ELLISVILLE – Of the 10 honored alumni during Jones College’s Alumni Recognition Program, sponsored by Howard Industries and held during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024, Michael Howard and his wife, Katye Endom Howard of Ellisville were named “Distinguished Service Award” recipients. This award recognizes people who are friends of the college who embody community service and leadership.
“Michael and Katye Howard have dedicated their lives to community service and leadership. Michael is currently overseeing tremendous growth and innovation at Howard Industries. Katye has made a significant impact in her various philanthropic roles in the community through her service, her love and her devotion to friends, and her various educational and charitable organizations. They’ve also earned numerous awards, including recognition for their humanitarian efforts and community leadership,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith. “Together, they have raised three children who are also making a positive impact in the community. The Howard family has always been very generous and supportive of Jones College, as well as our entire community.”
Katye is a 1992 graduate of JCJC, who continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her undergraduate and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). Michael earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration specializing in Management, from Mississippi College. With over three decades of experience at Howard Industries, he has risen through the ranks to become Chief Executive Officer in 2020, following roles as President and Executive Vice President. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in leading the company’s growth, innovation, and operations.
“We’re very honored, humbled and appreciative,” said Michael. “You know, Jones is very special to our family because Katye’s family and my uncle, her dad (Eddie Endom) and our kids, and Katye all went to Jones. To be recognized for something by Jones is very humbling and we’re very honored and appreciative of that.”
He added, “Jones trained our first fifty employees for us which was so very vital to what we did to get started as a company in 1968. And so, we’re connected, both family and business to Jones in many different ways. From a company and business perspective, it is very professional here. But then, it is also easy to do business here because it’s more like a family.”
Beyond his corporate achievements, Michael is a dedicated community leader, serving on the Jones College Athletic Foundation Board and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association Board of Directors. Her dedication to service is additionally evident through her involvement in numerous organizations. Katye has served on the Fundraising Committee Board for Children’s of Mississippi Hospital, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Jones County Board, the Jones County Schools Parent Advisory Committee, and as President of the St. John’s Day School Parent Committee and May Day Director. The life associate member of the Junior Auxiliary of Laurel was honored with the Golden Crown service award in 2017. Furthermore, she is also an alumna of Phi Mu sorority and currently serves on the Jones College Foundation Board.
“Jones is my second home after going to South Jones High School,” shared Katye. “I’m very blessed to have spent a lot of time on campus as a child. When you finish church on Sundays, this is where you came for lunch. Roast beef and potatoes, and the cafeteria was filled with friendly faces and people, you knew. We would also walk around the track for exercise and in elementary school, and high school I would come here for our cheerleader camp. Lots of good times and memories with Miss Martha and Dr. Terrell Tisdale too.”
Michael’s uncle, and JC football and basketball coach, and athletic director, A.B. Howard first exposed him to the campus during the summer as a youth. He was very influential in all the various roles he had on campus which also impacted the young Howard. In fact, Smith acknowledged Michael’s help in building the soccer complex on campus because of their generosity.
“We appreciate the investment in all of our lives. There’s not a baseball or basketball team, or school club anywhere that they have not helped at some point. That generosity does not go unnoticed,” said Smith.
Jones College’s Alumni recognition program honored 10 alumni, including “Rising Stars,” Hans Van Houten of Moselle and Sawyer Taylor of Laurel during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024. Additionally, two alumni, John Reynolds Clark, a native of Waynesboro and current Ellisville resident and Dr. Benjamin P. Stevens of Laurel each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter of Laurel and current New Orleans resident, and Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year.” Dr. Larry Guthrie, a native of Bullock County, Alabama and current Watkinsville, Georgia, was recognized as the “Legacy Award” recipient and Michael and Katye Howard of Ellisville received the Distinguished Service Award.
