Presbyterian Christian School is proud to announce Dr. Benjamin Morris, Class of 2000, as the inaugural recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award. The honor will be formally presented during the school’s homecoming celebrations in September 2025. Morris graduated as Salutatorian from PCS’s second-ever graduating class.

Now residing in New Orleans, Morris is an award-winning author, poet, and researcher. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Duke University, an MSc in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh, and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including a Pushcart Prize nomination, the Academy of American Poets Prize from Duke University, and the Chancellor’s Medal for Poetry from the University of Cambridge. He has also been awarded poetry fellowships from both the Mississippi Arts Commission and Tulane University.

Morris is the author of Hattiesburg, Mississippi: A History of the Hub City, Ecotone, and Coronary, as well as the poetry collection The Singing River.

When asked in an interview for Rooted in Mississippi (2025), “If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?” Morris replied: “I’d spend every last dime on our schools, on our teachers, to reward those who give their whole lives to serving others.”

PCS high school teacher, Norman Rowe, reflected, “It has been exciting to follow his achievements over the years. I greatly enjoyed his book on the history of Hattiesburg. He was a great student and young man.”

Benjamin is an active member and serves as Deacon and Facilities Manager for his local Presbyterian church, Church of the Resurrection in New Orleans. Dr. Morris is a frequent contributor to By Faith, the magazine of the Presbyterian Church in America. In his freetime, Morris hosts a true crime podcast titled Crime Capsule. His cat, Snickers, does not read much but does often occupy a place of honor beside Ben (or even on the computer keyboard) as Ben writes.

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented annually to a graduate whose achievements reflect the spirit and mission of Presbyterian Christian School. Dr. Benjamin Morris, with his exceptional accomplishments and dedication to education, is a fitting first honoree whose work will continue to inspire the PCS community for years to come.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is PCS’s newest way to honor and recognize the hard work and contributions of our alumni community. This award will be presented annually to an alumna or alumnus who demonstrates exceptional faith, service, and leadership, making a meaningful impact in our community. To nominate a future recipient, please visit the alumni page at https://pcsk12.org/alumni/.