Photo: USM Interim President, Dr. Joe Paul, (pictured center left) recently met with administrators at Jones College to build upon the institutions’ relationship and future endeavors. Pictured left to right is Jones College’s Chief of Staff, Jon Fennell; Executive Vice President of Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, Christy Holifield; Executive Vice President, Chief of Enrollment Management, Information Technology and Marketing Officer, Dr. Finee’ Ruffin; USM President, Dr. Joe Paul; Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith; Provost, Rick Youngblood; Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Tessa Flowers and Vice President of Advancement & Athletics, Dean of Students, Joel Cain.
ELLISVILLE – The University of Southern Mississippi’s Interim President, Dr. Joe Paul met with several Jones College administrators recently to discuss new ways to build upon the two institution’s relationship with students. Some ideas the two presidents discussed included how to make it easier for students to transition to USM and other transfer services, along with 2+2 agreements. This is the first time many of the Jones College administrators have met the new interim USM president and are eager to build more partnerships between JC and USM in the future.
ELLISVILLE – Despite the rain this week, Jones College students were all smiles and happy to be back on campus. Many of the students prepared for the drenching rain and said they are ready for the student activities and athletic events to begin. The first event, Meet the Bobcats was scheduled to be held Wednesday, August 24, but organizers moved the event to Thursday, September 1, at 5 p.m. before the first home football game of the season. The Bobcats face the Itawamba Indians at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field, rain or shine!
ELLISVILLE – The 160 member Maroon Typhoon Marching Band at Jones College is preparing a memorable half time performance and traditional pre-game show presenting songs that get “stuck in your head.” This year, the half-time show is a mix of music from the most played Karaoke chart toppers. Music from the 70’s through today will be scattered across the show as the Maroon Typhoon brings a night of Karaoke to its audience. Some songs include the music from Outkast, the B52’s, Brittney Spears, Neil Diamond, the Cranberries and Snoop Dogg are on the lineup.
Assistant Directors of Bands, (pictured left to right) Caleb Owenby and Dr. Lindsey Keay, Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, Touch of Gold Choreographer/instructor, Lora Davis, Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Josh Frans and Colorguard instructor, Meredith Owen.
“The band had an incredible band camp learning how to march cohesively and play some new challenging but fun music. I’m proud of how this group of students is working hard and rising to every challenge. They are making some great music and they are already bonding into the Typhoon Family,” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge.
The Maroon Typhoon will present its traditional pre-game show consisting of the JCJC Fight Song Fanfares, the National Anthem and the JC Fight Song. The Touch of Gold dancers will be featured during the musical presentation of “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. The band ends the show with the fan favorite, JC Jam cheer and Hey Song.
“We are super proud of the students’ hard work and all the progress they are making in camp. I am looking forward to a wonderful season,” said Dr. Lindsey Keay.
The band’s first appearance will be on Wednesday, August 24, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. as part of the Meet the Bobcats event in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. The public is invited to this free event.
For more information about the Maroon Typhoon contact Dr. Ben Burge by email at ben.burge@jcjc.edu and for the home football schedule featuring the Maroon Typhoon’s performances click on the JC Athletics website at https://jcbobcats.com/
Name City High School Instrument
Julianna Anderson Petal Petal High School 01 Flute
Hailey (Ryvanna) Brown Laurel Northeast Jones High School 01 Flute
Kalilah Cash Ellisville South Jones High School 01 Flute
Kendra Collins Seminary South Jones High School 01 Flute
Angela Cruz-Diaz Florence McLaurin High School 01 Flute
Halie Dunn Collins Collins High School 01 Flute
Julie King Hattiesburg Seminary High School 01 Flute
Erica Kitchens Seminary South Jones High School 01 Flute
Jessica Long Clara Wayne County High School 01 Flute
