and depressed mood. accepting this help. dents here at Pearl River Community Stages of Grief. perceived by the individual. You can cer- How do we love and support someone Loss introduces injury in our lives. We College lost their lives in a rainy-day car One of the major problems in this entire tainly have grief without death. in their time of grieving? We love them are injured psychologically, emotionally, accident. area is the fact that we still today do not This means that: first by weeping with them. We must allow and physically on some level when we ex- Families, friends, classmates, and in- have a universally accepted defi- 1. A change of circumstance of ourselves to be vulnerable and enter into perience loss. Therefore, we must move structors are now having to deal with the nition of “grief.” The pervasive- any kind produces a loss of some their pain. Only after they see that we beyond the idea that we can be Superman grief that accompanies the loss of precious ness and impact of severe emo- kind which will produce a grief identify with them or that we completely in our tough situations when a huge piece life. tional reactions such as grief and reaction. understand the reality of their pain, can of Kryptonite sits right next to us. Few concepts have insinuated them- bereavement were not even rec- 2. The intensity of the grief re- we then give them encouragement. R = Remember other tough times and selves into the popular culture as thor- ognized by the psychological action is directed related to how E = Experience the pain of the loss how you’ve survived oughly as the so called “5 Stages of Grief”: community until the mid-1970s. a person perceives the loss. Western society does not encourage us It is so easy for us to become over- Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, For example, in 1974 “The If the loss is not perceived as to confront our grief or suffering. We’re whelmed by negative circumstances and Acceptance. Handbook of Psychiatry” de- significant, the grief reaction often told to “just deal with it,” or “pull forget not only the past good times, but We’ve heard it from professionals in all fined grief as “...the normal re- will be minimal or barely felt. yourself up by your bootstaps.” How many the tough times we endured. Journals, areas of the healthcare system as well as sponse to the loss of a loved one from lay persons of all ages. 3. Significant grief responses people do you know who just dealt with study notes, and other written resources by death.” Responses to other which go unresolved can lead to some type of major loss and return to can offer us a tangible lifeline to our lives To review, the five stages often refer- kinds of loss were labeled enced include: Moore mental, physical, and sociologi- work and/or class the very next day? before the storm to help us remember all “Pathological Depressive cal problems and contribute to We are one of the few cultures that dis- the times we made it through adversity. ■ Denial (this isn’t happening to me) Reactions”. Most who work in the health ■ Anger (why is this happening to me?) family dysfunction across generations. courage people from truly experiencing Though it may be hard, writing things care field who have not specialized in grief So, are the 5 Stages without value? Not the pain of loss. We put on an iron mask down during a season of loss, and then ■ Bargaining (I promise I’ll be a better still refer to this 33-year-old definition. person if ) if they are used as originally intended, as with a fake smile chiseled into the front coming back and documenting how you In 1984, Dr. Terese Rando - a noted grief The 5 Stages of Receiving Catastrophic and pretend that all is well. persevered can offer great prevention for ■ Depression (What’s the use?) specialist, researcher and author - defined News. One can even extrapolate to The 5 Only further down the road, and often future problems. ■ Acceptance (I’m ready for whatever grief as “...processes of psychological, so- comes) cial and somatic reactions to the percep- Stages of Coping with Change. Death too late, do we realize that all is not well. S = Share your experiences with others The 5 Stages of Grief were defined by tion of loss.” need not be involved. A = Admit and accept your inability to going through the same ordeal. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book “Death In 1991, the Grief Resource Foundation Given that any loss can produce grief, cope with the loss in your own strength Notice that the first step is ACCEP- and Dying.” The problem with universally of Dallas defined grief as “the total re- try to remember the acronym TEARS if Victory is impossible as long as we rely TANCE, the last stage of the 5 Stages of applying her theory is the fact that Kubler- sponse of the organism to the process of you or someone you love experiences on ourselves to come through the storm. Grief. Let’s throw out the 5 stages of grief Ross was not attempting to identify the change”. grief: This is a very foreign concept to the phi- and replace it with a greater understand- stages of grief. So what is grief and what produces it? A T = To accept the reality of the loss losophy of the world. The world celebrates ing of Grief Recognition and Resolution. She referred to her findings as the 5 helpful equation, which proves itself daily One reason people deny the reality of personal strength and self-ability. People ■ Dr. Jim Moore is an academic coun- Stages of Receiving Catastrophic News. in all instances, is: Change=Loss=Grief. their loss is because society tells them it is in all aspects of our lives often want to selor at PRCC. Music career will take Construction on campus her on a long road trip Tour will be stressful, but rewarding

By BROOKE THOMAS everyone gets enough food every day, making sure Dixie Drawl Staff Writer everyone has a bed to sleep in, and making sure everyone is on their “best behavior,” though most of “You’re saving a dying city.” us doubt they will be. These are the last words I heard from Jake, the Then there are the smaller, less important things front man of Kiss the Cop, shortly before they left we have to deal with; preventing kids from sneaking the Picayune VFW on Saturday, June 23, 2007. into shows, having our security scan the room every Saturday is usually a good day for shows - you get five seconds for illegal drug and alcohol use, kicking up early, set up the stage, buy a few cases of waters, kids out for not following the rules, and providing and get your staff together for a short meeting on what needs doing before the show. enough ear plugs and Tylenol for anyone who needs Then you call the bands to make sure they haven’t them. gotten lost and are still planning on showing up, and And I say all that to say this: If I didn’t have a love then call the soundman to see where he is so you for music, I would have quit when I realized how know about how long you have before you need to stressful this tour is going to be. Jay Van employees Dan Addison, from left, Chris Wright and Derek Ladner work on one of the en- bend over backwards to scrape some extension cords But then, I realized this is what I’ll be doing the and extra mics together. rest of my life. trances to the new career technology building on the north end of the campus. The $3 million project is But this summer, things are going to go I’m going to USM and getting my degree scheduled for completion in March. a little differently. Instead of doing a single in Entertainment Industry Management, Saturday show, GulfCoastMusic Produc- I’ll hopefully end up working for a record tions is going on tour. label as a tour manager, and I’ll spend the We’re going to be on the road a total of rest of my life on the road dealing with the 26 days, 22 of which will be spent playing same exact things I’ll be dealing with this shows. summer. And I must say, I’m perfectly okay We’re starting in Houston on May 30, with that. going all the way over to Jacksonville, all When Jake of Kiss the Cop told me I’m the way up to Nashville, then back down to saving a dying city, I knew this is what I New Orleans for our final show on June 25. had to do the rest of my life. This means that I, along with three other Thomas I knew I would spend every weekend at a people working at GCMP and various book- show, making sure things went right, and ing agencies, will be responsible for the babysitting every day in between scheduling the next one. and well-being of twenty-five 18-to-23-year-old kids I know the life I’m signing up for will be hectic and for almost an entire month. I’ll lose a lot of needed sleep, but I’m willing to do Excited? Yes. Thrilled? No. that if it means not sitting in an office building get- Though this will be one of the best things to hap- ting paid salary and praying for a promotion. pen to our music careers in a long time, I’m not look- I simply need more excitement and stress than ing forward to the things we’ll be faced with during that. the tour, though I know we’ve all handled these And if the life I’ve so willingly signed myself up for things before. will be anything like this tour is going to be, I’m all We’ll be driving almost 3,000 miles, worrying for it. about gas, renting venues for almost $1,000 a night, ■ Brooke Thomas is a freshman student from paying bands for performing each night, making sure Carriere. Jamie Eure, left, and Jason Lawler of Eure Contracting of Purvis measure while installing framing for the transportation building under construction near Dobie Holden Stadium. The project includes a new A tribute to Black History Month warehouse, shipping department and motor pool for transportation. Completion date is August. By SHAKESHIA HARRIS All-State football player who went on to play at the Dixie Drawl Staff Writer University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Stephen Black of the History Department here In the month of February, Americans celebrate and on campus is also trying to do his part to pay tribute give recognition to Black History. We all to Black History month. have our ways of honoring Black History in He is assigning the students of his U.S. this special month. History I to write a paper on Historical I am planning to honor Black History African Americans. Mr. Black would like his month by visiting Black Historical students to look up outstanding over-achiev- Landmarks and neighboring Historically ing African Americans from the 1800’s and Black Colleges. write about the truly important things that This way I can give recognition to those they did which shaped our country and Africans American leaders who paved the made it what it is today. Good Luck! way for me and other African Americans On another note to add to this small trib- who dreamed of furthering their education. ute to Black History month, I want to say I If it had not been for many African am very honored to see one of our fellow Americans leaders and their fight for educa- Harris African Americans running for president. tion we would not have the educational op- It is truly inspiring to think that in the year portunities that we have today. One African American of 2008 that we could be welcoming in the First Black in particular I must give honor to is Willie Heidelberg. President of America. I wish Senator Barack Obama He was the first African American to attend PRCC the best of luck. after it was first integrated in 1967-1968. Here he ■ Shakeshia Harris is a sophomore student from Patrick Page, left, and James Jones of William McLain Plumbing and Electrical in Philadelphia dig played football and became a campus hero. He was an Hattiesburg. drains for the transportation building under construction near Dobie Holden Stadium. Want to get into shape? Give the Wellness Center a try By JAMIE DICKSON with your membership. Vuyovich) Learn the cha-cha, rumba, east- ■ Cardiovascular Exercise: Treadmills, Fitness/Wellness Specialist ■ Pilates on the Ball (instructor Kay Wellness Center coast swing, foxtrot, tango, and waltz. No Cycles, Ellipticals, StairMasters, and the Kammer): Targets the core by strengthen- Hours of Operation: expensive dance shoes required. Indoor Walking Track are available to The Wildcat Wellness Center is open to ing the lower back, hips, and abdominals. Class times: Tuesdays 6 p.m. for begin- achieve your recommended daily physical all PRCC students, faculty, staff, and sur- Monday through Thursday: 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. This class offers a low impact workout, Fridays: 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. ners and 7 p.m. for intermediates. $10 per activity requirements. rounding community. making it perfect for first time class (ball room dancing only) ■ Weight machine: Provides a safe and level. All members are given an in- exercisers. ■ Express Circuit: A 20-minute or less effective means to increase muscle mass as Class times: Mondays and Wednesdays troduction to the exercise equip- Class times: Monday and well as improve posture, range of motion, at 4:15 p.m. station made up of 10 weight machines. ment and have an opportunity to Wednesday at 11 a.m. and Tuesday and strength. Weight machines are excel- ■ S.M.I.L.E (instructor Kay Kammer): Cardio steps can be added into the circuit receive a complimentary person- and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. lent for first time exercisers. A chair aerobics class designed for senior for an added aerobic exercise. al exercise program. The facility ■ Cardio Fit (instructor Kay ■ citizens and those with musculoskeletal This is a great lunch break workout! Free weights: Typically for the more mod- has two Wellness Specialists Kammer): Trains the cardiovas- ■ Arm ergometer: A cardiovascular ma- erate to advanced exerciser; however, with available at all times for assis- cular system and is a total body and cardiovascular ailments or limitations. Focus is placed on functional fitness chine for the upper body. proper instruction free weights are an impor- tance in exercise. workout. The class is composed tant part of an exercise program in which sta- of step aerobics, floor aerobics, through improving posture, range of mo- This is an ideal way for individuals with What we offer: lower body limitations to exercise, includ- bility and control are challenged. ■ and kickboxing. tion, flexibility and strength. Group Exercise: The ing sports-related injuries. Start the semester off right; stop by for Wellness Center offers Pilates on This class is appropriate for all Class times: Monday, Wednesday, and Plus many of the weight machines can a visit or call for an appointment at 601- the Ball, Cardio Fit classes, and exercise levels, given that an ex- Fridays at 10 a.m. be accessible to those with limitations. 403-1340. Body Recall, which are included Dickson erciser adjusts his/her intensity ■ Ball Room Dance (instructor Kelly

