At the Wednesday of the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Donald Hart appointed Dr. Marcus Houston to fill the vacated Pearl River Community College (PRCC) Board seat. The seat was previously held by Sonny Knight, who recently stepped down after 27 years of service.

Hart stated that his decision to select Houston was based on a desire for a fresh and youthful perspective. “We now have not just a young perspective but also a minority perspective,” Hart said, noting the significance of Houston being the first African American to join the board.

Houston mentioned his long-standing relationship with Hart, recalling how Hart used to cut his hair when he was younger. “Donald has always been a model and leader in the community,” Houston said, adding that Hart has consistently supported his businesses.

Houston owns Bright Step Physical Therapy in Poplarville and co-owns the Poplarville Gym. His connection to PRCC is notable, as his parents are college graduates, and he attended PRCC briefly. Houston is a Poplarville High School graduate with a Biological Science degree from Southern Miss and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine.