Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has welcomed former Perkette Kaitlyn Chennault back to the Perkinston Campus as assistant coach of the MGCCC Dance Team for the 2026-2027 academic year.

A native of St. Martin, Chennault returns to a program that played an important role in her own development as a dancer and student-athlete. As a member of the MGCCC Dance Team, she developed a strong connection to the Perkettes, her teammates and the traditions of the Perkinston Campus.

“Perk has always held such a special place in my heart, and having the opportunity to come back and serve this program as a coach truly feels like coming home,” Chennault said. “So much of who I am as a dancer, educator, and person was shaped by my time at MGCCC, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to now pour that same love, energy and belief into this generation of Perkettes. There is truly no place like Perk, and I couldn’t be more excited to be back home and wearing blue and gold again, this time as a coach.”

Chennault remained connected to MGCCC Dance after her time as a student-athlete, returning to serve as a judge for team events and supporting the Perkettes and their competitive efforts on the national stage.

She has also expanded her experience in the dance industry as an active staff member with the Universal Dance Association. Through UDA, Chennault has traveled throughout the Southeast working with middle and high school dance programs and helping dancers develop their technique, performance quality, teamwork, and confidence.

Her experience provides Chennault with a coaching perspective that combines an understanding of MGCCC Dance traditions with firsthand knowledge of the expectations and evolving trends within competitive dance.

MGCCC Head Dance Team Coach Britney Patten said Chennault brings both professional experience and a personal understanding of what it means to be a Perkette.

“Kaitlyn brings an energy that is contagious,” Patten said. “She genuinely loves dance, she loves this program, and she loves seeing people succeed. I am excited about the perspective and insight she brings from her work with UDA, but I am equally excited about the heart she brings with it. She understands what it means to wear Gulf Coast across your chest because she has lived it herself. Now, she gets to help shape what that experience looks like for the young women coming behind her.”

Chennault is passionate about helping dancers challenge themselves and grow not only as performers, but also as teammates and individuals. Her appointment continues the MGCCC Dance Team’s emphasis on developing successful student-athletes and future leaders while maintaining connections with alumni who remain invested in the program.

For Chennault, the move from Perkette to coach brings that connection full circle as she begins a new role with the program that helped shape her.