Anderson named PRCC’s top alumnus

Anderson

A Hattiesburg businessman has received the Pearl River Community College Alumni Association’s top award. Allen Anderson, president of Anderson Retail Inc., has been selected as the 2010 Alumnus of the Year.

Anderson was chosen as Alumnus of the Year based on his support of the college and its scholarship programs, said Ernie Lovell, executive director of the PRCC Foundation.

Anderson attended Pearl River on scholarship from 1966-1968, earning an associate’s degree. After attending the University of Southern Mississippi, he worked 11 years for the Sherwin-Williams Co. in Hattiesburg, Meridian and McComb, laying the foundation for his future businesses, which he opened in 1982.

Anderson Retail today includes Anderson Carpet One, Anderson Rug Market and Furniture Gallery, Anderson Lighting One, Anderson Commercial Flooring, Anderson Commercial Furniture and the Outlet Store and Sleep Center.

Through the PRCC Foundation Scholarship Program, he funds the Anderson Paint and Carpet One Construction and Design Scholarship.

Anderson and his wife, Paula, live in Oak Grove and are the parents of three children.