Pearl River Community College

Poplarville, MS

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Quick Facts

Wikipedia

4,725

Total Students

$4K

Tuition (In-State)

$6K

Tuition (Out-State)

$5K

Avg Net Price

Associate's Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College: Mississippi's pioneering 2-year public institution.

Step into the rich history of Pearl River Community College (PRCC), an institution that has consistently led the way in Mississippi's public education. Born from the Mississippi Agricultural High School Law of 1908, PRCC began as Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) in 1909, becoming part of the nation's first state-funded system of agricultural high schools. It bravely navigated early challenges, with private citizens stepping up to ensure its survival when state funding was temporarily halted, showcasing a deep community commitment from its very beginning.

PRCC's pioneering spirit continued as it evolved to meet the growing educational needs of the region. By 1921-22, PRCAHS proudly added freshman college classes, transforming into Pearl River College and earning the distinction of being Mississippi's first 2-year public institution. Its commitment to expanding access to higher education was further solidified by 1925-26 with the introduction of sophomore classes. Today, this legacy of growth continues, with PRCC serving students across four vibrant locations, including its main campus in Poplarville and centers in Hattiesburg and Waveland.

Beyond its historical milestones, PRCC stands as a testament to incredible resilience. In August 2005, the college faced immense devastation from Hurricane Katrina, which inflicted an estimated $40–50 million in damage across its Poplarville campus and completely gutted its Hancock Center. Yet, the PRCC community rallied, undertaking extensive rebuilding efforts that saw the construction of a new M. R. White Coliseum and the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts. This remarkable recovery story underscores PRCC's unwavering dedication to providing a strong and supportive learning environment for its students, preparing them not just for careers, but for life.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1909 as Pearl River County Agricultural High School, part of the nation's first state-funded agricultural high school system.
✦Became Mississippi's first 2-year public institution by adding freshman college classes in 1921-22.
✦Further expanded academic offerings by adding sophomore classes in 1925-26, demonstrating early leadership in higher education.
✦Operates across four locations, including its main Poplarville campus and centers in Hattiesburg and Waveland, increasing accessibility for students.
✦Showcased extraordinary resilience after sustaining an estimated $40–50 million in damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, followed by comprehensive rebuilding efforts.
✦New facilities like the M. R. White Coliseum and the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts were built during the post-Katrina reconstruction.

Timeline

1908

Mississippi Agricultural High School Law passed, leading to the creation of agricultural high schools.

1909

Pearl River County Agricultural High School (PRCAHS) opened its doors, with classes beginning on September 8.

1921

PRCAHS began offering freshman college classes, transforming into Pearl River College and becoming Mississippi's first 2-year public institution.

1925

Pearl River College expanded its curriculum to include sophomore classes.

2005

Hurricane Katrina caused an estimated $40–50 million in damage to the Poplarville campus and completely gutted the Hancock Center.

Post-2005

New M. R. White Coliseum and Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts were built during extensive rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

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