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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.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded 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.” Michael and Katye Howard of Ellisville received the Distinguished Service Award and Dr. Larry Guthrie, a native of Bullock County, Alabama and current Watkinsville, Georgia, was recognized as the “Legacy Award” recipient.

“It gives us great honor and pleasure to recognize these remarkable achievements and the success of our alumni, across a diverse array of fields, who have embodied the values and the excellence that Jones College represents,” President of Jones College, Dr. Jesse Smith said at the Alumni Luncheon during Homecoming festivities. “Their contributions to their communities have led to a lasting legacy for future generations and their accomplishments describe our motto inspiring greatness, perfectly.”

The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of Jones College who has illustrated over the years continued support with consistent contributions as well as someone who has made an impact in their field of study to honor the college. For the last five decades, Dr. Larry D. Guthrie’s pursuit of academic excellence and research in the dairy industry has had a far-reaching impact on the dairy products we enjoy at a reasonable price, Smith acknowledged before an audience of alumni and friends during the Homecoming Alumni Luncheon. His lifetime commitment to the industry and his exceptional service to his community has honored the college, earning the 84-year-old the Legacy Award.

“I won’t even say this (Legacy Award) was a dream come true because I’ve never had this as a dream. Thank you and God bless,” Guthrie shared. “More importantly, I want to give credit where credit is due. Rachel, my wife and my family gave me the liberty to do what God had called me to do. God didn’t reveal it all at one time, and that’s what he does. He gives you a little bit of what you’re able to do with the time, and the confidence to handle those situations. Looking back, you don’t know that at the time either. You just have to trust him and keep plowing on.”

Guthrie’s determination to get an education in Mississippi led him to hitchhike from his hometown in Bullock County Alabama to where he had two cousins who played for Holmes Junior College in the 1950s, but he heard Hinds Junior College may have a football scholarship for him. He was offered a partial scholarship from the football coach, however, when a family friend, and Jones Junior College Board of Trustees member, Shelby Shows heard of the offer, he insisted that he try-out at Jones. After a close call of being cut, Guthrie earned a full-tuition scholarship and what he calls the catalyst to his football success, and offers to McNeese State College, which led to LSU and meeting his wife at JC.

“I was playing football and was able to maintain a ‘B’ average. I wasn’t an ‘A’ student, but the quality education and foundation right here at Jones Junior College prepared me for McNeese and McNeese followed through and prepared me for Auburn University, and Auburn University prepared me for LSU, and LSU prepared me for the world. I’ve also been to several countries to share my experience. I’ve been blessed, because if it had not been for Jones Junior College, we wouldn’t be having this meeting today,” explained Guthrie.

He began his education in 1957 at Jones Junior College on a football scholarship which earned him a football scholarship at McNeese State University. In 1960, he married Rachel Todd which he met at Jones. Guthrie graduated from McNeese in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Business. He began his graduate work at Auburn University, as a research assistant in the Dairy Science Department. After earning his master’s degree in Dairy Cattle Nutrition, the couple moved to Baton Rouge to join the LSU Dairy Science Department as a Research Associate and to earn his Ph.D. During his career, he pioneered the establishment of safe limits for feeding whole cottonseed to high-producing dairy cows with his research being published in the Journal of American Dairy Science, which led to more modifications in the dairy industry. Additionally, Dr. Guthrie collaborated with various international organizations including the U.S. Feeds Grains Council, Rockefeller Foundation and the U.S.D.A.

In 1997, he was awarded with several prestigious awards including the Agri Laval Dairy Extension Award. Upon retiring in 1999 from the University of Georgia, Guthrie was promoted to the rare title of, Professor Emeritus.

One of his most cherished recognitions happened after his retirement in 2005, when the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show’s Catalog was dedicated to him for his work in initiating the Dairy Heifer Show for 4H and FFA Youth. Furthermore, he was named “Honoree of the Year” in 2022, for his contributions to all 19 commodities the Georgia Farm Bureau represents.

ELLISVILLE – Several hundred superheroes, princesses and ghouls came out to have fun at the annual Jones College Treats in the Streets on the JC campus in Ellisville. Kids played games for treats in the booths set up by JC faculty and students as a way to give back to the community. Some children participated in the costume contests for babies through 12-years of age, with the winners of the creatively dressed kids receiving a variety of prizes from the JC Office of Student Affairs.

