Pearl River Community College student Alphonso Wright of Bassfield and sociology instructor Dr. Aaryn Purvis of Hattiesburg were honored at the annual HEADWAE event in Jackson.
Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence was established by the Legislature more than 20 years ago to honor academically talented students and faculty.
Wright is a native of Liberia, West Africa. After graduating from PRCC, he plans to transfer to Mississippi State University.
“I lost both my mother and father due to the 14 years of civil war that took place in Liberia,” said Wright.
After getting his GED, Wright started Pearl River Community College. He plans to study agriculture technology/business at MSU and one day maybe return to his native country.
“My plan is I would like to go back to Africa wherein I can open something that my brothers and sisters can do for themselves. This is my hope and prayers,” he said.
Dr. Purvis has taught sociology at PRCC since 2011. She is originally from Houston, Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her Masters and PhD from Louisiana State University.
She is married to Adam Purvis and they have two children, Beau, 6, and Lucy, 1.
HEADWAE honorees from Mississippi community colleges and four-year institutions were introduced to the Legislature before attending the awards luncheon. The event is made possible by corporate sponsors and coordinated by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.
