By Alexandra Hedrick

Picayune Item

Pearl River Community College was recently named one of the best community colleges in the nation by Create a Career website.

The website, which provides guidance for individuals in finding a career to fit the individuals’ needs, named PRCC number 23 on the list of 25 Best Community Colleges from across the United States.

“We’re being measured against colleges from across the country and it’s been very pleasing to be recognized,” said Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president.

Over the last two years, CNN Money has recognized PRCC as the 20th most successful community college in the nation. CNN Money gave PRCC a success rate of 68 percent.

Lewis said PRCC’s graduation rate is what makes the college stand out on a national level.

“Our faculty and staff are working very hard to ensure these students are receiving the knowledge and skills they need to complete their work here and move on to a four-year school or enter the work force,” Lewis said.

He said being recognized by these companies and organizations doesn’t come from any solicitation on the school’s behalf. The information gathered by these companies is from federal reports that the school is required to submit every year that show the success of the school.

“It is exciting to see PRCC receive this honor from Create a Career,” said Casey Rawls, PRCC director of recruitment and orientation in a press release. “Recognition such as this impacts our recruiting efforts by calling attention to the excellent opportunities available to students who enroll at PRCC. PRCC has so much to offer, including quality academics, cutting-edge programs, affordable tuition and exciting student life. Our graduates continually excel in their chosen careers and in furthering their education.

“This recognition is one of the many honors that proves PRCC provides students with a solid foundation on which they can build their lives.”

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 5,306 students were enrolled in Fall 2012 with a graduation rate of 35 percent and transfer rate of 22 percent.

PRCC was the only Mississippi community college to make the Create a Career list.