The DIXIE DRAWL February 2008 • Page 3 NEWS Registration process Spring enrollment up at all PRCC campus sites

POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College’s cent. spring semester enrollment for 2008 is up slightly “We are excited with another record enrollment for over a year ago. a spring semester,” he said. “We have almost 1,500 Through the end of late registration, spring enroll- students. I think that the growth can be attributed to ment was at 3,913 students, including 3,038 full-time our expanded course offerings in criminal justice, so- students, on the Poplarville, Hattiesburg and ciology, geography and some others. We also had to Waveland campuses, as well as classes at satellite sites open more sections in several academic areas due to throughout the district. demand. Our Career and Technical programs are full That’s a 1 percent increase from spring enrollment and there seems to be no end to the growing demand in 2007. for academic courses.” The good news is that enrollment at the Forrest Meanwhile, Adam Breerwood, Dean of Student County Center in Hattiesburg continues to show an Services, reported that campus housing is just about increase. This spring’s total is 1,473 students, an all- full for the spring semester. time high. “We are not at capacity but we are a little above “We are greatly encouraged by the continuing in- where we were last year,” said Dr. Breerwood. “Our crease in enrollment that Pearl River Community new dormitories are near full capacity and we are re- College has experienced in recent years,” said PRCC ceiving applications daily for next fall. We have a full President William Lewis. “It is most pleasing that cit- schedule of student activities scheduled for this izens in south Mississippi recognize the college’s ef- spring and are looking forward to a great semester.” forts to offer quality and affordable higher education- Enrollment for classes in Hancock County contin- al opportunities. ues to bounce back from the affects of Hurricane Sgt. Earl Gray of Forest talks with instructor Harold Schultze about his schedule for the spring semester “Our commitment continues to be focused on the Katrina, which wiped out the Hancock Center in at Pearl River Community College’s Forrest County Center. Gray, who works at Camp Shelby, trans- continuous improvement of the services and pro- Waveland. The Hancock Center is open on Highway ferred credits from East Central Community College to continue working on a business degree. PRCC grams offered by our institution.” 90 and there are 190 students enrolled in classes, up Public Relations Photo John Grant, Vice President for Instruction, had from 156 a year ago. praise for the PRCC faculty as they prepared for an- According to Chuck Abadie, Director of Public other busy semester. Relations, the reasons for PRCC’s continued growth “We are very pleased with our enrollment this se- are many. mester,” said Dr. Grant. “We had anticipated that our “One big thing is the viability of the Hattiesburg enrollment would be greater than it was last spring, and Hancock County areas and the way those general and our faculty and administrators did a good job areas have grown and continue to grow,” said Abadie. planning for the expected growth.” “We continue to offer quality, affordability and acces- Prospects for continued growth at the Forrest sibility, which helps from a travel standpoint for our County Center remain high, according to Dr. Cecil commuter students. Burt, Dean of the Forrest County Center. This “Our increased marketing efforts throughout our spring’s enrollment is up 1 percent over 2007. Since six-county district have been a big plus for us. We 2003, spring enrollment has increased nearly 40 per- have a lot of good things happening at Pearl River.” USM transfer fair coming to PRCC Feb. 12 Pearl River Community College will host a Transfer resentatives about basic degree requirements and ob- Fair for students interested in transferring to the tain information on specific programs. University of Southern Mississippi on Tuesday, Feb. Students will not be able to actually register for 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Crosby Hall. USM classes, but will be encouraged to register for USM plans to send representatives from the upcoming summer Preview Days on USM’s campus. Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid Office, Residence The USM Preview Day includes a general orientation Living, and First Year Experience as well as represen- to the campus as well as degree advisement and class tatives from all five academic colleges (College of Arts registration. and Letters, the College of Education and Psychology, “We are extremely excited that USM has offered to the College of Business, the College of Science and participate in such an event and would like to encour- Technology, and the College of Health). age all interested students to take part,” said Dannell The purpose of this event is to assist students in Roberts, PRCC counselor. “Please start making prepa- making a smooth transition from PRCC to USM. rations now so that you can take advantage of this Students will be able to complete/turn in admis- great opportunity.” Instructor Teresa Alexander, left, works with Kitty Stanford of Lumberton during spring semester regis- sions applications, financial aid applications, and For more information, call 403-1242 or by email at tration in January at Pearl River Community College. PRCC Public Relations Photo housing applications as well as speak with college rep- [email protected]. William Carey University Hattiesburg Gulfport New Orleans

William Carey is a great place to continue your education. Merit, sports, church vocation and talent scholarships are available. 601-318-6103 www.wmcarey.edu 800-962-5991, ext. 103

February 2008 • Page 4 The DIXIE DRAWL NEWS MLT students record 100 percent pass rate The 2007 graduates of the Medical Laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis, Technology Program are the first class at Pearl River treatment, and disease monitoring or prevention. Community College to achieve a 100 percent pass rate The laboratory uses sophisticated biomedical in- on the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board strumentation and technology, computers, and meth- of Registry Examination. ods requiring manual dexterity to perform laboratory According to MLT Program Chair Evelyn Wallace, testing on blood and body fluids. this is the first time in the program’s 16-year history Graduates from the MLT program who successfully that all of the graduates passed this exam on the first pass the BOR exam are qualified for employment in try. hospitals, research facilities, reference laboratories, “The MLT program is extremely proud of this ac- physician clinics, veterinary offices and blood donor complishment, considering the national average pass centers in the U.S. or abroad. rate is less than 80 percent,” said Wallace. “This cer- Wallace says these graduates are in high demand, tification is a comprehensive exam designed to chal- due to retirements, limited approved programs and lenge students in both clinical laboratory science the- personnel shortages. ory and practicum. The PRCC MLT program currently has graduates “It is one of the most difficult Board of Registry working throughout the nation. The PRCC MLT pro- exams administered to graduates of any medical dis- gram has a 100 percent placement for all the gradu- cipline. The MLT rigorous curriculum serves as a ates. The 2007 graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technology Program are the first class at Pearl River great preparation for students who choose to contin- The program was awarded the maximum period for Community College to achieve a 100 percent pass rate on the American Society of Clinical Pathology ue higher educational endeavors, including medical accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Board of Registry Examination. The students include from left: Laina Stringer of Columbia, Caryn Loften school, forensics, and other areas of medicine.” Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Chicago. of Purvis, Brian Lindsey of Collins, April Sherdon of Hattiesburg, Anna Ready of Hattiesburg, Talia Medical laboratory technicians are vital healthcare Interested candidates can call the MLT department Dortch of Beaumont, Amber Hopkins of Hattiesburg. Back row - Lynn Pitts, MLT program education co- detectives. They are responsible for uncovering and at 601-554-5507. Applications are accepted through ordinator, and Evelyn Wallace, MLT program chair. Not pictured are Elizebeth Dixon-Rogers of providing laboratory information from specimen May 1 for the next class that begins in August. Hattiesburg and Dottie Hollingsworth of Poplarville. Spring Faculty profile ATC hosts Business After Hours production set for NAME: Evelyn Wallace FAMILY: Married to David Wallace, 23 years; one son (David Wallace, Jr.), one daughter (April Goff) and 2 Grandchildren April 3-4 (Tony Goff Jr., 15, & Tyler Goff, 12 Play title: ‘Smoke on the RESIDENCE: McLaurin EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Grad- Mountain Homecoming’ uated Stone High School, 1976; Graduated, Rehearsals are underway for William Carey University, 1980, B.S. in Wallace PRCC’s spring production, Medical Technology, Major in Biology and a “Smoke on the Mountain Minor in Chemistry. 29 graduate hours, USM; 15 graduate hours, Homecoming.” University of New Orleans, both in Education and Forensics. The musical comedy will be pre- sented at 7 p.m. April 3 and 4 in CLASSES TEACHING AT PRCC: Program Chair and Instructor for Malone Chapel by the PRCC the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Department of Fine Arts and Communication. Admission is $5. TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 15 years The department performed the Members of the Area Development Partnership and PRCC staff prepare their name tags at the Lowery original “Smoke on the Mountain” FAVORITE BOOK: Death’s Acre by Dr. Bill Bass A. Woodall Advanced Technology Center where Pearl River Community College hosted Business After seven years ago, said Donna Hours on Jan. 17. Some 250 people attended the event. PRCC Public Relations Photos Matthews, director and speech in- FAVORITE FOOD: Seafood structor. The musical is set in October FAVORITE MOVIE: CSI 1945 with the gospel-singing Sanders family reunited after the FAVORITE MUSIC: Christian Southern Gospel war. The family has gathered at POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TEACHING AT PRCC: Teaching students Mount Pleasant Baptist Church the skills to succeed in the work force and watching them prosper not where Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe only in the medical field but also in their personal life. is preaching his last sermon be- fore moving to Texas with his ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Listen, take notes, and study hard. Be pregnant wife, the former June sure when you choose an educational program or degree that first: you Sanders. can get a job and second: that this job will be something you enjoy. Young Dennis Sanders is to take Oglethorpe’s place as pastor but only after the family sends the Oglethorpes off in style with funny and touching stories and 25 toe-tapping gospel songs. Staff profile “We’re excited about being able to perform in Malone Chapel,” Matthews said. “Since this show is set in Mount Pleasant Baptist NAME: Missy Graves Church, the chapel is the perfect place for the production.” FAMILY: Single, no children. A toy poodle PRCC instructor Dale Miller, left, explains the industrial maintenance classroom at PRCC’s Lowery A. Cast members are: named Casper! ■ Daniel Massey as Pastor Woodall Advanced Technology Center to Ed Tucker of Forrest General Hospital. Oglethorpe RESIDENCE: Sumrall ■ Isaac White as Burl Sanders ■ Beth Seal as Vera Sanders EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: 1985 ■ Michael Mitchell as Stanley graduate of Sumrall High School. 1987 gradu- Sanders ate of PRCC. ■ Brett Barnes as Dennis Sanders POSITION AT PRCC: Secretary at Forrest ■ Stacey Whitlow as Denise County Center for almost 20 years Graves Sanders Culpepper ■ Lauren Alvarado as June FAVORITE BOOK: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks Sanders Oglethorpe LaDona Tyson is musical direc- FAVORITE FOOD: Seafood tor, and Zachary Lee is student di- rector. The cast and crew are stu- FAVORITE MOVIE: Steel Magnolias dents in the drama production class. FAVORITE MUSIC: Country “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” is the newest in a POSITIVE ASPECTS OF WORKING AT PRCC: It would have to be trilogy. It was written by Connie the family atmosphere. I work with a great group of people! Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey. The musical arrangements are by ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Never stop learning. Make the most of Mike Craver. every opportunity presented. Computer lab gets upgrade

Hattiesburg businessman Joe Tatum, right, talks with Pearl River Community College Development Foundation director Ernie Lovell during Business After Hours. Listening in is USM adjunct professor Dr. Terrell Tisdale.

