Pearl River Community College continued its proud tradition of honoring creativity, leadership, and dedication to the arts during Homecoming on Oct. 23. This year’s Fine Arts and Communications Hall of Fame inductees, Dr. Kellye Bolar and Dr. Kyle Hill, exemplify the passion and excellence that define the Wildcat spirit.
“It is a true honor to welcome Dr. Kyle Hill and Dr. Kellye Bolar into the Fine Arts and Communications Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Trevor Hunt, Fine Arts and Communications Department Chair and Director of the Brownstone Center for the Arts. “Both have shaped lives through their dedication, creativity, and heart for students.
“They represent everything we value at Pearl River—pride, respect, class, and character—and it’s a privilege to celebrate their legacy.”
About the 2025 PRCC Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductees
Dr. Kellye Bolar of Picayune, Mississippi, is a passionate educator, choreographer, entrepreneur, and community leader whose journey began at Pearl River Community College. A 2009 PRCC graduate, she was a proud member of the String of Pearls Dance Team, River Road Show Choir, Student Council, and River Navigators Leadership Team, and represented her peers on the 2008 Homecoming Court. In 2023, she was recognized as PRCC’s Young Alumnus of the Year.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from The University of Southern Mississippi, Bolar continued her studies at William Carey University, where she earned multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Education in educational leadership. She has taught both elementary and high school math, coached championship dance teams, and currently serves as coach of the Picayune Varsity Pride of the Tide Dance Team.
Bolar is the founder of KB Education, LLC, and The Cool Kidz Club, Inc.™, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through STEAM and enrichment experiences. She is also the author of “Love Yourself, Girl” and a sought-after speaker on education, confidence, and leadership. Her passion for inspiring others continues to have a lasting impact on students, educators, and young women across Mississippi.
Bolar is honored to return home to PRCC as a 2025 inductee into the Fine Arts and Communications Hall of Fame. Several family and friends came with her, including her former roommate, Breanna Fortenberry, who was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame.
“I am so honored to be included with so many other great Wildcats,” said Bolar. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I am quite there yet, but someone thought that I am.
“I have so many great memories from PRCC,” said Bolar. “I remember dancing with The String of Pearls and being recruited to join the Show Choir. Going to national competition with the Pearls meant a lot, too. Most of all, the friends that I made at Pearl River are still my friends.”
Dr. Kyle Hill dedicated three decades to Pearl River Community College before retiring in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service. While at PRCC, he served as percussion instructor, Director of Bands, Chair of the Fine Arts and Communications Department, and Director of the Brownstone Center for the Arts. Hill also held several statewide leadership roles, including president of the PRCC Faculty Association, two years as president of the Mississippi Faculty Association for Community Colleges, and three terms as president of the Mississippi Community College Band Directors Association. Before his time at Pearl River, he taught at Lumberton High School, Oak Grove High School, Jones Junior College, and William Carey University.
Beyond the classroom, Hill has remained deeply involved in his community. He served 12 years on the Lamar County School Board, including three terms as president, and has dedicated 30 years to the Northeast Lamar Fire Department in Oak Grove, where he has served as fire chief since 2001.
Hill continues his service as Fire Coordinator for Lamar County, arson investigator for the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, and President of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association. He is married to Debby Hill, who retired from The University of Southern Mississippi after 28 years. Together, they enjoy spending time on the water and traveling, especially when joined by their son Austin and wife Cassie, daughter Melody and husband Hunter, and their four grandchildren.
Hill is honored to be recognized as a 2025 inductee in the Pearl River Community College Fine Arts and Communications Hall of Fame.
“It’s such an honor to be amongst a great group of people, including Archie Rawls and Howell Purvis,” said Hill. “It's just humbling to be included in that list of names.
His favorite memories at PRCC include the students, the great experiences with halftime and football, and the other performances, including the 2013 inaugural parade for President Obama.
“The success of the students who have come through, entered adulthood, and have been successful because of what they had here at PRCC — that's probably the best thing about my time at PRCC,” said Hill.
