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, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter and Ben and Erin Napier were named “Outstanding Alumni of the Year.” The college is recognizing former students for their exceptional service and accomplishments that have brought tremendous honor in their lives and to the college. These three individuals’ lives, and their accomplishments perfectly describe our motto, inspiring greatness, according to Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
“We just knew you were going to be great,” Smith said about Carter. “I want you to know, because he’s so modest about it all, Dr. Carter developed a life changing treatment of spray on medicines that takes care of third degree burns that is unique and it’s innovative. He travels all over the country and all over the world certifying burn units and giving advice. He truly is a lifesaver and has been recognized with multiple awards for his research and his teaching, while also contributing to regional and national boards and healthcare. His work on advancing burn care technology and disaster preparation reflects his deep commitment to improving patient outcomes and training future professionals in the medical field.”
The graduate of R.H. Watkins High School in Laurel graduated from JCJC in 1997, where his passion for the medical sciences and compassionate approach to human wellness blossomed. Carter continued his education at Mississippi College and completed medical school first in his class at East Tennessee State University before completing a general surgery residency at Wake Forest University. Upon completion of three fellowships, Wake Forest University Research Fellowship in Medical Education, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Surgery Critical Care/Trauma Fellowship, and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Burn Fellowship, he returned to Wake Forest where he practiced for five years before moving to New Orleans and starting the Burn Center at the University Medical Center. He is currently serving as the associate medical director of the burn center, director of surgical education for the department of surgery, and medical director for the Center for Experiential Learning.
“If you’re burned, you look and feel different. Skin is one thing that combines us all and divides us all. When it is altered or injured, it doesn’t function the same and it doesn’t look the same. It makes us feel different about ourselves. So, if I can help somebody change that to where it will function normally and it will look more like what they want it to look like, it helps them be part of the community that they want to be and helps them be the person they want to be. It’s very rewarding. Truthfully, it takes a team. I can’t do the work I do without incredible nurses, therapists and others. I have great partners I work with, and it does require a lot of humility and courage,” said Carter.
While serving on multiple health-related boards regionally and nationally, Carter has been recognized with numerous teaching and research awards including the ABA Moyer Award. He is a national faculty for the ABA Advanced Burn Life Support course and the course director for the Advanced Burn Provider course. In April, Dr. Carter will serve as the youngest President of the American Burn Association.
“Jones had a huge impact not only in mathematics and being able to become a math teacher and teach in Jackson, but also in science, before going into medicine. In fact, I still quote things that I learned from my zoology professor here and when I am on rounds with my students and residents,” shared Carter. “I really have to thank my calculus teacher too. She encouraged me to apply for a scholarship to Mississippi College, they only gave two of them out a year, and fortunately, it helped cover all of my expenses. Also, it was so much easier taking organic chemistry here and being able to ask simple questions and get answers rather than being thrust into a classroom of 100 or 200 people where you really aren’t going to get that personal touch.”
Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were also honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year” accolades for their success on their HGTV show, Home Town and the two spin off shows which inspired the revitalization of home towns across America in addition to being successful entrepreneurs. They have built several thriving businesses in Laurel, including the Laurel Mercantile Company and the Scotsman Co. to name a few.
“We are so honored. We love Jones. This is home for us,” Ben shared with the audience at the Homecoming Alumni Luncheon. “It always will be and we’re so honored. Thank you so, so much.”
Their many business and personal ventures reflect their passion for craftsmanship, community, and beauty, as they collaborated and partnered with their friends on numerous projects.
“In 2023, they also launched a non-profit organization called OSPREY which encourages the delay of social media in children as they researched the impact of social media use during childhood. The couple hopes the delay will allow kids to foster deeper connections and creativity with the world around them,” shared Smith.
Business owners, author and illustrator, and active members of their hometown, Ben and Erin Napier met as part of a yearbook assignment at JC, in 2003. Aspirations of becoming a graphic designer was Erin’s dream via Flagler College in Florida. When she was waitlisted, living in the dorm at Jones College, changed her outlook.
“It was just the best experience of my life as a young adult. I liked it better than our time at Ole Miss, which I love Ole Miss, and I appreciate what I learned there. But this is where we had our real college experience and this is where we learned to be grownups,” shared Erin. “What was very frustrating as a transfer to Ole Miss, to be in the advanced BFA program, they didn’t accept transfers. I had to prove myself, show them the work I had done and what I was capable of, and they let me into the program. That speaks to Jones’ university level education. I was so proud.”
Ben shared he learned what he didn’t want to do professionally while at Jones. However, he did want to ensure everyone had fun, which is why he led every Student Government Association Committee from Fall Freeze to Spring Fever. The woodworker, author, entrepreneur and business owner, was also the past president of Laurel’s Main Street America chapter dedicated to promoting the rebirth of their historic downtown district. Both credit JC Yearbook advisor, Rebecca Patrick for their success on many levels.
“Year book is why we met and when I think of us meeting, she’s there like our momma watching. Also, Rebecca Patrick probably had the most influence over my current career of any teacher I ever had,” said Erin. “I recall they had to retake several yearbook photos because I was sitting like a donkey- those were her words. They snapped the picture, and she scolded me. Now we remember that when we take photos for People magazine, for instance.”
The two have been inseparable after meeting and deciding to marry six days later. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, Erin started her career in corporate graphic design before founding her own international stationery company, Lucky Luxe. Now, the couple focuses on their businesses, TV shows and family. Being named, Outstanding Alumni of the Year, the couple said is appreciated because Jones College is very special to them.
“I hope the reason we’re being given this award is because, if anything, all we ever wanted to do was put a very positive spotlight on Mississippi and show the world there’s a different story that pop culture hasn’t covered and that really started at Jones. That’s where we met, so the beginning of this whole worldwide phenomenon that is Home Town really begins at Jones. I really appreciate that y’all.”
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.
