Month: May 2020

OpEd By Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Tom Downs, Dawn Erlandson

Community colleges in Mississippi and nationwide have responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic, making contributions to enhance capabilities of emergency responders and health care professionals.  Two-year public colleges have the unique capability to re-skill the workforce as Mississippi and the nation prepare to return to productivity after the pandemic subsides.

Following the release of COVID-19 guidelines by state leaders, Mississippi community colleges took action to put safety first. The colleges transitioned face-to-face courses and workforce training classes to an online delivery format to ensure the learning and training process continued uninterrupted.  To adhere to social distancing guidelines, the community colleges moved classes to an online platform, broke career and technical skills-based courses into multiple smaller groups of students to demonstrate skill-based competencies, closed dorms and cafeterias, and cancelled events to include fundraising activities.  These changes resulted in significant additional costs incurred by the colleges.

On a statewide level, the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) has worked diligently to coordinate information about COVID-19 on behalf of the Mississippi’s community colleges.  The MCCB is zealously advocating for funding and assistance for these institutions to benefit their ongoing responses to the pandemic.

On a national level, the two principal national associations for community colleges – the American Association of Community Colleges and the Association of Community College Trustees – have made COVID-19 a top priority.  They worked to secure critical funding to meet basic needs of at-risk students and to ensure the nation’s community colleges have resources to continue teaching and learning as much as possible remotely while confronting the many impacts of COVID-19 on faculty, staff and students.  They are providing guidance to help colleges safely provide critical in-person, experiential instruction that cannot be done at home for future welders and nurses, among others.

Community college graduates in Mississippi and across the country are today’s essential workers – emergency medical technicians, truck drivers, law enforcement officers, respiratory therapists among many others. Community colleges have always welcomed students who are older, have families, attend part-time, and are in need of re-skilling.  In this era of a global pandemic and high unemployment, they also offer traditional-aged college students the opportunity to earn college credits close to home at a very affordable price.

Prior to COVID-19, the U.S. Congress authorized new community college workforce programs.  The following are among the sectors where community colleges are essential:

• Advanced manufacturing – Congress directed the Department of Defense to prioritize Manufacturing and Engineering Education Program funding for community colleges.

• Agribusiness – Congress prioritized Department of Agriculture appropriations for community college agribusiness programs.

• Automation and unmanned systems – Community colleges are establishing new programs in robotics, unmanned systems, and other emerging areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Recognizing these capabilities, Congress authorized a new Federal Aviation Administration program, “Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence in Small Unmanned Aircraft System Technology Training,” which was formally launched on April 30, 2020.  Hinds Community College has been actively involved in this emerging program.

• Energy – Congress has prioritized appropriations for the Department of Energy to support community college energy-sector workforce training.

• Maritime – Community colleges train mariners as well as shoreside maritime workers for well-paying jobs moving commerce along the nation’s coasts and inland waterways. To elevate this role, Congress authorized a national community college workforce program, “Domestic Maritime Centers of Excellence,” under the U.S. Maritime Administration’s jurisdiction.  Hinds Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are involved in this new program.

• Advanced Technological Education (ATE) – The National Science Foundation’s ATE program funds community college education in high-technology fields that drive the economy. With the strong support of Mississippi’s community colleges, on May 13, 2020 United States Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the Advanced Technological Manufacturing Act, to double the ATE program’s funding level.

Community colleges in Mississippi and across the country will be essential to America’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

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Dr. Andrea Mayfield is Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board.  Email: amayfield@mccb.edu

Tom Downs is a Washington, D.C. attorney and higher education consultant, and founder of the Community and Technical College Consortium.  Email: tcdowns@downsgovaffairs.com

Dawn Erlandson is the national Board Chair of the Association of Community College Trustees.  Email: dawnerlandson@gmail.com

ELLISVILLE – For the first time in Phi Theta Kappa’s history, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges held their annual conference, “PTK Catalyst 2020,” virtually. Four Jones College representatives participated in the historical event and were inspired to continue helping their peers during the “Learn at Home” phase of education. PTK co-advisor, Brittany (Weatherford) Barron and student officers, Araceli Figueroa-President of Laurel, James Denning-College Project Director of Petal, Shelby Welborn-Art and Media Director of Laurel and Alyssa Webb-Vice President of Service of D’Iberville virtually attended the conference in late April.

“Although PTK Catalyst this year was not as expected, I definitely did not feel one bit uninspired; the guest speakers from the PTK Virtual Catalyst Convention were phenomenal and galvanizing!! Making history with PTK this year was one of the most exciting things during my quarantine season!! Proud to be a Phi Theta Kappan!” said Figeroa.

Computer science major, James Denning was especially inspired by the speaker, Erica Dhawan who spoke on the importance of connectional intelligence. Highlighting key ideas like discovering our role in our community and helping our communities led Denning to combine his talents to help his peers.

