POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Pearl River Community College proudly welcomed 49 students during an induction ceremony held Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts. The evening honored the students’ academic success and their pursuit of excellence in and out of the classroom.
PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood represented the college when he addressed the inductees and those who came to support them.
“What an honor to be here tonight to celebrate these outstanding students for this remarkable accomplishment,” said Breerwood. “Every single day at Pearl River, we strive to provide our students with a path to success. You're on a very clear pathway to take advantage of all the opportunities that we offer. We're so very proud of you for your induction into this remarkable honor society.”
Breerwood was recognized by the chapter for his selection as a Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction recipient, with the official presentation to occur at PTK’s Catalyst later this month.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premier honor society recognizing academic excellence at two-year colleges, includes more than 1,200 chapters worldwide. The Iota Mu Chapter, representing both the Hancock County and Poplarville campuses, is celebrating its 69th year.
Membership in PTK is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, requiring at least 12 hours of college-level coursework and a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher.
Built on the hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship, PTK challenges its members to pursue excellence beyond the classroom. During the ceremony, current officers reflected on how these guiding principles have shaped their own PTK journeys.
For students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, PTK serves as a valuable resource. Many colleges and universities, particularly in Mississippi, offer dedicated scholarships for PTK members, with additional opportunities for chapter officers.
University of Southern Mississippi (USM) President Dr. Joe Paul served as the evening’s guest speaker. USM has been a longtime supporter of transfer students who make up approximately half of its student body. He recognized the inductees as developing traits that will serve them well both at a four-year school and in the workforce: uncommon discipline, task-relevant maturity, and the ability to delay gratification with an eye toward the long haul.
“You've earned this; you are among the top percentage of community college students, not just here, but literally around the globe,” said Paul. “This is the highest academic honorary society in the world of community colleges, and you're about to be inducted into it. So don't take it for granted.
“You need to look in the mirror and know that you are a mature, emerging young adult. You've shown what you’ve got academically, and you will be as successful or more successful at the next level. If you show up with those kinds of expectations, I can promise you that you will be highly successful.”
Iota Mu Advisor Kira Arthurs shared more about the level of excellence the chapter has obtained. She mentioned previous recognition, recent awards from the Mississippi/Louisiana Region, and the projects completed this academic year. The Honors in Action Project focused on the environmental and economic impacts of artificial intelligence with a public presentation of their findings. The College Project involved collecting current information on all student organizations and communicating the benefits of attending a community college. Chapter members will attend PTK’s international conference, Catalyst, where they will learn of any awards for the current year.
Representatives from Delta State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Mississippi, the University of New Orleans, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Southern Mississippi greeted inductees after the ceremony.
PRCC students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Iota Mu Chapter for the spring 2026 semester are: Nicholas Acker – Pearlington, MS
Morgan Alexander – Bay St. Louis, MS
Maja Alombro – Bay St. Louis, MS
Jamayiah Anderson – Foxworth, MS
Bailey Babin – Carriere, MS
Livia Bennett – Carriere, MS
Madelynn Bennett – Starkville, MS
Shelby Benson – Bay St. Louis, MS
Madilyn Berry – Carriere, MS
Sophie Bilbo – Carriere, MS
Alajah Buckley – Columbia, MS
Mollie Byrd – Lumberton, MS
Margaret Compretta – Waveland, MS
Laney Deitz – Mobile, AL
Kaylee Divine – Hattiesburg, MS
Morgan Eleuterius – Long Beach, MS
Alycia Emmons – Purvis, MS
Byron Ferrell – Poplarville, MS
Emily Ferrell – Poplarville, MS
Lauren Feuerstein – Bay St. Louis, MS
Emmalee Funk – St. George, KS
Carli Hayes – Carriere, MS
Julia Hoffman – Bay St. Louis, MS
Madison Hughes – Olive Branch, MS
Jaxon Hunter – Picayune, MS
Nikolas Jensen – Carriere, MS
Beaudalaire Kerr – Hattiesburg, MS
Cali Kirkbride – St. Martin, MS
Jamila Luckett – Canton, MS
Neya Marshall – Diamondhead, MS
Braxton Martin – Lucedale, MS
Daniel Martin – Silver Creek, MS
Zanorah Martin – Picayune, MS
Maya Messenger – Ocean Springs, MS
Bryson Malpass – Clinton, MS
Brady Morse – Kiln, MS
Nyla Myers – Florence, MS
Shayla Nguyen – Long Beach, MS
Mye’Asha Peters – Angie, LA
Jessica Powell – Carriere, MS
Joshua Reid – Lumberton, MS
Emily Reinike – Pass Christian, MS
Cy’Nara Robinson – McGehee, AR
Gabriel Robinson – Carriere, MS
Alana Smith – Southaven, MS
Landon Smith – Hattiesburg, MS
Mileah Vince – Pearlington, MS
Alexis Williams – Foxworth, MS
Mason Williams – Picayune, MS
According to Iota Mu advisor Dr. Chambers, the total number of new Iota Mu members so far this semester is 149. Students who received an invitation have until May 15 to accept and become a member.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).
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