Jacey Mangrum Collins Collins High School 01 Flute
Eileen Ortega Seminary Seminary Attendance Center 01 Flute
Kristlyn Parker Collins Seminary Attendance Center 01 Flute
Kambri Pippin Laurel Northeast Jones High School 01 Flute
Brittney Smith Lucedale Greene County High School 01 Flute
Kaylea Yates Collins South Jones High School 01 Flute
Kaitlyn Beasley Ellisville Wayne County High School 02 Clarinet
Xowi Bush Laurel West Jones ones High School 02 Clarinet
Elda Cook Ellisville South Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Erin Fairchild Seminary Seminary High School 02 Clarinet
Madison Foxworth Foxworth West Marion High School 02 Clarinet
Heighlie Frias Laurel West Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Dayanara (Michel) Gonzalez Magee Magee High School 02 Clarinet
Destiny (Lanae) Keyes Laurel Laurel High School 02 Clarinet
Isabella Kittrell State Line Wayne County High School 02 Clarinet
Kaitlyn Massie Ellisville South Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Alexus McCullum Ellisville South Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Lorin Musgrove Soso West Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Katlyn Myrick Soso West Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Zoe Payne Quitman Quitman High School 02 Clarinet
Madilyn Pitts Pachuta Enterprise High School 02 Clarinet
Aaron Reiher Soso West Jones High School 02 Clarinet
Lena Ruble Petal Petal High School 02 Clarinet
Katelyn Singley Mize Magee High School 02 Clarinet
Darla Williams Waynesboro Wayne County High School 02 Clarinet
Logan Ingram Morton Raleigh Raleigh High School 03 Alto sax
Tykevia Watson Laurel Northeast Jones High School 03 Alto Sax
India Dearman Leakesville Greene County High School 03 Saxophone
Chloe Entrekin Ellisville South Jones High School 03 Saxophone
Eboni McDonald Taylorsville West Jones High School 03 Saxophone
Leigha Thompson Ellisville South Jones High School 03 Saxophone
Sydney Tisdale Ellisville South Jones High School 03 Saxophone
Stacy (Darlene) Villaseca Laurel Northeast Jones HS 03 Saxophone
Phoebe Boozer Seminary South Jones HS 04 Tenor Saxophone
Tony Ducksworth Taylorsville Taylorsville High School 04 Tenor Saxophone
Dawson Temple Mize Mize Attendance Center 04 Tenor saxophone
Sarah Beavers Mize Mize Attendance Center 05 Horn
Zachary Hand Mize Mize Attendance Center 05 Horn
Emari Moody Shubuta Quitman High School 05 Horn
Camryn Torres Gautier Gautier High School 05 Horn
Ethan Ainsworth Laurel West Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Hailey Graves Soso West Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Julius (Jay) Green Terry Terry High School 06 Trumpet
Luis Hernandez Laurel Northeast Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Danielle Hollinghead Glade Northeast Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Summer Hughes Mize Mize Attendance Center 06 Trumpet
Mersadi McCarter Louin Raleigh High School 06 Trumpet
Cambrie McRee Ellisville South Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Ethan Noffke Seminary Seminary High School 06 Trumpet
Isaiah Pleas Laurel West Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Summer Satcher Enterprise Enterprise High School 06 Trumpet
Kyyora Sidney Laurel Laurel High School 06 Trumpet
Reagan Thornton Laurel Northeast Jones High School 06 Trumpet
Callie Tisdale Florence Richland High School 06 Trumpet
William (Kai) Welborn Petal Petal High School 06 Trumpet
Trinity Williams Brooklyn Forrest County AHS 06 Trumpet
Andres Avalos Soso West Jones High School 07 Trombone
Josef Castillo Laurel Northeast Jones High School 07 Trombone
Kylan Combest Laurel Laurel High School 07 Trombone
Keandranique Gilbert Laurel Laurel High School 07 Trombone
Jennifer Hernandez Laurel Northeast Jones High School 07 Trombone
Briana McGinty Purvis Purvis High School Trombone
Ethan Roberts Collins Mt. Olive Attendance Center 07 Trombone
Ian Sam Flowood Northwest Rankin High School 07 Trombone
Miyalexis Douglas Pearl Pearl High School 08 Euphonium
TJ May Mendenhall Mendenhall High School 08 Euphonium
De’Juan (DJ) Odems Gautier Gautier High School 08 Euphonium
James Rigdon Ellisville South Jones High School 08 Euphonium
Alyssa (Max) Adams Laurel West Jones High School 09 Tuba
Trinity Gieger Laurel West Jones High School 09 Tuba
Ronald (R.J.) Hughes Laurel West Jones High School 09 Tuba
Nylah (Gabby) McKenzie Laurel Laurel High School 09 Tuba
Caleb Nichols Heidelberg Northeast Jones High School 09 Tuba
J’Len Noel Quitman Quitman High School 09 Tuba