“Her words lit a fire in me and made me want to do what I could to help out people in any way I could. I created group chats for JC students to use to get help with homework or to help with certain concepts that were bothering them,” said Denning.

Despite the fact not many took advantage of the opportunity, Denning said it forced him to look introspectively.

“I had to confront the fact that I have not been the best with socialization throughout my life. I don’t really have a way with words. This experience has made me want to do all I can to invest in myself and my people skills to help me and others feel more comfortable allowing me to invest in them and to help them as I can.”

Also inspired by the virtual conference was first-year PTK co-advisor, Brittany (Weatherford) Barron. The radiologic technology instructor said, “I am an advocate for networking, technology, and self-reflection in the classroom. After attending the event, I was inspired to increase the utilization of these methodologies through connectional intelligence exercises introduced by one of the international speakers. Most of all, I am elated that the officers were able to attend this virtual event and benefit from the experience.”

At the International Conference, the Rho Sigma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Jones College ended the year with several chapter and individual honors. The Jones College chapter achieved a 5-star status, like in previous years and the chapter also attained the “REACH” chapter status for our membership acceptance rate again.

At the Regional Spring PTK Conference, Jones College’s Honors in Action Project titled, “Rho Sigma Breaks the Stigma – The Plea for CTE,” won second place in our theme category. In addition, PTK co-advisor, Eric Shows said he is especially proud that members reported more than 2000 hours of community service for this academic year.

Individually, Layne Boykin of Waynesboro was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Mississippi Academic First Team and Jordan Butler of Ellisville was chosen for the All-Mississippi Academic Second Team. Career and Technical students in the Radiologic Technology program, Kelly Odom of Hattiesburg and Haley Bounds of Moselle were both nominated for the All-Mississippi Academic Second Team as Workforce Pathway honorees.

The four JC students competed with more than 1,800 nominations from each of the 15-community colleges. As part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s annual academic and workforce competition, each student submitted an essay, answered discussion questions, and described their leadership roles and activities while in college.

The highest-scoring nominees from each of the 15 two-year colleges earned First Team All-Mississippi honors and $500 scholarships provided by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. All team members received special medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Legislature.

Photo of PTK Group, by JC student photographer for the Radionian newspaper, Allie Sanders

ELLISVILLE-Jones College’s Radiologic Technology 2020 graduate, Taylor Bryant of Mize, was recently named the Mississippi Radiological Society’s 2020 Radiologic Technology Student of the Year for Jones College. The 2016 Mize Attendance Center graduate received a $400 scholarship from the Mississippi Radiologic Society to continue her education.

“I am humbled to receive this scholarship,” said Bryant. “My plans include continuing my education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, thanks to the Mississippi Radiological Society. I could not have done it without my teachers motivating me. I am extremely thankful for Jones College and the two years in this competitive program. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it!”

Jones College’s Radiography Program Clinical Coordinator and instructor, Brittany Weatherford Barron, M.H.S., R.T. (R)(M)(CT)(ARRT)  said Bryant was selected for the scholarship because she was successful academically and she is of sound moral character, which are some of the requirements for the honor.

“Taylor is goal-oriented and driven and she has distinguished herself scholastically with competitive grades while in the radiography program. Taylor is currently working at Hattiesburg Urgent Care with plans to further her education in ultrasonography and eventually become a travel technologist. She has demonstrated competence in radiologic procedures and patient care skills in the clinical setting,” said Barron.

She added, Bryant is especially deserving of the Award and Scholarship because she has distinguished herself in the classroom. The radiography program faculty at Jones College said they are very proud of Bryant and are thankful for the Mississippi Radiological Society’s support of radiologic technology students.

ELLISVILLE- Four Jones College students earned some of the top individual honors through the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. Layne Boykin of Waynesboro was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Mississippi Academic First Team and Jordan Butler of Ellisville was chosen for the All-Mississippi Academic Second Team. Career and Technical students in the Radiologic Technology program, Kelly Odom of Hattiesburg and Haley Bounds of Moselle were both nominated for the All-Mississippi Academic Second Team as Workforce Pathway honorees.

“I was shocked to find out I was selected to represent Jones for this honor,” said Butler. “I feel incredibly blessed knowing others see the potential within me and they saw it enough to choose me for such a prestigious honor.”

All four students were chosen as Jones College’s nominees from a larger pool of Jones applicants that also boasted impressive resumés. The nominees were then evaluated by PTK officials on effective writing skills, the academic rigor of their majors and their leadership impact at their colleges.

“Our nominees distinguished themselves scholastically with excellent grades, and they all had notable records of service and campus and community involvement.  Their particular accomplishments and successes are truly highlighted by being named as the college’s nominees for this prestigious academic competition,” said Jones College PTK co-advisor and Science Division Chair and instructor, Eric Shows.

Biochemistry major, Layne Boykin was able to directly impact many of her peers at Jones and in her community. Boykin served as the PTK Vice President of Scholarships and shared her many talents.