Information technology staffers Johnnie Taylor, left, and Jason Bordelon hook up new computers in the computer lab at the Forrest County Center. “These are no longer hand-me downs in our computer lab,” Marilyn Ackerman and Dow Ford, Pearl River Dean Garland, food service manager at PRCC, said Forrest County Center Dean Cecil Burt. “We have been running this lab for about six years with Community College registrar, played classical guitar carves roast for members of the Area Develop- second-hand computers.” The new equipment will accommodate 24 students and academic coordinator duets during Business After Hours at the Lowery A. ment Partnership during the Business After Susan Donohue expects it will be full for every class that’s offered. Woodall Advanced Technology Center. Hours at the Advanced Technology Center.

The DIXIE DRAWL February 2008 • Page 5 NEWS PRCC, OSHA sign partnership deal HATTIESBURG - Officials with of utilities and private contractors Pearl River Community College in south Mississippi. and the Occupational Safety and “OSHA governs all safe work- Health Administration set a new place practices,” said Scott precedent today with the signing Alsobrooks, PRCC’s director of of a partnership agreement. Workforce Education. “This being OSHA is now a training partner a dangerous line of work, it’s im- in PRCC’s Electrical Utility portant that we provide the best Technology Program, which trains knowledge and training possible to utility linemen. our students.” “As far as I’m aware, this is the The program gives students the first agreement of its type with the option of working toward a tradi- electric utility training field,” said tional Associate in Applied Courtney Bohannon, compliance Science degree or of earning pro- assistance specialist with the fessional certification. The train- Jackson area OSHA office. ing is offered in a series of modules “We’re going to be partnering so that full-time utility employees with the school and the advisory can work on degrees as part of board members in the program in their on-the-job training. an effort to reduce accidents and The program is based at PRCC’s fatalities in the industry.” Woodall Advanced Technology Big donation The program, which began in Center with approximately 45 stu- Above, Pearl River Community 2007, is driven by the utility indus- dents enrolled. College President William Lewis, try and supervised by an advisory For information about the pro- foreground, thanks John Deere board composed of representatives gram, telephone 601-554-4667. and Stribling Equipment for the four pieces of equipment they donated to the heavy equipment operators program. Listening are, from left, Scott Swanson, Stribling vice president of sales; Clark Miner, John Deere grader consultant; Dr. John Grant, PRCC vice president; Scott Alsobrooks, PRCC Workforce Education director; Kyle Kimbrough, Stribling territory manager; Deven Detloff of John Deere; David House, Stribling territory manager; Huey Stockstill Jr. of Huey Stockstill Inc.; Dale Necaise, Stribling product support/service manger; Ernie Lovell, PRCC Development Foundation direc- tor; Don Welch, PRCC director of career-technical education; and Mark Cook, John Deere ter- ritory sales manager. Right, PRCC student Ross Gaudet of Hattiesburg moves a new John Deere mini-excavator while Bryan Griffin of Gulfport Scott Alsobrooks, Pearl River Community College director of waits to move out in the dozer. Workforce Education, and Courtney Bohannon, compliance assis- tance specialist in the Jackson area office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, sign a partnership agreement Jan. 14 at the PRCC Woodall Advanced Technology Center. Looking on John Deere-Stribling help PRCC are members of the program’s advisory board, from left, Walt Skupien of Mississippi Power Co., Rodney Beech of Coast Electric Power Association, Stan Rucker of Electric Power Associations of Missisisppi and Donnie Bond of Coast Electric Power Association. PRCC Public Relations Photo double equipment training program POPLARVILLE - When the heavy equipment of Workforce Education at PRCC. Student Ross Gaudet of Hattiesburg demon- operators program at Pearl River Community Donations of $100,000 from Huey Stockstill strated the excavator during the presentation. STA group hear speaker College resumed after the Christmas break, Inc. in Picayune, $50,000 from Puckett “It’s just tremendous that they stepped in,” he twice as many students could enroll. Machinery and $50,000 from the Caterpillar said. The John Deere Corp. and Stribling Foundation along with four pieces of Twelve students enrolled in the heavy equip- Equipment presented four pieces of heavy Caterpillar equipment got the training program ment program will train with the new equip- equipment Dec. 13 to the program as a part of started. ment and 11 students in the electrical utility a lease-loan arrangement. The equipment is val- “The equipment you see here will help us add technology program also will use some of it, ued at $750,000. capactiy to our program and increase the train- Alsobrooks said. “This program is just fantastic,” said David ing,” Alsobrooks said. The new equipment allows 12 students from House, southern district sales manager for John Deere and Stribling provided a motor the waiting list of more than 100 to start heavy Stribling. grader, dozer, wheel loader and mini-excavator. equipment training. “It’s going to fill a very big need.” “There’s a shortage of qualified operators for “We’re real excited about the opportunity this The program started after Hurricane Katrina the construction industry,” House said. “At the equipment and this program are going to pro- created tremendous demand for heavy equip- urging of Huey Stockstill Jr., we got with John vide for our students and our college,” said ment operators, said Scott Alsobrooks, director Deere and decided to do it.” PRCC President William Lewis. Counselors meet at Woodall Center Dr. John Grant (left), Vice President for Instruction at Pearl River Community College, ad- dresses high school counselors last week during their meeting at the Lowery Woodall Advanced Technology Center. Members of the PRCC staff from both the Poplarville campus and the Forrest County Center talked to the counselors about the many educational opportunities that are available to high school stu- Dr. Barry Morris, chair of the Education Department at William dents today. They were also Carey University, recently addressed a meeting of the Student treated to lunch as well as a tour Teacher Association, Forrest County Center students at Pearl River of the Forrest County Center on Community College who are interested in pursuing a career in U.S. 49 South. teaching. The subject of his talk was teacher certification. The club’s PRCC Public Relations photo advisor is Benny Hornsby. Twenty-two students, both freshmen and sophomores, were present at the meeting. PRCC Public Relations photo. Pinning ceremony Sixteen respiratory care prac- tioner students at Pearl River Community College’s Forrest County Center received their pins in cere- monies on Dec. 7. They are, seated from left, Dustin Helton, Ruby Posey, Courtney Patterson and Ashleigh Simonton, all of Hattiesburg, Towana Blackmon of Prentiss, Jarrod Jackson of Hattiesburg, Valerie Robinson of Carriere, Chris Mizell of Hammond, La.; standing, in- structor Teena Mitchell, Tonya Courtney of Hattiesburg, Jennifer Franklin of Columbia, Rochelle Frankin of Petal, Tara Gandy of Shubuta, Laterrica Applewhite of Bassfield, Misty Craig of Picayune, Latoya Pittman of Hattiesburg, instruc- tors Lori Anderson and Kathy Gavin. Not pictured is graduate Diana Adams of Sandersville.

PRCC Public Relations Photo

February 2008 • Page 6 The DIXIE DRAWL NEWS PRCC symposium speaker says make most of exquisite moments POPLARVILLE - A nationally-known grief Hattiesburg Clinic, Pearl River Central Schools, all realize how valuable our health is. This in- and trauma counselor told approximately 200 Live Well Health Screens, Poplarville Family stitution has been committed for a long time women to recognize and make the most of life’s Chiropractic Clinic, Wesley Medical Center and through our programs and activities to good exquisite moments. Orleans Park Rehabilitation and Tranquility health and the promotion of good health.” Dr. Sally P. Karioth, a nursing professor at Day Spa. Information booths were staffed by Almost 50 business and individuals donated Florida State University, was keynote speaker Better Health Inc., Hattiesburg Clinic, door prizes that were awarded at the end of the for the second annual Pearl River Community Highland Community Hospital, Slidell symposium. College Women’s Health Symposium Jan. 26. Memorial Hospital, Southern Bone and Joint Grand prize winners were Rose A. Gentry Karioth told her audience of the evolution Specialists, Poplarville Clinic and Wesley and Catherine A. Jones, both of Poplarville. she has seen in her 38-year career in the way Medical Center. Gentry won a DVD player/VCR donated by health care professionals and families approach “Once again, our symposium was a tremen- Radio Shack of Poplarville while Jones won a death. dous success,” said Dr. Becky Askew, PRCC’’s weekend at Swallowfork Lake and Cabins do- “It became very clear to me that letting peo- chief planning officer and chair of the sympo- nated by Buddy Moody of Poplarville. Dr. Sally P. Karioth, keynote speaker for PRCC’s Women’s Health ple reconcile at the end is the most important sium steering committee. Other door prize donors were Apples Ltd, Symposium, talks with Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation officials thing we can do,” she said. “Approximately 200 women attended and Baker Maid Products, Bella Salon, Boone’s Sid Whitley, seated, and Dr. Ted Alexander. The foundation served Remember the date of the death of a friend’s took advantage of the opportunity to partici- Pharmacy, Byron Wells Nationwide Insurance, as grand sponsor of the second annual symposium. family member and send a note or make a pate in health screenings, to attend informative Catfish Cottage, Charleen Null, Deb’’s Pizza phone call a year later, she said. concurrent sessions and to hear a wonderful and Pasta, Factory Connection, Faye’’s Fine “People don’t expect you to bring back the keynote speaker. The members of the Women’’s Jewelry, Hair by Byrle, IGA/Sunflower, dead, but they expect you to validate it,” she Health Symposium steering committee want to Longleaf Farm and Garden, Main Street Florist said. thank the sponsors, health care professionals, and Gifts, Michelle Pearson CPA, Movie Dealing with death and the bereaved has speakers and businesses who contributed to the Gallery, Pearson’s Barber Shop, PRCC Staff profile given her a keen appreciation for the twists and success of this special activity.” Bookstore, PRCC fine arts and communication turns of life, Karioth said. Grand sponsor of the symposium was the department, PRCC recruitment and orienta- “If you can tell the difference between a Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. tion, PRCC Wellness Center, Rhonda Mitchell, minor event and a major event, your life will be Gold sponsor was Valley Services. Silver Robicheaux Specialty Candy, The Back Door so much more simple,” she said. “We miss the sponsors were BankPlus, Chain Electric Co., Bookstore, The Bakery Connection, The NAME: Alicia Kimball gifts sometimes even when they’re right in First National Bank of Picayune and Carousel, The Other Side, Transitions Salon front of us.” Poplarville, Mississippi Power Co. Foundation, and Day Spa and Way Out West, all of FAMILY: Married to Scott Kimball (25 The symposium included free health screen- Slidell Memorial Hospital, Southern Bone and Poplarville; Big Buck Sports, Bob’s Books, years), one daughter, Evelyn, age 4, a second ings and information booths as well as mini-ses- Joint Specialists and Wal-Mart Supercenter in Caribbean Soul, Dogwood’’s Gift Shop, daughter, Emelia (TBA - to be adopted) sions on a variety of topics. Picayune. Bronze sponsors were Hancock Hattiesburg Clinic and 28th Place, Marlene “I just heard about this and thought it was in- Bank, Hattiesburg Clinic, The First: A National Shivers, Newpointe Pharmacy, Robert St. John, RESIDENCE: Poplarville teresting,” said Lauren Autin of Tylertown as Banking Association and Wesley Medical The Grand Movie Theater and Tranquility Day she had her blood pressure checked. “I wanted Center. Spa, all of Hattiesburg; Bucko’’s Cleaners of EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Poplar- to take advantage of the health screenings.” “It’s always a delight to have you come to our Hattiesburg and Petal, Cuevas Fish House of ville High School (1981), Pearl River Screenings were provided by PRCC students campus and be a part of our Pearl River family,” Lumberton, Paul’’s Pastry Shop of Picayune, Community College AAS (1983) in nursing and allied health programs, Highland PRCC President William Lewis told the partic- Martha Lou Smith of Wiggins and Slidell (La.) Kimball Community Hospital, Arthritis Associates, ipants. “As time goes by and we all get older, we Memorial Hospital. POSITION AT PRCC: Assistant Director, IT (At PRCC since 1990)

