Pearl River Community College recognized Alumni of the Year Tony and Tracy Waits at the college’s 2020 Homecoming celebration.
“I can’t think of any couple that is more deserving of this recognition,” PRCC President Adam Breerwood said. “It has been a difficult year but also a very special year, a year of opportunity. High achievements take place in the framework of high expectations, and I can tell you that when you work with Tony and Tracy Waits on a daily basis, they have a way of raising that expectation. It’s with their leadership and guidance that we’ve been able to accomplish so much.”
Tony Waits is a graduate of Sumrall High School in 1984. He attended Pearl River in 1984-1986. Waits served as president of the student body while at Pearl River and was elected as Mr. PRCC during sophomore year.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy in 1989 from the University of Mississippi. He is currently chairman of the PRCC Board of Trustees. Tony is past chairman of the Mississippi Independent Pharmacies Association and the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy.
“It is quite an honor and a humbling experience,” Tony Waits said. “Pearl River has changed a lot since I finished here in 1986, and it’s changed for the better. It has grown and improved. It’s just a wonder to me just how far Pearl River has come and continues to grow. It’s due in large part to the people who work here who are family to the students and family to one another. Pearl River really gets in your blood and it never leaves.”
Tracy Waits is a graduate of Prentiss High School. She attended Pearl River in 1982-1983 and the University of Southern Mississippi in 1983-1984. Waits has been very active in service to the college; she was a member of the Malone Chapel Steering Committee, which organized the campaign for funding and building the chapel.
She also served on the 2008-2009 Centennial Celebration Committee, which was a year-long project recognizing Pearl River’s 100th anniversary.
Tracy has served as chairman of the college foundation board for the past two years.
“It is a true honor to be standing here, especially when I think about the Christian values that we can still honor in a public place,” Tracy Waits said. “I think that’s probably one of the best things that I’ve ever loved about Pearl River is … our devotion to our God, and I praise Him for saving each and every one of us.”
The Waits are active members of Prentiss United Methodist Church, have led many mission trips and are supporters of Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International. They were recognized at a reception in the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts Thursday afternoon and on the football field before the Homecoming game.
“Tony and Tracy Waits have always presented themselves with a ‘where do you need help’ attitude when it comes to their support for Pearl River Community College,” said Ernest Lovell, executive director of the alumni association. “They always exhibit great commitment when serving in leadership and support positions with the college. Tony and Tracy are very worthy of this recognition.”
