Pearl River Community College graduate Evan McDonnell has a message for students looking for a career-technical program to consider when trying to decide on a career choice.
“The instructors, campus-wide, at PRCC were knowledgeable and respectful and want you to achieve success,” said McDonnell, 28, who graduated from the Industrial Electronics Technology department in 2020. “Your instructors want you to succeed and they want to get down on a personal basis with you, and that is why they are an important part of PRCC’s success.”
One of his instructors was Sam McNease, who teaches Industrial Electronics Technology.
“Evan was a very dedicated student in the program,” said McNease. “He was an excellent work study and always took the time to help other students. We are very proud of him and he is well deserving of his career success.”
After graduating from PRCC, McDonnell worked for GE Healthcare at a major hospital in New Orleans. “I serviced and repaired medical equipment and systems,” he said.
After getting two years of experience, he changed companies and became a traveling biomedical electronics technician.
“I fly around the country and have all expenses paid for, while also making considerably more money than a stationary technician,” said McDonnell. “The places I go to are usually in dire need of assistance or short-handed or in the middle of a special project or instillation.”
McDonnell graduated from St. Martin High School before going to college. While at PRCC, he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and served as president of the National Technical Honors Society.
Said McDonnell, “I enjoyed my time at Pearl River much more as compared to schools where instructors had hundreds of students. I would recommend PRCC to any student looking for a career.”
Dr. James Collum said McDonnell is one student who took advantage of his opportunities at PRCC.
“Evan was an outstanding student and is an example of what it means to be a Wildcat,” said Dr. Collum. “I am glad to see students like Evan use the skills they obtained while at PRCC to pursue their dreams. I have no doubts he will continue to be successful and advance in his career as a Biomedical Technician.”
Students interested in learning more information about the Industrial Electronics Department call, call 601-554-5505, email: smcnease@prcc.edu; jcollum@prcc.edu; or visit the Forrest County Campus on U.S. 49 South.
To apply, go to prcc.edu/academics/plans/technology/iet