FAVORITE BOOK: I Love You Stinky Face

FAVORITE FOOD: Anything Italian

FAVORITE MOVIE: No true favorite. Signs would be on top of the list.

FAVORITE MUSIC: Contemporary Christian (Steven Curtis Chapman), Light Rock Catherine A. Jones, left, and Rose A. Gentry, both of Poplar- POSITIVE ASPECTS OF WORKING AT PRCC: It is nice to work ville, won the grand door prizes where you know, get along with and feel comfortable with most every- at the symposium. Jones won a one. weekend at Swallowfork Lake and Cabins donated by Buddy ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Keep the big picture in your focus. Moody and Gentry received a Bumps in the road may slow you down but try not to detour. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Oh and one more, take DVD player/VCR donated by Mr. Kimball’s class. You might be surprised. Radio Shack of Poplarville.

PRCC President William Lewis talks with some of the speakers who participated in the second annual PRCC Women’s Health Symposium on Jan. 26. They are, from left, Forrest County Justice Court Judge into Deborah Gambrell, Manya Creel Bryan, assistant district attorney for the 15th Judicial District; and Eileene McRae of Pine Grove Behavioral Health Services. PRCC Public Relations Photos STEPSTEP the MAROONMAROON

Pearl River Community College medical laboratory technology student Emily Jopes of Picayune, right, checks glucose and cholesterol levels for Barbara Moody of Brooklyn during the PRCC Women’s Health Symposium. Symposium donation Transferring to Mississippi State University is a great way to begin your future!

The Office of Admissions and Scholarships is here to help you through the steps along the way, from scheduling a visit to our beautiful campus, to completing the admissions process and applying for scholarships. To assist you in achieving your academic goals, we have many opportunities avail- able, including the Community College Recognition Scholarship ($2,500 over two years) and the Community College Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship ($5,000 over two years). We invite you to visit our Web site, admissions.msstate.edu/scholarships, to learn about all of our scholarship opportunities.

The priority date for community college scholarships is May 1, 2008. Admission to the university and an online resume are required for scholarship consideration.

Dr. Ted Alexander, chief executive officer of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, presents a cere- monial check for $15,000 to Dr. William Lewis, president of Pearl River Community College. The foun- dation was the grand sponsor of PRCC’s Women’s Health Symposium, which was held Jan. 26 in Office of Admissions and Scholarships Poplarville. Looking on are, from left, Ernie Lovell, executive director of the PRCC Development P.O. Box 6334 Foundation, and Dr. Becky Askew, PRCC planning officer and chair of the symposium steering commit- Mississippi State, MS 39762-6334 tee. PRCC Public Relations Photo Campus Visit: admissions.msstate.edu Admissions and Scholarships: 662-325-2224 Publication Mailing Requests: 662-325-3077 Fax: 662-325-1MSU MSU is an equal opportunity institution. [email protected]

The DIXIE DRAWL February 2008 • Page 7 NEWS SBCJC board meets at PRCC New PRCC board members

POPLARVILLE - The State Board for Community and Junior Colleges held is January meeting at Pearl River Community College for the first time. Those pictured include from left: Front row - Brenda Yonge of Lucedale, Patricia Dickens of Natchez and Napoleon Moore of Jackson. Middle row - Ed Perry of Oxford. Back row - Outgoing SBCJC Executive Director Wayne Stonecypher, Max Huey of Picayune, Chip Crane of Fulton, Chairman George Walker of Clarksdale, Bubba Hudspeth of Louisville and PRCC President William Lewis. Not pictured are Bruce Martin of Meridian and Bobby Stenriede of Hollandale. Pearl River Community College’s Board of Trustees welcomed four new members during the regular January meeting. They include from left: Lamar County Superintendent of Education Ben Burnett, Hancock County Superintendent of Education Alan Dedeaux, Jefferson Davis County Superintendent of State board meets at PRCC for first time; Education Ike Haynes and Marion County Superintendent of Education Ronald Fortenberry. In other business, Greg Mitchell of Picayune was elected chairman of the board for a two-year term. Dale Purvis PRCC criminal justice program approved of Hattiesburg was elected vice chairman and Dennis Penton, Pearl River County Superintendent of Education, secretary. PRCC Public Relations Photo POPLARVILLE - The State Board for Community from law enforcement officials in South Mississippi, and Junior Colleges held its monthly January meeting including sheriffs, mayors and district attorneys. at Pearl River Community College. “This is the first program of this nature that has It was the first time the board had ever held its been approved in this state,” said Burt. “We have Hancock Center enrollment up; meeting at PRCC. Following the board meeting, mem- some outstanding law agencies in this area. This will bers were given a tour of the main campus. provide them some graduates with training. I think “It was the first time many of them had been on our they’ll get snapped up pretty quickly.” community enjoys facilities campus,” said PRCC President William Lewis. “It al- PRCC already offers an associate in arts degree in lowed us to talk about plans for the future and discuss criminal justice, but the new program will offer either ongoing issues from Hurricane Katrina damage.” an associate in applied science degree or a certificate The highlight of the meeting was the approval of of proficiency. Hancock Center is home to the Wave Art Gallery former Secretary of State Eric Clark as the new exec- While many of the criminal justice classes are al- utive director of the State Board. Clark, 56, replaces ready offered, components of the new program begin BY MAGGIE SMITH and on Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 County, the Hancock County Wayne Stonecypher, who ended a five-year stint the in the fall at both the Poplarville and Hattiesburg cam- Hancock Center Director p.m. Chamber of Commerce, the same day Clark took over Jan. 22. puses. Burt said it is possible the program will extend Maggie Smith, Director of the Waveland Community Coalition, In August 2005, with the winds The board interviewed Clark Jan. 17 at Pearl River to the Waveland branch. Hancock Center, hopes to work and the Gulf Coast Education of Katrina in Hancock County, Community College’s Advanced Technology Center. “We are working pretty closely with the police acad- with the Hancock County arts Initiative Consortium. came an unbelievable destruction. Also interviewing for the position were Larry Day and emy here in Hattiesburg,” Burt said. Police academy community to expand “The Hancock Never would one have believed Jason Pugh, current employees with the that oversees graduates will be able to transfer credit to the pro- the gallery to include a Center has come a long that eight and one-half feet of the 15 public two-year academic institutions in gram. As many as nine credit hours may be given for children’s gallery, and way from that fateful water could have destroyed the Mississippi. academy experience, although the details have not plans are underway to day in August 2005. Hancock Center of Pearl River The state board commended Stonecypher on the been finalized. make this a reality. Our purpose is to serve Community College located two job he did. “We made great progress under Dr. “That would give a leg up to officers who are in the Said Smith, “The fa- the educational needs miles from the Gulf of Mexico and Stonecypher,” said board chairman George Walker. field who want to go back and get a degree,” Burt said. cilities at the Hancock of Hancock County. four miles from the Jourdan River. “We were fortunate to have him. Now we move for- Courses will include police administration and or- Center are so nice that With the enrollment From the quagmire of destruc- ward.” ganization, corrections, traffic law, criminal investiga- we enjoy sharing them growth we are experi- tion, the Hancock Center survived The board gave him a standing ovation. tions and court practices. Students will learn how to with the community. encing at the Hancock and has begun its steady growth to Said Stonecypher, “Thank you for giving me the op- do background checks and may have to study Spanish. Rooms are available for Center, I feel that we become a viable entity in Hancock portunity. I have enjoyed it.” The certificate of proficiency is intended for stu- other organizations to are beginning to County. The Center has experi- ■ Another highlight of the meeting was the ap- dents who have no desire for a college degree but wish host meetings at our scratch the surface of enced a steady growth in student Smith proval of a career and technology program in criminal to learn basics of law enforcement and criminal inves- center. those needs. enrollment, is planning for facility justice at PRCC. tigations. “We have hosted meetings for “We are part of the community growth, and is becoming a center The program was developed in response to requests PRCC has two full-time criminal justice instructors. the Bay-Waveland School District, and will continue to be an active, for community involvement. the Hancock County School viable part of Hancock County for In 2005, the spring enrollment District, The Arts Hancock many years.” for the Hancock Center was 115, and the fall enrollment was 193. Sen. Wicker on campus After the destruction of Katrina, 43 students returned to a trailer at Stennis International Airport. The fall 2007 enrollment was Faculty profile 203 students, and this spring, en- rollment is 190 students. ■ The Center is currently forg- ing through the Substantive Change Process with the Southern NAME: Jennifer Seal Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) which is the ac- FAMILY: Married to Michael Seal for 10 crediting agency for PRCC. years, expecting our first child in April, 2 This proposed change will allow Retrievers Sheba and Deauxde expansion of course offerings which will allow students to earn RESIDENCE: Hancock County. more that 50 percent of the cours- es required for an associate degree EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Grad- or a career certificate. uated Poplarville High School in 1988, grad- In addition to growth in student uated Pearl River Community College in enrollment, the Hancock Center’s 1990, graduated University of Southern Seal physical plant is growing. Mississippi in 1992 with a B.S. in Mathematics Approval has been given to Education, and in 1995 with a M.Ed. in Mathematics Education. change one of the classrooms to a Anticipate graduation from Mississippi State University in 2008 with a library/learning lab. Ph.D. in Community College Leadership This will allow students the same library/learning lab ameni- POSITION AT PRCC: Quality Enhancement Plan Director and ties that students enjoy on the Mathematics Instructor Poplarville and Hattiesburg cam- Campus visit puses. The construction of two TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 10 years at Hancock High School, seven new classrooms should be com- years as adjunct instructor for PRCC, five years as a full-time instructor Roger Wicker (right), the state’s plete by March 2008. for Pearl River Community College. new senator, stopped off at Hancock County is also home to Pearl River Community College PRCC’s Aviation Maintenance FAVORITE BOOK: The Rising Tide by John M. Barry; From the Jan. 16 as part of his South Technology program which is lo- Heart: Seven Rules to Live By by Robin Roberts Mississippi tour. Wicker was ap- cated at Stennis International pointed to replace Trent Lott, Airport. There are five students FAVORITE PLAY: To Kill a Mockingbird who retired in December. Above, enrolled in the program, and re- he, along with PRCC President cruitment plans are underway to FAVORITE MUSIC: Varied William Lewis and other PRCC increase those numbers. staffers, listen as Associate Ray Cody, a veteran AMT in- POSITIVE ASPECT OF TEACHING AT PRCC: 1. Pearl River Degree Nursing instructor Amy structor, has been hired and has a Community College is on the cutting edge of utilizing the latest and Daly discusses an issue with vision of growth for the program. best technology to truly enhance the quality of instruction for all our Sen. Wicker. The Aviation Maintenance Tech- students. Since each student is able to interact with this technology at Wicker has served in the House nology program is a two-year pro- a time and place of their choosing, this empowers them with the con- of Representatives for 13 years. gram which offers a FAA certified trol of their learning progress. During his visit at PRCC, he curriculum. 2. Teaching in a smaller classroom setting is a definite advantage in talked about the junior college Currently, the Hancock Center getting to know and communicate freely with all students. This enables system in general. “I am a prod- is home to the Wave Art Gallery. the instructor and student to form a bond and trust that lasts beyond The Wave Gallery is based on a uct of the junior college system,” one semester. partnership between The Arts he said. “My wife worked at a ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: You (the student) have made the first Hancock County and PRCC and giant step to opening the most important door to your bright future by junior college when I was in the features the art of local Hancock Air Force in North Carolina. enrolling in college. Even though you may have moments of apprehen- County artists. The gallery is open sion (discouragement), please keep your dream and your eye on your That’s where I first got into some each day Monday through of the issues that junior colleges ultimate goal. Education is the absolute key to unlocking a lifetime of Thursday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. income, happiness and true success. face.” Stennis contractor funds two $1,500 PRCC scholarships POPLARVILLE - Jacobs Technology of- want to be a good citizen of the communi- “It’s great that we have the opportunity Mechanics, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Brick, Block and ficials hope a new scholarship program ty. Jacobs, like any company looking to the to build such a relationship with a local in- Technology, Business Marketing and Stonemasonry; Truck Driving Training they have created at Pearl River future, needs to have some involvement in dustry, such as Jacobs Technology, to help Management Technology, Business and and Welding. Community College will help educate fu- education. We need to be sure we’re help- prepare PRCC students for rewarding ca- Office Technology, Accounting The Jacobs FOSC Group at Stennis pro- ture employees. ing fill that pipeline with skilled workers.” reers,” said Ernie Lovell, executive direc- Technology, Microcomputer Technology, vides facility operations and maintenance The company, the primary partner in The Jacobs FOSC (Facilities Operating tor of the PRCC Development Office Systems Technology, Computer services and personnel necessary to sup- the a multi-contractor group that operates Services Contract) Group employs a wide Foundation. Information Systems Technology, port NASA’s missions of rocket propulsion Stennis Space Center, will fund two variety of skilled workers at Stennis in Jacobs Technology has committed to Computer Programming Technology, testing, research and development in $1,500 scholarships annually for students maintenance, construction, food service long-term funding of the scholarships as Computer Network Support Technology, propulsion test technologies and scientific in technology programs at PRCC. and business fields. long as the company is at Stennis. Web Development Technology, and applied research in space technology “It’s one of the things we had proposed The scholarships, which will be awarded Students in the following programs will Construction Management, Drafting and development. when we bid on the contract here,” said for the 2008-09 academic year, will be be eligible for the scholarships: Aerospace Design, Electrical Technology, Jacobs Technology Inc., is a subsidiary Randall Hicks, the company’s education open to students attending any PRCC Electronics Technology, Automation and Electronics, Heating, Air Conditioning of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., head- service manager. “First and foremost, we campus. Control Technology, Automotive and Refrigeration; Machine Shop quartered in Pasadena, Calif.

