ELLISVILLE – To commemorate Mississippi Arbor Day on Friday, February 10, the Ellisville Garden Club and several Jones College horticulture students planted a red maple tree in memory of Sandra Wright who passed away, July 9, 2022. Recording Secretary and Arbor Day Chairman of the Ellisville Garden Club, Sandra Shows and members of the organization paid tribute to the EG Club member, Ellisville realtor and owner of Magnolia Real Estate, who also taught math and served as division chair at Jones College for 31 years. The tree and plaque are located near the Lake and Walking Trail on the Ellisville campus, across from Jones Hall.
Additionally, Ellisville Mayor Lynn Buckhaults announced during the dedication ceremony that Ellisville is once again recognized as a Tree City USA, due in part to the Ellisville Garden Club’s efforts.
ELLISVILLE – Jasper County sophomore and junior high school students recently toured Jones College’s Jasper County Center in Bay Springs with the intention of discovering their future career paths. While some students are ready to execute their educational plans to land their dream job, most need some inspiration and exposure to possible opportunities. Students had the chance to meet the instructors and current students, as well as get in the driver’s seat of a tractor trailer used to train future commercial truck drivers. Heidelberg’s RaiShunda Smith even learned what it felt like to shift gears with CDL instructor, Lee Balliet guiding her through the process.
“That was really cool! There are a lot of gears on that truck which was kind of fun getting to see how it’s done and being able to really practice in the parking lot,” said Smith.
Students also learned about the expanded Precision Manufacturing and Machining program, the Lineman Academy and the Practical Nursing program, which were all recently added to the Bay Springs campus.
“We want to be able to offer our residents the training and education they are seeking, and the industry is demanding. If there’s a necessity for more practical nursing classes offered at different times or with modified schedules, we’ll find a way to make it happen,” said Jasper County Center Director, Grant Crowder. “We’re excited to be able to expand our programs and provide more possible avenues for our residents to be successful.”
Other programs offered at the Jasper County Center include adult education, computer training, commercial truck driving, basic life support/CPR and EMS training, welding, and basic academic courses like Western Civilization and Psychology. For more information about the Jasper County Center, call Navigator Sonya Ready at 601-477-5473 or 601-764-9393 or email, sonya.ready@jcjc.edu. More information can be found on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/jasper-campus/
ELLISVILLE – Jones College students were quickly downloading the first-ever JC Mobile App when it launched Monday. In one day, almost 600 people downloaded the app, like Jenna Jones, a freshman from Laurel.
“I got the email Monday and went ahead and downloaded it. I really like all the helpful features on it. It keeps you up to date, it has all your assignments, your schedule, your payment balance, everything!” said Jones.
Everything is at their fingertips, explained Executive Vice President of Marketing, Dr. Finee’ Ruffin. Over the last year, the Jones College Marketing and Information Technology departments have been working with the development team, adding content with Jones College students in mind.
Latoyia Hatten and Allyson Knotts
“The goal is to enhance the student experience. It brings everything into one app,” explained Ruffin. “We are meeting students where they are and they are on their phones, all the time.”
After taking online classes, Latoyia Hatten of Laurel said she decided to take courses on campus and appreciates having the resources at her fingertips.
“I love it! I really needed something like this because I am not familiar with the campus but now, I have the campus map here to help me,” said Hatten.
Some of the features available on the app also include chatting within the app, allowing students to avoid having to share personal phone numbers or email addresses, and allowing more collaboration with their peers.
Daniela Deviney and Jacey Mangrum
“I really like the idea of being able to chat on the app,” said Jacey Mangrum of Mount Olive. “However, seeing the cafeteria menu on here, that might be my new favorite thing!”
To access the app after downloading it, Jones students and employees log into their MyJones portal with their credentials. Everything from campus events to student services and payment plans are now, easily accessible.
“We took the student experience at the center and then started breaking it down for the mobile app. Students can access their account balance with one touch. They can see how much they paid, what they owe, and what they need to do next. There’s a financial aid check list, your financial aid steps, a To Do List, course grades and assignments are linked there, as well as a walking map across campus taking you anywhere you want to go. It literally connects you to everything we have!” shared Ruffin.
As current students utilize the resources on the app, Ruffin said they will introduce an app for new students interested in coming to Jones College to help them through that process, making it easier for them too. Eventually, another app will be developed specifically for employees, even though they can use some of the resources on the current app. The Jones College Mobile app can be found on Google Play and the Apple App Store for free.
ELLISVILLE –Jones College graduate and current Mississippi State University mechanical engineering student, John Kemp of Hattiesburg returned to Ellisville to share some wisdom he’s gained about his career path with the freshman and sophomore Student Engineering Society students. Helping Kemp explain the nuances of mechanical engineering and the student organization they serve as officers, was the President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering Student Organization, Connor O’Keefe of Biloxi. Serving as treasurer, Kemp encouraged Jones College students to get involved in organizations not only for knowledge but for networking with other students and professionals to aid in collaboration skills for their careers.
“I enjoy hearing how our engineering graduates are thriving after they leave Jones College. It’s also good for our current students to get tips on what to expect in the career field and learn about the numerous options available to them,” said Jones College Student Engineering Society Sponsor and physics instructor, Mary Boleware.
The JC Student Engineering Society will feature Dr. Tristan Clemons, a polymer engineering professor from the University of Southern Mississippi on Friday, February 10. The Student Engineering Society is also planning a field trip to the Stennis Space Center in March to learn about various engineering career paths.