Leo Norman Ellisville South Jones High School 09 Tuba
Cameron Pippen Laurel Northeast Jones High School 09 Tuba
Xavier Porter Laurel Laurel High School 09 Tuba
Aaron Mason Raleigh Raleigh High School 10 Bass 1
Conner Smith Mize Mize Attendance Center 10 Bass 2
Drake Sellers Mize Mize Attendance Center 10 Bass 3
Cody Holliday Florence Florence High School 10 Bass 4
Michael Arevalo Pearl Pearl High School 10 Snare
Logan Evans Laurel Northeast Jones High School 10 Snare
Casie Husack Moselle South Jones High School 10 Snare
Adrian Roberts Shubuta Quitman High School 10 Snare
Peyton Rowell Petal Petal High School 10 Snare
Joshua Evans Waynesboro Wayne County High School 10 Tenors
Jeffery Wimbley Chatom, AL Washington County HS 10 Tenors
Nicolas Barnes Hattiesburg Purvis High School Lamar 11 Front Ensemble
Michael Beasley Buckatunna Wayne County High School 11 Front Ensemble
Aidan Brewton Bay Springs Bay Springs High School 11 Front Ensemble
Tyler Cash Ellisville South Jones High School 11 Front Ensemble
Shana Davis Jayess Woodlawn Prep High School 11 Front Ensemble
Kaitlyn Huddleston Laurel West Jones High School 11 Front Ensemble
Jordan Stianche Petal Petal High School 11 Front Ensemble
Lakiriya (Kira) Stokes Waynesboro Wayne County HS 11 Front Ensemble
Bradley Tyson Petal Petal High School 11 Front Ensemble
Haley Robinson Florence Florence High School 12 Cologuard
Hayleigh Cantrell Brandon Puckett High School 12 Colorguard
Mya Carter Pearl Pearl High School 12 Colorguard
Taylor Channell Pearl Pearl High School 12 Colorguard
Anahi Chercoles Forest Forest High School 12 Colorguard
Kaitlin Davis Meridian Enterprise High School 12 Colorguard
Emilee (Paige) Farve Heidelberg Northeast Jones HS 12 Colorguard
Arielle Grimaldo Moselle South Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Gabrielle Hankins Purvis Northeast Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Alisha Hudson Laurel Northeast Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Emma Jackson Brandon Northwest Rankin High School 12 Colorguard
Jay’Nia Keyes Taylorsville Mize Attendance Center 12 Colorguard
Gabriella Lopez Brandon Northwest Rankin High School 12 Colorguard
Kaylee Moss (Fulgum) Laurel West Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Charlee Norman Ellisville South Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Ardajah Pierce Laurel Northeast Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Haley Robinson Florence Florence High School 12 Colorguard
Dori Saranthus Magee Mize Attendance Center 12 Colorguard
Rebekah Sudduth Pearl Pearl High School Rankin 12 Colorguard
Christian (Doll) Swindle Waynesboro Wayne County HS 12 Colorguard
Lily Taylor Pearl Pearl High School 12 Colorguard
Layken Valentine Ellisville West Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Sheridan White Soso West Jones High School 12 Colorguard
Kelly Biglane Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer
Bailie Bishop Taylorsville West Jones High School 13 Dancer
Weslyn Blackwell Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer
Hanna Broadwater Pearl Pearl High School 13 Dancer
Taylor Garretson Leakesville Greene County High School 13 Dancer
Haley Gibbs Laurel Excellence in Learning Academy 13 Dancer
Karlee Green Laurel West Jones High School 13 Dancer
Kendall Johnson Soso West Jones High School 13 Dancer
Kelsey Lawrence Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer
Kinsey Lawson Ellisville South Jones High School 13 Dancer
Meg Matthews Raleigh Raleigh High School 13 Dancer
Madi Temple Pearl Pearl High School 13 Dancer
Jessie Wallace Mendenhall Simpson Academy 13 Dancer
Jessica Manning Quitman Quitman High School 15 Drum Major
Melania Sanders Columbia Columbia High School 15 Drum Major
Rachel Turner Petal Perry Central High School 15 Drum Major
Donna Cameron Kokomo West Marion High School 16 Manager
Tyler Dunn Waynesboro Wayne County High School 16 Manager
Cameron Freeman New Augusta Perry Central High School 16 Manager
Emma Hampton Petal Petal High School 16 Manager
Serenity (Cici) Lawson Petal Petal High School 16 Manager
Sydnee Mabe Petal Petal High School 16 Manager
Marcus Nixon Laurel West Jones High School 16 Manager
Brandy Roper Wiggins Stone High School 16 Manager
Gracye Tower Runnelstown Perry Central High School 16 Manager
Alexandria (Alli) Smith Waynesboro Wayne County HS 16 Manager
ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2022 Summer Session honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.
Jones College President’s List Summer 2022
Adams Natchez: Emily A Rasco.
Forrest Petal: Grace Irene Robbins.
