Family members continue education tradition
The Perrineaus, from left: Asha Reed, Robert L. Perrineau Jr., Kayce R. Jones, Florence Reed-Jones, Pamela Reed Perrineau and Robert L. Perrineau Sr. and Kimberly Perrineau Jackson, Pamela’s daughter. Not pictured is Eric Jackson.
When Pamela Perrineau’s son, Robert L. Perrineau Jr., enrolled at Southern Wesleyan’s Charleston education center nearly 10 years ago, a family tradition was born.
By the end of the year, eight members of the family will have been either graduates or current students.
Pamela Reed Perrineau is currently enrolled in Southern Wesleyan’s master of science in management program. Pamela’s son, Robert Jr. received his MSM in 2005. Her niece Kayce received her MBA in 2007. Robert Perrineau Sr. received his MSM degree in 2008 and Kimberly Perrineau Jackson, her daughter, received her business degree in 2008, as well as her MSM in 2010. In 2009, Pamela’s older sister, Florence Reed Jones, and her niece Kayce R. Jones enrolled in the undergraduate program, graduated and went on to obtain her MBA in December 2011. In November 2012, two more members enrolled in the undergraduate program at Southern Wesleyan: Pamela and Robert’s son-in-law Eric Jackson and youngest daughter Asha Reed.
A night shift nursing supervisor at Al Cannon Detention Center, Pamela is a strong believer in education and its power to advance careers. She has been employed by the center for almost nine years. While working as a school nurse in the Charleston County Discipline School, Pamela had two jobs at the center – working with juveniles and adults.
“I have learned a lot about how to handle the challenges of correction nursing,” Pamela said. “I had to really put my emotions on the back burner in my employment but my faith in God and his guidance continues to be my buckler.”
Upon receiving her masters, her desire is to operate a halfway house. Pamela has found her coursework at Southern Wesleyan to be helpful in her day-to-day work.
Pamela is proud of her son Robert Jr., who is vice principal of Burke High School and earned his doctorate of education this month from Argosy University. She also has four daughters, Darlene Gathers, who is employed with State DHEC and is an ordained minister; Barbara Perrineau, manager at Goodwill Industries; Robyn Perrineau, residential manager at South Carolina State University, ordained minister and funeral director; and Dr.Elena Gold, college professor and science teacher at a junior college.
Pamela admits to wearing “many hats” and she co-pastors with her husband a non-denominational church – the Rock, the Word, the Truth Ministries in Charleston. She encourages others to consider furthering their education.
Pamela states her philosophy simply. “You’re never too old and it’s never too late to move forward in your education,” she said.