February 2008 • Page 8 The DIXIE DRAWL NEWS President’s list announced for 2007 fall semester Pearl River Community College has released Maxwell, Brittney Peak, Javous Peavey, Melanie HEIDELBERG - Derrick Cooley. Stephens. PURVIS - Ashley Bourgeois, Jennifer Brewer, its President’s list for the 2007 Fall Semester. Saucier, Johnnylyn Sauls, Jessica Thompson. LAUREL - Casey Carter. PICAYUNE - Relda Adorno, Brandi Chuter, Nathan Cameron, Donna Dunaway, Kaylee Students making the President’s list achieved a DIAMONDHEAD - Richard Sullivan. LUMBERTON - Tiffany Baker, Leslie Brown, Misty Craig, Bonnie Dardar, Margaret Drouilhet, Etheridge, Eric Fowler, Jennifer Gandy, Lauren 4.0 grade-point-average. FAYETTE - Katie Womack. Zachary Cameron, Henry Jefferson, Deborah Karen Ellithorp, Katherine Ferguson, Megan Jackson, Casey Keith, Meredith LeBlanc, Tyler Students making the President’s list: FOXWORTH - Barbara Dean, Kristin Teston, Reid, Doreen Ryals. Givens, Jeremy Guidry, Reginald Harris, James McCardle, Carla Nash, Jon Rayborn, Philip PEARL RIVER, La. - Katy Konrick. Valentina Zelaya. MATHISTON - Carrie Weeks. Hinton, Samantha Holmes, Keel Huber, Marie Rigby, Jared Slade, Christie Purvis. BASSFIELD - Eric Harper. GAUTIER - Tim Sharpe. McNEILL - Amy Keene, Jamison Navo, Laptas, Trevor Lee, William Lee, Samantha RICHTON - Andrea Dykes, Joshua Freeman, BAY ST. LOUIS - Leslie Gaude, Kelly GULFPORT - Angela Davis. Charles Fowler, Penny Taggart. Mitchell, Torrie Myers, Jerald Paschke, Victoria Kris Lightsey. D’Angelo HATTIESBURG - Sonja Baker, Mariqus McCOMB - Jimmy Brister. Phillips, Megan Purvis, Amanda Richard, Jessie SANDY HOOK - Frances Powell. BILOXI - Amanda Tillman. Barnes, Timberly Bates, Lance Beaster, Malcolm NATCHEZ - Stacy Brown. Sherrer, Calvin Simmons, Barbara Virgo, Sherry SAUCIER - Robin Stone. BROOKLYN - Jody Breazeale, Wesley Pitts. Bender, Haley Carswell, Chelsea Caul, Lori NEELY - Jaron Walley. Young. SEMINARY - Rebecca Barnard. CARRIERE - Kevin Allen, Howard Arnold, Delnickas, Kourtney Deviney, Frederick Guin, NEW HEBRON - Tamelia Feazell. POPLARVILLE - Alexander Bergens, Tyler SUMMIT - Kelly Burch, Steven Burch, Janice Jeff Buntin, Krista Gaude, Kacie Hovell, Heather Serena Hayes, Janna Istre, Jarrod Jackson, PASCAGOULA - Jamie Miller. Breland, Annie Chu, Carrie Dixon, Michael Karas. Lee, Katie Nunez, David Pearson, Alison Roderick James, Stephanie Jones, Kelly Knight, PEARLINGTON - Teresa Smith, Jessie Hodge, James Hudnall, Elizabeth Kupfer, Robert SUMRALL - Jennifer Ashmore, Anna Dunning, Robinson, Valerie Robinson, Rachel Selzer, Jock Laue, Natasha McGill, Christopher Mizell, Woods. Lambert, Kelly LePage, Rowdy Lee, Terri Lindsay Graham, Jessica Lanham, Gregory Lowe, Keli Landy Smith, Brittany Spence. Calren Moore, David Moore, Whitney Nelson, PERKINSTON - Cyntria Monroe. Manning, Ashley Nelson, Christopher Sherman, McMahan, Samantha McNease, Reva West, Wesley CARSON - Kristen Stamps. Thuong Nguyen, Averia Parks, Latoya Pittman, PETAL - James Barding, Morgan Dewease, Kara Strebeck, Jennifer Theriot, April Tincher, Winstead. COLUMBIA - Tina Boyd, Andrea Daniels, Roby Posey, Teri Purvis, Brenda Reed, Etta Casey Easterling, Kerri Eastering, Samuel Janice Vaughn. TYLERTOWN - LaJohnnie Slocum. Adam Disbrow, Karie English, Jeremy Grant, Seago, Jessica Touchstone, Kaleigh Townsend, Humphrey, James Jenkins, Jennifer Kinchen, PRENTISS - Monica Bridges, Malorie WAVELAND - Sarah Gardner, Joseph Lori King, Megan Lowe, Kent Lucas, Wesley Lauren Worrel. Christian Laubscher, Timothy Ruhnke, Rebecca McPhail. Bacallao. Dean’s list announced for 2007 fall semester Pearl River Community College has re- Siebenkittel, James Snyder, Rebecca Spiker, Ashley Ochello, Courtney Patterson, Ladner, Rosalyn Ladner, Candace Smith, Anquenette Holloway, Michelle Lofton, leased its Dean’s list for the 2007 Fall Allison Stegall, Jonathan Trahan, Brett Lauren Phillips, Jane Pickens, Susan Pierce, Shelly Sutton. Sherrod Oatis, Justin Savell, Michael Semester. Students making the Dean’s list Weller, Heather Wilkerson, Angela Vanessa Piernas, Emma Richards, Mika PETAL - Yolanda Bruner, Laquisha Thornton. achieved a 3.4 GPA or higher. Williams. Rodrigue, Tiffiny Rogers, Michael Rose, Courtney, Stephenie Dubois, Pamela Goree, PURVIS - Krystal Adams, Jason Students making the Dean’s list: CARSON - Marcus Ball, Shannon Smith. David Rouse, Ramata Sakhanokho, Mary Bret Hoda, Sarah Howell, Camilya Jackson, Anderson, Dwanna Burge, Hank Carr, Mary WASILLA, Ark. - Jake Wade. COLLINS - Colby Lopez, Christy Saliba, Jamie Scott, Garrett Shoemake, Vickie Jordan, Dustin Langley, Amanda Courtney, Laurel Davis, Brittany Dickerson, CHELSEA, Ala. - Jessica Ankesheiln Nicholson. Ashleigh Simonton, Eli Smith, Felicia Morris, Frank Newsome, Angel Revon, Christy Dolen, Jacob Gardner, Amanda BOGALUSA, La. - Kenyatta Joseph, COLUMBIA - Walter Bonilla, Anthony Smith, John Sobiesk, Amber Spence, Laken Brandon Watkins, Stephanie Wuisan. Gibson, Chassidi Gipson, Stephanie Dhartiben Patel. Broome, Bridget Curtis, Paris Drummond, Stamps, Shemeca Washington, Valerie PICAYUNE - Priscilla Acker, Kristen Hartfield, Timothy Heldt, Kristen HOUMA, La. - Kristin Domangue, Raquel