Greene Leakesville: Scott James Brocious and Nicholas Levi McArn.
Greene Neely: Christopher Ryan Huey and Clayton Westley Moody.
Greene State Line: Sarah G Gonzalez.
Jasper Louin: Christopher Thomas Lee Hillman.
Jones Ellisville: Darrell McCullum.
Jones Laurel: Antwoin Shaiqun Jones, Joshua Hewitt Thurman and Keyera C Waters.
Jones Moselle: Dayton Orion Davis.
Lamar Purvis: Samuel Aaron Walters.
Lawrence Jayess: Sydney Ruth Pevey and Christy Lea Stuart.
Perry New Augusta.: Arseunna Morriel Hardin
Perry Richton: Jayson Lowery Dykes.
Wayne Buckatunna: Maggie Saige Mason
Wayne Richton: Emily Christine Beck.
Jones College Dean’s List Honor Roll Summer 2022
Covington Collins: Levi Adison Brenner and Calder Hale Mikell.
Covington Mount Olive: Amerie D Sherman.
Covington Seminary: John W Price.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Kami Anne Moler and Gavin Lavon Wells.
Forrest Petal: Jimmy Clifton Rogers.
George Lucedale: Cole M Hillman, Jerry Crowder Holland and Dulce Analilia Lara.
Greene Leakesville: Woodard Lee Eubanks and Bradley Jackson Snyder.
Greene McLain: Zane Mitchell Turner.
Jackson Ocean Springs: America S Stokes.
Jasper Stringer: Alexis Grace Herrington.
Jones Ellisville: Marleigh Makay Rayner.
Jones Laurel: Andrew Jacob Bush, Ariyana Monique Logan, Austin Tabyiss Pruitt and Liam Saxon Walker.
Jones Moselle: Jonathan Stewart Martin.
Jones Sandersville: Tracy Dalan Sumrall.
Jones Soso: Miles Dwayne Dennis and Cameron Scott Johnston.
Lamar Purvis: Seth Curtis Pounds.
Lamar Sumrall: Gary Jeff Fagan.
Lawrence Monticello: Amber Shakara Newsom.
Perry Petal: Kristen Elizabeth Holder.
Perry Richton: Braxton Edward Inmon and Harley Jeffery Roberts.
Pike Magnolia: Chasity I Moses.
Simpson Mount Olive: Abigayle Grace Adcox.
Smith Mize: Tristan Patrick Craft.
Smith Mize: Joseph Drew Johnson.
Smith Taylorsville: Effie Rawls Klein.
Walthall Tylertown: Elijah Dewayne Wells.
Washington Greenville: Lejaylyn Erlando Nutall.
Wayne Waynesboro: Stephanie Rena Crist and Marquez Tyreon Hundley.
Winston Noxapater: Chase Myers Ray.
Jones College Faculty List Summer 2022
Clarke Shubuta: Zandarrius M Blakley and Ronneyeka Jacwanna Duncan.
Covington Seminary: Amber Jones Brignac and Brittany Nicole Cummins.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Bailey M Hobby, Kamecia D Love, Kia D Pruitt, Le’chasity Danyelle Taylor and Jacey Ann Varnado.
Forrest Petal: Selencia Petreice Roberts and Asa Graham Theus.
George Lucedale: Richard Douglas Bullock, Lorrie Morgan Kluck and Brittany Nicole Pipkins.
Greene Leakesville: Kenzell D Blakely.
Greene McLain: Mitchell Terrell Brown and Anthony Lee London.
Greene Neely: Vickie Lynn Byrd.
Greene Richton: Shara Lynn Beasley.
Jasper Heidelberg: Kelsie Destina Jordan.
Jasper Louin: Christopher Austin Thornton.
Jasper Vossburg: Ni’esha Na’sha Nelson.
Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Joy Dionne Powell.
Jones Ellisville: Labrittany Marshae Triplett.
Jones Laurel: Taylor Mackenzie Barkley, Vicky Carol Broome, Tacora Monique Houston, Nadia A McKenzie, Diana Shai Moore, Cody Lee Pitts, Richard Anthony Pitts and Brandon Yanez.
Jones Sandersville: Haley Elizabeth Boutwell and Molly Olivia Mize.
Jones Soso: Emma J Williams.
Kemper Ovett: Jonnah Elizabeth Walters.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Inez Latrice Bridgeman, Johni Cassidy Graham, Megan Michaela McMichael and Miracle M Murrell.
Lauderdale Meridian: Chanece Lanae Denton.
Leake Carthage: Brittany Blair Thompson.
