AAWCC WOMAN OF THE YEAR: PRCC’s Dr. Becky Askew was honored in Washington D.C. and upon her return home at a Poplarville Rotary Club meeting for her accomplishments and national recognition.
Photo submitted

The American Association of Women in Community Colleges presented the 2014 Mildred Bulpitt Woman of the Year Award to Dr. Becky Askew, vice president for planning and institutional research at Pearl River Community College.

Askew was honored with the presentation of her award in Washington D.C. on April 7, during the AAWCC awards breakfast.

“I was completely surprised when I was told that I had been selected for the award.  It’s truly an honor to be a recipient of this award,” Askew said. “Mildred was a founding member of AAWCC and passionate advocate for women in leadership in the community colleges and beyond. This makes the award even more special.”

Askew said that when she went to the awards breakfast she told them that any success that she’s achieved is the result of teamwork.

“I have been blessed to have strong women who have guided me throughout my life,” Askew said. “I have had the benefit of a strong mother, grandmother and team members at the college and in my life. Not everyone is blessed in this way.

When I accepted the award, I accepted it on behalf of these women.”

She said she encourages women to continue their education and pursue additional leadership opportunities.

She was honored again this past Wednesday at the Poplarville Rotary Club meeting at PRCC.

Poplarville Rotary Club President Stacy Wilkes said that Askew epitomizes the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

“Dr. Askew has been a rock of support for me in my position as Poplarville Rotary president and just in general,” Wilkes said. “She is a leader who lifts others up and teaches by example. She goes out of her way to not take credit for things and works hard behind the scenes to ensure success.

“In addition to her position at PRCC, she has also served in Rotary as the president for our Rotary Club and District Governor for our district. She chairs the Women’s Health Symposium and works on the board of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation.”

Wilkes said it is Askew’s focus on detail and responsibility for results without wanting credit that makes her the outstanding role model she is.

“Dr. Marvin White, the former president of PRCC, invited me to join the Rotary Club of Poplarville in 1997,” Askew said. “I served as president of our club in the 2000-2001 term and became Governor of Rotary District #6840 during 2004-2005.”

PRCC President Dr. William Lewis said,  “Dr. Askew is a great example of professionalism at its best. The national award that she has been recognized with was based on her ability to be a role model for other women in leadership positions in community colleges throughout the country. She certainly exemplifies the best leadership qualities that an individual can have. We are very grateful for her presence and contributions to the success of PRCC and the recognition that she has brought to the institution as well as herself by being recognized by the AAWCC.”