PRCC names first Chief of Staff

Laura O'Neill - PRCC Marketing Specialist

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River Community College is proud to announce the appointment of Patrick Ochs as the institution’s first Chief of Staff.

Ochs moves into the newly created role after serving as Director of Athletics for the last three years. 

“Since Patrick joined us at PRCC, he has proven to be an invaluable leader in various roles. His ability to excel in every task he undertakes has quickly earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “With a strong sense of integrity, outstanding organizational skills, and a passionate commitment to our mission, Patrick is the perfect choice for Chief of Staff to the President. 

“I have no doubt Patrick’s impact in this new role will be immediate. I am thrilled to have him.” 

The move was approved during the June 10 board meeting.

“It is a great honor to serve Pearl River Community College in this new role,” Ochs said. “My family and I owe this amazing college so much. When I was initially hired in the summer of 2018, I knew it was a great institution. What I didn’t realize at the time, but I soon learned, was just how much this administration cares about its students and employees.

“I will forever be indebted to our administration for taking a chance on me and making me a Wildcat.”

As Chief of Staff, Ochs will work closely with the president, the school’s senior leaders, and the Board of Trustees to help manage high-level projects, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and drive strategic initiatives that support PRCC’s educational mission of excellence and student success. He will also serve as a liaison in the community for the president’s office.

“My goal is to be a dynamic asset to our institution’s incredible leadership,” Ochs said. “My time in multiple roles at PRCC has given me a great appreciation for how collaboration and excellent communication fuel success.

“I’m excited to help wherever and however I can.” 

ABOUT OCHS

Ochs was originally hired as the Director of Communications for Athletics in July 2018. After transitioning to Assistant Director of Marketing a year later, Ochs was named the Director of Marketing & Communications in the Summer of 2020.

Prior to the 2022-23 school year, Ochs was named Director of Athletics. For the past two years, Ochs also served as the chair for the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference’s athletic directors.

“The last three years were incredibly rewarding as I got to witness firsthand the dedication to excellence our coaches exude on a daily basis,” he said. “Our coaches are the very best in the country and I admire how they tirelessly serve our student athletes to ensure they’re successful on the field, in the classroom and, most importantly, in life.”

Ochs got a taste of what to expect in his new role this past year when, along with Dr. Rebecca Brown, PRCC’s Dean of Workforce, Economic Development and Adult Education, he completed the Mississippi Policy Fellows Program. The program focused on gaining a better understanding of state and federal government practices.

Prior to arriving at PRCC, Ochs was a reporter for the Natchez Democrat, Oxford Eagle and Sun Herald in Biloxi.

Ochs graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications.

Ochs is married to Jaime Weaver Ochs. They have two daughters, Alexandria and Rylee, and a basset hound, Magnolia.

ABOUT PRCC

Founded in 1909, PRCC is Mississippi’s oldest public two-year institution. Pearl River boasts campuses in Hattiesburg, Kiln, and Poplarville and features a robust online presence. PRCC is proud to offer affordable and high-quality options to students throughout South Mississippi and the Pine Belt. Over the last decade, Pearl River has experienced unparalleled enrollment growth while putting its students first. Last fall, PRCC eclipsed 6,000 students for the first time in the institution’s history, growing to Mississippi’s fourth largest community college.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).