Madison Camden: Laura Kristen Walker.
Newton Canton: Erien Ashaureyah Caldwell.
Rankin Braxton: Samuel Logan Marshall.
Rankin Florence: Baylee Chance.
Simpson Magee: Alexis Keonna Taylor.
Simpson Mendenhall: Cyndi Leigh Colson.
Smith Bay Springs: Christi Duckworth Smith and Keegan Daniel Tumblin.
Smith Raleigh: Hayley Deann Revette and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.
Smith Taylorsville: Daniel Martinez.
Walthall Tylertown: Taquana S Magee.
Wayne Buckatunna: Abigail Grace Rigney.
Wayne Waynesboro: Christopher Dalton Hudson, Drake Allan Loftin and Janice Renee Price.
ELLISVILLE – A pinning and graduation ceremony for 21 students who recently finished Jones College’s Practical Nursing program was held to celebrate their accomplishments while overcoming many obstacles. Completing the one-year program, was a challenge for some like 31-year-old Le’Chasity Taylor of Hattiesburg. The single mother of a 10-year-old girl previously earned an associate of arts degree in veterinary medicine. After working in the animal world for one and half years, she decided to find a new career working at Forrest General Hospital which lasted nine years working for different departments including the pathology lab, clinic lab and as an acute care tech on the medical surgical floor. Still wanting more, Taylor pursued a career in nursing.
“Without the support and encouragement of my family it would have been even harder without their push. With a few prayers and my family, I am here about to graduate,” said Taylor.
Christi Smith with Teresa McDonald, Assistant Dean of Health Sciences
Christi Smith of Bay Springs also overcame the challenges of raising a 2-year-old, and a 6-year-old with her husband Devan while enrolled in the three-semester program. She left her job at Magnolia State Bank after six years, to fulfill the dream she’s had since high school.
“Nursing school was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, on top of having kids and a husband but I really enjoyed it,” Smith shared. “I couldn’t have done this without my supporters and the amazing instructors. I’m really excited Jones College is expanding the Practical Nursing program to Jasper County to make it more convenient for more people to earn their degree closer to home.”
Smith plans to return to Jones College after working for a year to earn her Associates Degree in Nursing. After earning the Florence Nightingale Award at the pinning and graduation ceremony at Jones College, Smith said it just confirms that nursing is what she needs to do.
“I just about cried when they called my name. I am honored and I hope I can live up to the expectations that the founder of nursing embodied,” said Smith.
Maggie Mason being pinned by Amy Myers, Practical Nursing Director
For Maggie Mason, being a Jones College graduate of nursing is the continuation of a legacy established by Mason’s great grandmother, Martha Clanton and Maggie’s mother, Wanda Mason. The Wayne County family has worked in home health care for 20 and 25 years respectively before continuing their nursing careers at the Wayne County Nursing Home. Maggie hopes to follow a similar path as she celebrates joining the ranks of the nursing profession.
“I’ve always looked up to them as role models since I was in kindergarten, as being really awesome. It is so awesome to be here today, since I waited for this day, forever it seems! There were times I felt like it wasn’t going to happen, but I tried really hard, and I’m really excited about being here,” said Maggie.
Practical Nursing instructor, Ashley Harrison awards Keyera Waters with the Academic Excellence Award.
During the ceremony, the faculty recognized three students for different accomplishments. The Academic Excellence Award was given to the student who demonstrated the ability to not only achieve, but who also excelled in scholastic activities. Keyera Waters of Laurel had the highest average and demonstrated superior academic performance.
Arseunna Hardin from New Augusta was selected for the Rising Star Award. Faculty felt like she had shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical studies. Her positive attitude and perseverance enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. The Florence Nightingale Award was given to Smith because like the founder of nursing, Smith embodies the spirit of nursing by exhibiting professionalism, integrity, and selflessness
Practical nursing instructors Ashley Harrison and Jill Burge award Arseunna Hardin with the Rising Star Award.
towards humanity. These are the qualities Nightingale implemented into the nursing profession, along with compassion and dedication for all patients.
The pinning and graduation ceremony culminated with the traditional lighting of the nursing lamp, like Nightingale used to see for the injured soldiers of the Crimean War in 1853. Faculty members lit their lamps and passed the flame to each student as a symbolic measure of passing on their knowledge.
“Graduates, as you leave here and begin your careers, you too will bring light to the sick, the anxious and the suffering…. Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works. Never forget how important you are. You have accomplished a great thing. We are very proud of you so go out there and let your light shine!” said Practical Nursing instructor, Jill Burge.
