PRCC honors faculty, staff

Pearl River Community College recently honored eight retirees. They are Dr. Joyce Applegate, biology instructor; Mary Benson, Forrest County Center librarian; Richard Byrd, automotive mechanics technology instructor; Peggy Dease, director of nursing education; Charles Ferguson, biology instructor; Dr. John Grant, vice president for instruction; Catherine Merrikin, office systems technology instructor at the Forrest County Center; and, Don Welsh, director of career and technical education.

Together, they have taught or worked at PRCC for almost 200 years.

Also, 25 employees were recognized for benchmark years of service. They include (10) years: Karen Bond, math instructor; Melissa Bryant, dual enrollment practical nursing instructor, Forrest County Center; Dr. Bob Escudero, Student Support Services director; Judith Shaw, early childhood development technology instructor; and, Ruby Smith, GED instructor, Forrest County Center.

Those honored for 15 years of service were: Lourie Barnett, electronics technology instructor; Carlene Hague, nursing education secretary; Karen Carlisle, dental assisting technology instructor, Forrest County Center; Dr. Patti Crowson, physical therapist assistant director, Forrest County Center; Gwendolyn Jordan, early childhood development technology assistant; Scott Kimball, history and geography instructor; Porter Soley, brick, block and masonry instructor; and, Dr. Aleta Sullivan, biology instructor.

Twenty-year staff and faculty included: Rick Baker, transportation manager; James Bryant, custodian, Forrest County Center; Barbara Mathis, English instructor; Richard Mathis, basketball coach and athletic director; Janice Stevens, medical office technology instructor; Carol Williams, business marketing and management technology instructor; and, Kaye Holston, financial aid secretary, Forrest County Center.

Those celebrated for 30 years were: Buddy Elbers, electrical technology instructor; Lindsay Loustalot, nursing instructor; and, Dr. Ann Moore, counseling center director.

Thirty-five year faculty and staff included: Peggy Dease, nursing education director; and, Jeanne Dyar, librarian.