Mallory Donald presided over the meeting. Bryan Shaver provided the opening prayer. Richard Topp led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mallory led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Mugshots Bar and Grill in Hattiesburg.
Stew Deen then conducted the 50/50 raffle. Annie Jackson was the winner, again.
Stew introduced visitors. Latrec Rankin and Lee Kemp are prospective members attending today’s meeting.
Annie Jackson then introduced today’s guest speaker, Rebecca Brown Pearl River Community College’s Dean of Workforce and Community Development.
Rebecca noted that PRCC is one of 15 community colleges in Mississippi. It is the oldest, founded in 1909. It is also Mississippi’s fastest growing community college. A total of 5,500 students are enrolled this year. Enrollment was up 42% from 2016+ through 2022.
PRCC students enrolled in Workforce and Community Development study academics, plus skilled technical worker training. The college offers Associate degrees in robotics, welding, electrical, mechanical servicing, hydraulics, communication, and nursing assistant.
Rebecca talks to area businesses to find out what kind of training they look for in new employees. The curriculum is adapted based on the company’s needs. She says employers are not looking for incentive packages but are looking for employees who have qualified workforce training.
There being no further business to come before the club, Mallory thanked Rebecca for her remarks and then adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”