“Organizing three scholarship workshops helped students prepare for scholarship applications. I also assisted with officer and chapter meetings, college project planning, honors in action project research, fundraising and other service projects,” said Boykin. “PTK has impacted my life in numerous ways, too. I am forever grateful for the endless opportunities, friendships, and memories it has given me. I owe all my success to God.”

At Jones, Boykin was a member of the college recruitment liaison and campus leadership team, Bobcat Brigade, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and Presidential Student Advisory Task Force. Her honors include being a JC Presidential Scholar, a member of the JC Hall of Fame and receiving the Letter “J” Academic Achievement Award. Boykin was also invited to be the student speaker for Freshman Convocation and for WDAM-TV/Jones College’s Top of Class event.  Additionally, Boykin was the 2019 Miss Hospitality for Wayne County where she acted as the ambassador for economic growth and tourism. She will continue her education at Mississippi State University with the hopes of serving Mississippi as a rural physician.

“Layne is an incredibly driven, self-starting student that has a passion for advocacy and service. We were incredibly fortunate that Jones College and PTK were among the organizations for which she served as a wonderful ambassador,” said Shows.

Criminal justice major, Jordan Butler aspires to earn her doctorate degree in anthropology to become a Forensic Anthropologist. She honed her skills as the Opinions Editor and writer for the college newspaper, Radionian, and she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and the PTK Honors in Action Director. The project she led for PTK’s Rho Sigma Chapter at JC titled, “Rho Sigma Breaks the Stigma – The Plea for CTE,” won second place honors at the Regional PTK Conference.

“Jordan has been an irreplaceable member of our PTK officer team this year,” said Shows. “The Honors in Action project she managed focused on researching and reducing the negative perceptions that students can experience when selecting a Career and Technical Education career path.  She contributed her valuable perspectives and skills gained as a member of the College’s newspaper staff and an aspiring forensic scientist to our PTK officer team, and she shined as a great organizer, leader, and writer.”

Butler’s additional honors include being on the President’s Honor Roll every semester and receiving the Letter “J” Award. She earned several scholarships including a Journalism scholarship, the Honors College scholarship, the Laurel Leader Call Scholarship through the JC Foundation and she was nominated by English professor, Dr. David Lowery for the Waller English Award.

She said, “My two biggest honors were being appointed the position of Opinions Editor for the Radionian and becoming a PTK officer; without a doubt, these two honors have been the most rewarding.” Referring to her career as a forensic anthropologist, Butler said, “My career choice gives people a voice who no longer have one. I can give people the justice they deserve. The career is complex and challenging but I love that.”

Currently working at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Haley Bounds said while she has achieved her goal of working in a hospital, she hopes to specialize in C.T. (computed tomography) in the radiography field. She will continue her education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to earn her bachelor’s degree. While she is fascinated with X-rays and the ability to aid doctors in diagnosing patients, Bounds also played the clarinet for the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band. Being selected to represent the Jones College student body at the PTK competition she said, is humbling.

“Being selected and having the opportunity to even participate in this academic competition told me that my teachers believed I was worthy of this award. I’m still humbled by the whole experience,” said Bounds.

Kelly Odom currently works in Forrest General Hospital’s C.T. department after beginning her education at USM studying genetics. At Jones, she served as the Radiography Class Representative and Student Delegate Nominee and she earned 2^nd place in the Radiography Student Review Competition. Odom immersed herself in various community activities, including being a volunteer for the Petal Fire Department, Hub City Humane Society and the Salvation Army. She also competed and earned first place honors in the regional and state science fair two consecutive years, which earned her an invitation to a week-long conference in Los Angeles and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to participate in the worldwide science fair, International Science and Engineering Fair. Additionally, Odom had the opportunity to present her research findings at the Annual Society of Cellular Biology conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her findings were published in a scientific journal after discovering connection pathways in the eyes of Drosophila, a type of fruit fly.

Radiography Program Instructor and Clinical Coordinator at Jones, Brittany Weatherford Barron, M.H.S., B.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(M)(CT)(ARRT) shared, the department is extremely proud of both Bounds and Odom.

“These students were nominated by Jones College faculty for their continued excellence in the classroom and community. Throughout their college experience, Haley and Kelly have represented Jones College on both a state and national level for radiologic technology. Kelly placed 2nd in a national prep bowl for radiologic technology students, and Haley received a scholarship from the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists.  These students demonstrate sound moral character and selflessly serve the healthcare profession. The future is very bright for these graduates, and I cannot wait to see their future accomplishments.  It was an honor to work with these students,” said Barron.

The four JC students competed with more than 1,800 nominations from each of the 15-community colleges. As part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s annual academic and workforce competition, each student submitted an essay, answered discussion questions, and described their leadership roles and activities while in college

The highest scoring nominees from each of the 15 two-year colleges earned First Team All-Mississippi honors and $500 scholarships provided by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. All team members received special medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the   Mississippi Legislature.