Pearl River Community College

The Board meeting included the recognition of Don Welsh for his 14 years of dedicated service to the Board of Trustees and as an instructor prior to joining the Board. Departmental reports were presented, and financial reports were reviewed, including Reconciled Bank Balances and the Unrestricted Current Fund Statement of Expenditures. The Board unanimously approved the Disbursement Register for November 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025, and the December 2025 Fixed Assets Deletion Report concerning unserviceable computers. Personnel matters involved the acceptance of several retirements and resignations, primarily from instructor and coaching positions, and the unanimous approval of new employment recommendations for Assistant Football Coaches and various professional staff, including an Instructor and an Accountant, along with an employee transfer. The President reported on the strong outlook for the Spring 2026 semester, noting increases in credit hours and headcount, and discussed attending a conference regarding emerging artificial intelligence technologies in higher education.

The meeting included welcoming a new Trustee representing Pearl River County. Departmental reports were presented across various divisions, including Forrest County Campus, Poplarville Campus, Hancock County Campus, Enrollment Management, and Student Services. Financial reports reviewed reconciled bank balances and expenditures ending December 31, 2025. The Board unanimously approved the Disbursement Register for December 2025 and the January 2026 Fixed Assets Deletion Report. Personnel actions included the approval of a new Assistant Football Coach and the transfer of an existing coach to Assistant Athletic Director. Additionally, the Board unanimously approved the Revised Purchasing Policy. President Breerwood reported that the college was awarded $6.3 million from the Governor and Department of Marine Resources, with $4 million designated for a new workforce development building in Hancock County. He also noted a potential $3 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements. Spring 2026 enrollment showed a 6% increase in both headcount and credit hours.

The Board of Trustees meeting included presentations from the Head Baseball Coach and Director of Athletics, who presented the program's NJCAA Runner-Up National Championship trophy, and from PRCC Rodeo's Kate Eiland, who presented her National Championship Trophy. The board reviewed departmental reports, property appraisals, and a bid for flooring replacement in Marvin R. White Coliseum, approving the bid and moving forward with property negotiations. Financial reports were presented and approved, including the Disbursement Register and Fixed Assets Deletion Report. The board accepted resignations and approved several employment recommendations and employee transfers. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved new and revised policies, including the Hazing Policy, Workers' Compensation Policy, and Non-Discrimination Policy. The President reported on the positive financial status of Fiscal Year 2025 and expressed confidence in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, highlighting employee pay raises and upcoming projects. The President also shared the audit report from the State Auditor, noting no findings.

The Board of Trustees meeting included recognition of the men's soccer team as the 2025 MACCC Champions. Departmental and financial reports were presented and reviewed, including the approval of the Disbursement Register and the November 2025 Fixed Assets Deletion Report. The resignation of Ms. Deborah Crovetto was accepted, and recommendations for the employment of Mr. Cullin Rogers and the transfer of Ms. Leah Backstrom were approved. Dr. Breerwood reported on the purchase of the College Heights Church property and a 20-acre tract in Hancock County, as well as a 13% increase in headcount for Spring 2026 enrollment. Jeremy Weir was appointed as the new Secretary.

The Board of Trustees meeting included departmental and financial reports, review and approval of the Disbursement Register, Fixed Assets Deletion Reports, and a Single Source Item for a Financial Literacy All Access Package. The board accepted resignations and retirements, and approved recommendations for employment and employee transfers. The revised Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy was reviewed and approved. The president reported on the Building and Grounds Committee's discussion of an appraisal for W. North Street property and recommended its purchase. The president also mentioned the upcoming board meeting at the Forrest County Campus following the Asbury Allied Health and Nursing Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and highlighted the success of recent professional development sessions.