Ervin, Samantha Graham, John Webber, Annette Wheat, Lindsey Burdette, Tabitha Burque, Amber Clark, Hensleigh, James Holden, Letitia Holden, Tristan Rogers. Hoffman, Jeffrey Magee, Shakita Newson, Wilberding, Tabetha Willis, Meagan Caitlin Delcambre, Charmaine Ducre, McKenzie Lott, Cindy Pelaez, Dustin MANDEVILLE, La. - John Blackburn. Andrew Peavy, Adam Porter, David Porter, Wilson, Laura Hedgepeth. Ashlee Fishback, Brittany Furr, Sean Robinett, Stephanie Stuart, Phoebe Trahan, NEW ORLEANS, La. - Gerald Essex. Brandon Powell, Deanna Robbins, HEIDELBERG - Darrien George. Garrard, Heather Gaston, Mark Guchereau, Barbara Wilson, Klista Wight, Jamie Yawn. SLIDELL, La HURLEY . - Jeffrey Stanley. Benjamin Rushing, Benjamin Sinclair, - Justin Owenby. Jacob Hennes, Zachory Hoot, Farren RICHTON - Rayford Freeman, Brett BASSFIELD - Regena Burton, Miranda Brant Terrell, Thomas Terrell, Jason JAYESS - Heidi Cupstid. Jackson, Rita Jarrell, Alizabeth Jordan, Erin Renfroe. Porter. Tucker, Isaac White, Steven Wilborn. KILN - Brittney Fiorella, Hannah Harris, Kinney, Joseph Lee, Danielle Lewis, Jenna SAUCIER BATESVILLE - Sean Perkins. DIAMONDHEAD - Sarah Fricke, Riley Ladner, Felicia Ross, Heather Shaw, Lockwood, Kelly McFadden, Jessica - Priscilla Barnes, Luudmila BAY SPRINGS - Jessica Thomas. Zachary Lee. Justin Strief, Misty Woodcock. Mitchell, Omar Nelson, Jessi Newman, Odem. BAY ST. LOUIS - Ramie Barnes, Heather ELLISVILLE - Brenna Welch. LEAKESVILLE - Jessica Howard. Leisha Penny, Daphne Perrette, Andrea SHUBUTA - Tara Gandy. Durning, Alexander Treutel, Christopher FOXWORTH - Danny Crawford, Crystal LUCEDALE - Justin Silas. Pierce, John Rose, Brandy Stockstill, Lillie SUMMIT - Kaitlyn Lock, Lauren Martin. Bryan, Amanda Bermond, Jerica Bounds, Foster, Sunny Grabert, Robert Lewis, Steve LUMBERTON - Brandon Bark, Jonathan Terrell, Ralph Thibodeaux, Allison Tucker, SUMRALL - William Aultman, Jenny Robyn Buehler, Lloyd Corso, Courtenay Lowe, Kaylyn McLain, Candis Mingo, Blake Browning, Alyssa Davis, Marlisa Deloach, Emily Welch. Baker, Tera Breazeale, Kandace Cooper, Ginn, Casey Landrum, Jennifer Lenain, Powell, Donna Powell, Connie Slocum, Victoria Gamble, Mary Glaviana, Candace POPLARVILLE - Mellisa Akers, Brad Charles Hennis, Erin Inman, Joseph Lee, Rachel Minear, Robert Necaise, Brent Crystal Slocum, Brittany Stringer. Hatten, Robert Holston, Robert Lancaster, Anderson, Billy Beach, Erica Beach, James Palmer, Tearra Peters, Theresa Scelson. GULFPORT - Cory Carlson. Amy Ledet, Jordan Nettles, Robert Pigeon, Amanda Beckham, Brooke Bouis, Daniel Pittman, Travis Scruggs, Russell Smith, BEAUMONT - Ryan Bolton, Patrice HATTIESBURG - Michael Ashley, Tyler Malary Pullen, Jennifer Sanchez, Sara Buzbee, Deonna Cain, Elizabeth Croney, Robert Stewart, Candice Williamson. Gober. Berch, Evan Boney, Lauren Breazeale, Saucier, Jonathon Smith, Hope Walters. Jessica Dunn, Emily Evans, Natalie Fields, TAYLORSVILLE - Casey Rhodes. BILOXI - Kristi Nguyen, Robert Turley. LeManuel Bridges, Samantha Brokhoff, MACON - Jeanie Rushing. Priscilla Hagwood, Bridget Hannaford, TYLERTOWN - Heather Burchfield, BRANDON - Lauren Morrow. Christopher Buffington, Noelle Burkman, MAGEE - Heather Prince. Bretin Hariel, Jacob Harriel, Brandy Kayla Stevens. BROOKLYN - Heather Morrow. Britteny Clecker, Jerome Clincy, Denitra McNEILL - Katie Spiers. Heathcock, Tiffany Hodge, Amanda VANCLEAVE - Kelley Burrell, Victoria CARRIERE - Sherry Benton, Walter Cole, Tonya Courtney, Lien Dao, Gary MOSELLE - Paul Holloway, Travis Howard, James Howard, Joseph Johnson, Ferencak, Kasey Peterson. Black, Candace Blake, Virginia Blanchet, Dean, James Dedeaux, Naomi Ford, Williams. Amanda Ladner, Brandon Lee, Mayna WAVELAND - Douglas Adams, Danielle Rachel Blank, Robert Bliss, Malissa Rebecca Grace, Eric Griffith, Dustin MT. OLIVE - Nashonda Mangrum, Lumpkin, Joshua McWilliams, Joseph Polk, Burchett, Chazz Coleman, Stephanie Campbell, Roger Cruse, Perry Dinger, Helton, Minh Hoang, Jacob Hollingsworth, Elizabeth Sullivan. Recinda Roth, Heidi Rowell, Benjamin Gardner, Britt Ordes. Sylvia Eichelberger, Huiel Farmer, Ashley Darion Hyche, Heather Jenkins, George NATCHEZ - Erica Davis. Russ, Whitney Sumpter, Brooke Travis, WAYNESBORO - Lonnie Cochran. Foster, Eva Hernandez, Kassie Holston, Kandelaki, Sonia Kendrick, Alexa Lazarus, NICHOLSON - Matthew Flores, Elisha Angella Weeks, Samuel Wesley, Ana Wheat, WIGGINS - Justin Barrett, William Maxwell Huffstickler, Allie Kellar, Ray Jeffrey Lazenby, Amanda Lee, Lauren Lee, Jarrell. Seth Whittington, Sheryl Whitworth, Collins, Ashley Cuevas, Tammy Ferrell, BeBlanc, Lorie Liebig, Daniel Massey, Kindall Leggett, Robin Ligocki, Jessica OAKVALE - Timothy Daughdrill. Jonathan Williams. Steven Georgian, Justin Gunter. PEARLINGTON PRENTISS Jennifer Melerine, Ashley Moore, Chelsey Lynch, Allysia Marshall, LaShunda McGee, - Amy Bordelon, Leana - Laterrious Berry, Latasha BARRANQUITAS, PR - Michael Ediaz. Neal, Lisa Odom, Sadie Penton, Kayla DeSondra McSwain, Lanita Merritt, Shawn Marshall. Betts, Towana Blackman, Tanisha Butler, Pugh, Andrew Reish, Sarah Sable, Brent Murin, Shawn Nichols, Michael Nicholson, PERKINSTON - Victoria Craig, Megan Tumara Butler, Katrenda Crumedy,

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The DIXIE DRAWL February 2008 • Page 9 NEWS PRCC All-State band members Faculty profile

NAME: Pam Waddle

FAMILY: Married to Benny Waddle for al- most 25 years; one son, Benjamin, age 13; one daughter, Amanda, age 15; 2 dogs and 1 cat

RESIDENCE: Hattiesburg

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Grad- uated from Hattiesburg Preparatory High School; Graduated with Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Master’s of Science in Nursing Waddle from USM

CLASSES TEACHING AT PRCC: Associate Degree Nursing Instructor, Teach Medical-Surgical Nursing (NUR 2209) in the 4th se- mester

TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 11 years

FAVORITE BOOK: Anything by Greg Isles

FAVORITE FOOD: Chinese

FAVORITE MOVIE: No specific favorite, enjoy action and humor

FAVORITE MUSIC: Classic rock

POPLARVILLE - Eleven Pearl River Community College students Spiers of Carriere (1st chair flute), and Lauren Taylor of Lumberton POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TEACHING AT PRCC: I enjoy assisting traveled to Mississippi State University Jan. 24-26 to participate in (6th chair French horn). Back row - Marcus Lindsey of Picayune students to grow in knowledge and skills in their chosen profession of the All-State Band clinic and a concert on the MSU campus. The (2nd chair trombone), Lathe Wathke of d’Iberville (1st chair tenor nursing. I also enjoy being around college students-they are very ener- band was conducted by Gary Cook, a former PRCC adjunct instruc- saxophone), Justin Silas of Lucedale (1st chair tuba and 1st alter- getic, enthusiastic, and often humorous. tor. The PRCC students include from left: Candace Blake of nate oboe), Jacob Hennes of Carriere (4th chair trumpet), and Poplarville (1st chair trumpet), Rachel Baker of Picayune (1st chair Arthur Clough of Diamondhead (2nd chair euphonium). Dr. Kyle Hill ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Do not give up if you become frustrated bass clarinet), Samantha Brokhoff of Hattiesburg (2nd chair mallet is director of bands at PRCC. but be willing to work hard to achieve your goal. Your instructors are percussion), Brian Purcell of Poplarville (8th chair clarinet), Katie PRCC Public Relations photo available to assist you in any way possible. Staff profile Faculty associations address issues, concerns By PAM JONES & GREG UNDERWOOD sion is shaping up to be one in in the Multipurpose room and elect new officers for the 2008- Faculty Assn. Presidents which increased appropriations April 17 (site and place TBA) to 2010 term. The Pearl River Community are unlikely. NAME: Tonia L. Moody College Faculty Association, which Part of that lobbying effort cen- has chapters on both the ters around Capitol Day, to be held FAMILY: Single, I have a 15-year-old cat Poplarville Campus and the this year on Feb. 28. named Misty Forrest County Center, works pri- Administrators, faculty and stu- marily to advocate the interests of dents from the Poplarville campus, Faculty profile RESIDENCE: Brooklyn. community college faculty and Forrest County Center and staff locally. Hancock Center will join at the EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Forr- The local associations work to capitol with their peers from other est County Agricultural High School, gradu- foster communication about issues community colleges throughout NAME: Regina Davenport ated 1986; Mississippi Gulf Coast Comm- of mutual concern and interest be- the state. unity College, graduated 1988; University of They will hold a press confer- tween administrators, faculty and FAMILY: Married to Buddy Davenport (32 Southern Mississippi, received Bachelor of staff. ence and meet individually to Moody stress the importance of communi- years), one son, Joseph, 26. Science Degree in Social & Rehabilitation On a larger level, the PRCC Services, 1990; Mississippi State University, received a Master of ty colleges for the educational and Faculty Association is a member of RESIDENCE: Wiggins Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1997. economic development for the Mississippi Faculty Associa- Mississippi. tion for Community & Junior EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Stone POSITION AT PRCC: ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator. The officers on the Poplarville Colleges, comprised of faculty campus are Dr. Pamela Jones, High School, 1972, attended Mississippi Gulf from two-year colleges throughout Coast Community College, graduated EXPERIENCE: Worked 16 years for the Mississippi Department of president; Bobby Thrash, vice- the state. president; Ellie Ratliff, secretary- William Carey College, B.A., 1975; graduated Rehabilitation Services’ Office of Vocational Rehabilitation as a This organization works prima- treasurer; Dr. Kyle Hill, legislative Mississippi College School of Law, Doctorate Vocational Evaluator and Psychometrist. I have been at PRCC for a lit- Davenport rily with the legislature to advo- coordinator (also state vice-presi- of Jurisprudence, 1978. tle over 1 year. cate for community college faculty dent); Lourie Barnett, technical and staff. Its meeting this year is representative; and Laura Berry, POSITION AT PRCC: Teaching Business, Legal Environment of FAVORITE BOOK: I enjoy reading suspense thrillers by Mary Feb. 5. academic representative. Business, Real Estate Law, Principles of Real Estate. Higgins Clark PRCC is well represented in the At the Forrest County Center, state faculty association since our the officers are Greg Underwood, TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 23 years FAVORITE FOOD: Tomato gravy and biscuits own Dr. Kyle Hill is the state asso- president; Michelle Giles, vice ciation’s vice president. president; Cathy Merrikin, treas- FAVORITE BOOK: Voracious Reader - any and all FAVORITE MOVIE: Steel Magnolias When the state legislature is in urer; Emy Addison, secretary; session, as it is now, the statewide Jackie Runnels, academic repre- FAVORITE FOOD: Oysters FAVORITE MUSIC: I have an eclectic taste in music and enjoy a va- faculty association works in con- sentative; Karinna Lee, career- riety of artists junction with the community col- technical representative, and Dr. FAVORITE MOVIE: Gone With the Wind. lege presidents’ association, the Benny Hornsby, adjunct faculty POSITIVE ASPECTS OF WORKING AT PRCC: The family type at- statewide community college representative. FAVORITE MUSIC: 50’s to the present mospheres among faculty and staff are a positive aspect to me. Since alumni association, local commu- Meetings of the Poplarville asso- we are all here for the same reason, student success, I have found that nity college boards of trustees and ciation are scheduled for Feb.12 POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TEACHING AT PRCC: Every student is everyone I deal with at PRCC is very positive, friendly, and helpful. the State Community and Junior and April 22 at 10:50 a.m. in the open to new ideas. I will never grow old while teaching. College Board to lobby our legisla- special events room of the cafeteria. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Enjoy the time you are in school and tors for the needs of community The Forrest County Center asso- ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Degrees are great but education is yours don’t rush it! You will have the rest of your life to work. colleges. Unfortunately, this ses- ciation will meet Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. forever. Spring Intramurals/Activities calendar looking promising By TOM SMITH include the Miss PRCC Wildcat host for activities such as: Movie Director of Student Activities Scholarship Beauty Pageant (Feb. Night (every Wednesday, instead 7), the Spring Crawfish Boil, of Tuesday? 7:30 p.m.), Pool The students of Pearl River Party-at-the-Park, Spring Fest, and /Billiard’s Tournaments (every Community College have many the Spring Dance. The dates and Thursday), and Ping Pong reasons to be pleased with the times for many of these activities Tournaments (daily). spring semester. can be found in the Student These activities are sure to be a Not only can the students enjoy Activities Calendar. great way for the PRCC Students attending the PRCC varsity athlet- The PRCC Recreational Center, to let off some steam over the ic contests (basketball, baseball, located on the bottom floor of spring semester. and tennis) as spectators, but they Moody Hall, also will host many If students have any questions can also participate in some recre- activities throughout the semester. concerning PRCC Student Activi- ational sports programs during the The PRCC Recreational Center ties or Intramurals, contact Coach spring semester. is open for operation from Noon- Tom Smith at 601-403-1253 or Various Intramural Sports Pro- 601-543-4462. grams can offer the same enjoy- until 10:30 p.m. This site will play ment for the PRCC students, as varsity athletics offers for the PRCC varsity athletes. Four generations The Intramural Sports Program at PRCC gives all students the op- portunity to play in structured games and leagues with the peers. The spring semester offers many intramural activities including: 5- on-5 basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and the annual PRCC 3-on-3 co-rec outdoor bas- ketball tournament. The Intramural Basketball & Softball Champions will partici- pate in the Extramural Championships with other Mississippi junikor colleges such as: Jones, Gulf Coast, Co-Lin, East Central, Southwest, Itawamba, and Meridian. This gives our students the op- portunity to represent PRCC with good sportsmanship, and to com- pete against other students from many different schools. Thomas L. Smith IV, born last Thanksgiving, becamed the fourth This spring, PRCC students generation of the Smith family. Pictured from left: Thomas L. Smith have many other activities to look Sr., Thomas L. Smith III, who is the director of student activities and forward to other than sports. They intramurals at PRCC, and Thomas L. Smith Jr.

February 2008 • Page 10 The DIXIE DRAWL NEWS Pearl River hosting 2008 State Delta Epsilon Chi conference On Feb. 27-29, students from These students are eligible to The State Officer coordinator is around the state will converge in represent Mississippi at the also from Pearl River, Delana Hattiesburg to compete in the International Delta Epsilon Chi Foster, one of the Business and State Delta Epsilon Chi confer- conference held in Atlanta in April. Marketing Technology instructors. ence. All of the events involve a role Foster, a former State Delta Delta Epsilon Chi is an organiza- play with a judge; some involve the Epsilon Chi president, will work tion made of business, marketing student taking a 100 question mul- with incoming and outgoing offi- and management students from tiple choice test along with a role cers by coordinating all activities two-year and four-year colleges play. in which the officers are involved. and universities. Being the host school, Pearl ■ Delta Epsilon Chi is open to The students have the capability River is responsible for assisting in any student interested in business. to compete in eighteen (18) differ- the conference from beginning to There is a one-time yearly dues of ent areas ranging from Marketing end. Pearl River will be securing $20 to join the organization. and Sports and Entertainment to all of the judges, planning the Meetings are held monthly to in- Hospitality and Business Law. awards ceremony and banquet. form students about upcoming Once competition is completed, This year the State President for events and community service students attend an awards ceremo- Delta Epsilon Chi is a Pearl River projects. ny held at the Lake Terrace student, Will Quinn. Anyone interested in joining Convention center. Quinn relinquishes his title at should contact Delana Foster at Students placing 1st through 6th the awards banquet when a new 601-403-1118 or Carol Williams at are recognized with a medal. president is announced. 601-403-1117. Campus Faculty profile Science Club making plans PRCC faculty and students take a break for a photograph on Wall Street. NAME: Emily Carlisle By Shakeshia Harris FAMILY: Married to Brian Dixie Drawl Staff Writer PRCC Business Marketing students Carlisle (almost 10 years), one son, The Alpha Omega Society is Brennin age 4, two daughters, welcoming new members to join Rachel, 9, Kate 19 months for this semester. It does not take take a lesson from ‘Big Apple’ much to be a part of this club and RESIDENCE : Poplarville. you don’t have to be a science Over the holiday break, nine students from the plete without a visit to The Statue of Liberty and The major to join. Business Marketing program at Pearl River Empire State Building which gave the group a view EDUCATION BACKGROUND : Alpha Omega has already had Community College took a trip to New York City in like no other. Graduated Poplarville High School its first meeting, in which the so- order to gain “real world” knowledge from the some of Retailing is just one of the many courses that the in 1997; Attended PRCC for my The Carlisle clan ciety elected officers and dis- the business industry’s best. students must take in order to complete their degree Associates, William Carey for my The two instructors in the program, Carol Williams at Pearl River. B.S. and USM for my M.S. cussed trips for the society in the near future. and Delana Foster, also accompanied the group. There is no better time or place to experience the The group arrived in New York City to find them- world of retailing like New York during the Christmas POSITION AT PRCC: I teach Biology So for a great learning experi- ence come and join us. selves in a true “winter wonderland.” A major ice and season. snow storm had covered the city making the trip all Famous retailers like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 4 years teaching at PRCC Meetings are usually held on Thursdays in The Science the more special. and Bergdorf and Goodman spend large amounts of After gathering luggage and taxiing to the hotel, the time and efforts with regards to visual merchandising FAVORITE BOOK: Bible Building. There will be a bulletin posted every week to inform those group enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine at one of the in hopes to draw consumers into their stores. city’s top restaurants and made a visit to Time Square. The trip also included a visit to Central Park and FAVORITE FOOD who are interested in dates and : Where do I start? Home grown tomatoes, “There is just something about standing in the mid- The Natural History Museum. Chicken & Dumplings, & French Fries times of these meetings. For further information you dle of Time Square that is special. It makes you feel Students making the trip were: Angel Thiac of like you are in a movie” said Allie Stockstill of Columbia, Chase Callahan of Covington, La, Tyler FAVORITE MOVIE: The Fugitive, Overboard, The Notebook may contact Ladeen Hubbell of the Biological Science Depart- Picayune. Lee of Purvis, Allie Stockstill of Picayune, Rashell The trip included a visit to the NBC studios where Reese of Picayune, Teresa Smith of Hancock, Heather FAVORITE MUSIC: I like everything music! ment located also in the Science Building at [email protected] or the group got to see how the studio broadcasts its Williams of Natchez, Jessica Burch of Picayune, and daily news shows and where famous late night acts Brandi Chuter of Picayune. POSITIVE ASPECTS OF TEACHING AT PRCC: The people here (601) 403-1295. Officers of Alpha Omega: like Saturday Night Live and the Conan O’Brien show The instructors hope to make the trip an annual are great! Everyone is always so friendly and easy to be around. I love are filmed. event and new tradition to the marketing program. that the instructors really care about their students. President: Joey Duvernay; Vice President: Karen Ellithorp; The Financial District was another stop on the list To learn more about the Business Marketing where the students got to see first-hand the excite- Program, contact Carol Williams at (601) 403-1117 or ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The best advice that I can give you is to Secretary: Aprille Williams; Reporter: Shakeshia Harris. ment of Wall Street, The New York Stock Exchange, by email at [email protected] or Delana Foster at always keep God first! Set your priorities and stick to them. and Ground Zero. The trip would have not been com- (601) 403-1118 or by email at [email protected].

The DIXIE DRAWL February 2008 • Page 11 SPORTS

Pearl River’s Jovanni Sims (22) drives the basketball past Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Joseph Burnett in PRCC’s Laterrica Booth (24) drives the basketball past Gulf Coast’s Keaundra Augustus in the Lady the Wildcats’ 69-62 MACJC South Division victory over Mississippi Gulf Coast in Poplarville. Sims, a Wildcats’ 84-64 MACJC South Division win over the Lady Bulldogs. Booth, a sophomore guard from freshman point guard from Mendenhall, scored 14 points in the victory. Photo by Mitch Deaver. Bassfield, scored 16 points and hauled in eight rebounds for PRCC. - Photo by Mitch Deaver. Both Wildcat teams sweep Jones JC in South Division action Pearl River Community College’s Freshman guard Olivia Magee of treys), Consuela Tucker eight, Kate after regulation to send things into over- Jeremy Stewart of Moss Point three, and women’s and men’s basketball squads Columbia High paced the Lady ‘Cats with Hubbard and Shasta Mills, six each; and time. Jovanni Sims of Mendenhall two. swept arch-rival Jones County Junior a career-high 28 points, including two TeAnna Carter and Qweeta Ward, two The Wildcats dominated the Bobcats in For JCJC, Trenton Marshall led with 23 College in a pair of MACJC South three pointers, while Sherrion Thomas of each. the OT period, outscoring them 15-6 to points, while Lakendrick McCullum Division ‘’Cat Fights last week. Byram added a season-high 18 points and Pearl River hit 57.4 percent (35 of 61) take the win. added 11, LeBarton Jones and Jonathan The Lady Wildcats won 85-78 to im- pulled down 10 rebounds. Laterrica Booth from the field to Jones’ 33.3 percent (26 of Donta Smith of Baskin, La., led PRCC Woodland, eight each. prove to 13-4 overall and 4-2 in division of Bassfield scored 15 and grabbed a 78) effort, while the Lady Wildcats were with a career-and-game-high 15 points and Pearl River hit 41.9 percent (26 of 62) play. The Wildcats took a 73-68 overtime game- high 11 boards, while Stacia Eady two of six (33.3 percent) from three-point a game-high 14 boards, while LeBaron from the field to Jones’ 37.1 percent (23 of victory and are now 11-6 and 4-2. JCJC’s of McRae, Ga., and Nicole Lowe of range to the Lady Bobcats’ seven-of-18 Weathers pumped in a career-high 15 62) showing, while the Wildcats were six women dropped to 9-8 and 2-4; its men are Jackson Murrah scored eight each. (38.9 percent) showing. At the foul line, points and sank two treys. of 19 (31.6 percent) from three-point 7-10 and 3-3. Brittany Lewis of Houma, La., added six PRCC was 13 of 17 (76.5 percent), while Jeremy White of Hattiesburg High range to the Bobcats’ eight-of-26 (30.8 In women’s action, PRCC led 38-30 at and Tori Keys of Collins two. JCJC was 19 of 23 (82.6 percent). scored 12 (five rebounds, two treys), while percent). halftime, but Jones pulled out to a 48-47 in Demara Bolton led JCJC with 25 points, In men’s action, the game was tied 27-27 Chazz Hawkins of Picayune High added At the free throw line, PRCC was 15 of the second half only to come up eight including five treys, while Kim Lewis at halftime, then a 31-31 stalemate in the six (two treys), Jamarcus Jackson of 24 (62.5 percent), while JCJC was 10 of points shy of victory. scored 16, Brittany Leverette 13 (two second half had things knotted at 58-all Hattiesburg High four (five rebounds), 18 (55.6 percent).

February 2008 • Page 12 The DIXIE DRAWL SPORTS Cain, Causey join PRCC football staff POPLARVILLE - Casey Cain and Drew Causey are the newest mem- from William Carey University in 2005 with a masters of education de- running backs coach for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. bers of the Pearl River Community College football coaching staff as both gree. The Reddies sported 8-3 and 7-3 seasons the two years Causey was on were unanimously approved for their positions by the college’s Board of In his seven years at Oak Grove, the Warriors boasted an impressive board, marking the first time the school boasted back-to-back winning Trustees at the January meeting, according to Wildcat head coach Tim 74-18 record, including seven trips to the post-season playoffs. Oak seasons since 1990 and 1991. HSU finished tied for third place in the Hatten. Grove won its district four times - 2002, 2003, and 2005 - and played for GSC both years. Cain, the Wildcats’ new defensive coordinator, comes to The River via the MHSAA Class 5A championship five straight seasons - 2002 through Causey has been married to his wife, Jennifer, a native of Florence, Oak Grove High School where he served since 2001 in the same capaci- 2006. The Warriors won the South State title in 2003. Ala., for the past one-and-a-half years. ty under head coach Nevil Barr. Cain coached former Ole Miss linebacker Garry Pack and Louisiana Causey, a PRCC alumnus and member of the Wildcat football squad in Tech defensive back Deon Young while at Oak Grove, as well as current 2000 and 2001, had served as running backs-tight ends coach at Wildcat linebacker Hendrick Leverette, who transferred to PRCC from Henderson State University since May 2005. Auburn, and former Wildcat defensive lineman Thomas Robinson who Causey replaces Buddy Stephens who served as the college’s offensive will suit up with Louisiana-Monroe in the fall. line coach since 2001 and was recently named head coach at East Cain has been married to his wife, Katherine, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi CC in Scooba. for the past seven years. Cain replaces former PRCC defensive coordinator William Jones who Causey, who prepped under now-Oak Grove head coach Nevil Barr at opted to follow Stephens to EMCC to serve in the same capacity. Petal, was signed as an offensive lineman at Pearl River for the 2000 sea- “We’re glad to have Casey and Drew on board,” said Hatten. “They’re son under the late head coach Keith Daniels and went on to play the 2001 going to be some great additions to our staff. It’s always great to get new season under Scott Maxfield. faces that bring in new ideas.” After PRCC, he transferred to the University of North Alabama where Cain signed to play football and baseball at PRCC after his high school the Lions won the Gulf South Conference championship in 2003 with a graduation, but a torn Achilles tendon KO’ed his gridiron hopes. After 13-1 record. playing for the baseball Wildcats in the 1993 season, he transferred to the He served as a graduate assistant under former University of Southern University of Southern Mississippi to resume his career on the diamond. Mississippi head coach Jeff Bower the 2004 and 2005 seasons, then was He graduated from USM in 1996 with a bachelor of science degree and hired by Maxfield at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., as Stephens new head coach at East Mississippi In trying to get its football pro- EMCC.” Stephens said the talent avail- be very successful.” gram back on the winning track, Another PRCC assistant coach, able in EMCC’s six-county district Stephens said his EMCC teams East Mississippi Community William Jones, will be joining was a big factor in wanting to will play the same style of wide- College has turned to one of the Stephens at East Mississippi. come to Scooba. open offense his Pearl River state’s junior college powerhouses Stephens has been a part of a “Every coach in the state knows Central teams played. for its next head coach. winning Pearl River what kind of talent is in “We’re going to have a wide- New PRCC assistant football coaches are Drew Causey (left) and W.O. “Buddy” Stephens, who Community College tra- this district,” Stephens open offense and play hard, tough Casey Cain, both former PRCC students. served as assistant head coach and dition since 2001. He said. “This past year at defense.” Stephens said. “One of offensive coordinator at Pearl helped lead the Wildcats Pearl River, we had the things we talk about is offense River Community College since to an NJCAA National three starters from because that’s the side I’m on, but PRCC releases 2008 golf schedule 2001, was hired as East Championship and a No. Meridian and one from all the years we’ve ever won, we’ve Mississippi head coach recently. 1 ranking in the final West Lauderdale. Two had an outstanding defense. We’re POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College athletic director “We wanted to make sure we NJCAA poll with a record years ago, those same going to have to have a defense Richard Mathis has released the 2008 Wildcat golf team schedule. found the right man to lead the of 12-0 in 2004. The three starters from that’s good.” Trevor Lydic enters his first year as the Wildcats head coach. football program and I think we’ve Wildcats won MACJC Meridian High School Over Stephens’ seven-year The schedule is as follows: been successful,” said EMCC State Championships in were on the state cham- tenure at PRCC, the Wildcats com- ■ FEB. 24-25 (Sunday-Monday): Tournament host Hinds, Eagle Ridge President Dr. Rick Young. “I had 2005 and 2006. pionship team. That’s piled a 60-12 record - the best win- Golf Club. never met Buddy before, but I had “We’re excited,” Stephens one of the reasons I ning percentage in 30 years. And, ■ MARCH 2-3 (Sunday-Monday): Tournament host East Central, a good feeling about him the Stephens said. “We’ve met knew I wanted this job in that time, the Wildcat offense Forest Country Club. minute he walked into the room. tremendous people here that are when it came open, because there’s ■ MARCH 31-APRIL 1 (Monday-Tuesday): Tournament host With his background and experi- just great. We feel at home. We’re so much talent. As a coach, you’ve set or tied 12 school records. “Working with Pearl River has Itawamba, Northeast Mississippi, Northwest Mississippi, Kirkwood Golf ence, his attitude and his commit- going to do everything we can do got to win over your district. If you Club. been great and I loved it,” ment to the game and to his play- to get this program back where it can build a wall and not let people ■ APRIL 13-14 (Sunday-Monday): Tournament host Copiah-Lincoln, ers, I believe he is going to be able needs to be with the history and come in and carry your kids off, Stephens said. “But I’m just like Wolf Hollow Golf Club. to make a big contribution to what excellence they’ve had over the you can win ball games. If we can anybody else. I’m always looking ■ APRIL 28-29 (Monday-Tuesday): MACJC-Region XXIII Tourna- we’re trying to accomplish here at years.” keep the talent here, we’re going to for the next challenge.” ment, Forest Country Club.