Jones College students who dressed and impressed the judges, received prizes for their efforts. The top four winners of the Costume Contest for JC students included judges giving an Honorable Mention to Quitman’s Da’Quasha Burnett for her costume, “Baby Oil.” Nathan Bower of Moselle earned third place for his likeness of the character Glenn Powell from the movie Twister. Second place went to the farmer and his animals with Parks Burt of Enterprise as the farmer with Callee Knotts of Soso, Lawsyn Rogers of Waynesboro, and Jennifer Diaz of Lucedale as chickens and a cow. First prize was awarded to Chaz Welborn of Ellisville for his costume, “Mr. Steam Punk Nobleman.”

Treats in the Streets is an annual, free, community event hosted by the Jones College with various student organizations, academic and technical divisions, and athletes setting up games and offering candy gifts.  

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s 2024 blood drive efforts earned the top three awards of all higher education institutions by the blood service, Vitalant for collecting the most units of blood during the year. At the Blood Drive Coordinator & Milestone Donors Awards Luncheon held in Hattiesburg recently, Jones College’s three donation sites, the Student Union & Thoms P.E. Building coordinated by Dr. Benji Sessums, the Industrial Services Center coordinated by Brad Harrison, and the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs coordinated by Lisa Hammons collected a total of 179 units of blood during two blood drives at each site. The college earned first, second and third place plaques of appreciation at the banquet, however, Harrison said this was actually like winning an Olympic Gold Medal.

“To me, this is like winning the Olympics or the Super Bowl because giving blood saves lives,” said Harrison. “Nothing else could be more important than helping your fellow man and it is rewarding to be able to help so many people by providing a service every fall and spring.”

Vitalant Account Manager, Michelle Anderson-Jones said Jones College is the only college in the state that has a tremendous number of donors who regularly give.

“Jones College is a life changing institution,” said Anderson-Jones. “They always find a way to take care of our community by not only providing excellent educational and vocational opportunities but by also fostering a generation of lifelong blood donors, year after year!”

Over the last 20 years, Jones College has hosted 173 blood drives and has collected 14,169 units of blood.

ELLISVILLE- Jones College art instructor, Mark Brown revealed the two traveling trophies he was commissioned to create for Laurel Main Street’s new event, “Wing Wars” with his sophomore art sculpture students getting a lesson in the unique style of 3D art. With chicken cooking related objects he found, like tongs, whisks and spatulas, mixed with some paper mâché’ using vintage newspapers, chicken wire and Brown’s creative knack for making art out of various items, the traveling trophies for the chicken wing cooking competition, sponsored by Wayne-Sanderson Farms were revealed before sponsors amidst praise.

“We’ve got some cool trophies that travel for all the Laurel Main Street’s other cook-off events, and we were trying to look for something a little bit different,” said Wayne-Sanderson Farms Communications Specialist, Marissa Landon. “Mark actually did a sculpture for us and it’s sitting in the Wayne-Sanderson Farms lobby. He made a sculpture out of chicken house parts after (Hurricane) Katrina and when I saw that sculpture, I knew that’s what I wanted for this cooking event.”

After that summer meeting with Landon to discuss the project and the Wing Wars event, Brown spent about 30 hours actually constructing the two trophies, and about the same amount of time looking for interesting pieces to use.

“It’s an honor, first of all, and I love doing things for the community,” said Brown. “I believe, and I try to demonstrate this for students, how important it is to get out in the community and be active in whatever role that might be. So, I was very honored that Laurel Main Street and Wayne-Sanderson Farms asked me to do this project.”

During the creative process, Brown decided to use the opportunity to inspire his students as it came time to work on their found object art projects. The sophomores learned creating 3D found object art was a true hands-on lesson.

“Mr. Brown was very clever at creating those chicken trophies! I like how he used random objects that go together and turned it into something. I really liked seeing the newspaper with ‘Lunch’ on the side of the chicken, which made me a little hungry this close to lunchtime,” said Precious Perkins of Laurel.

Some of his students were also intrigued by how Brown approached the art found object project with very little planning.

“He taught me that sometimes we overthink stuff and it’s really just a simple process to make art. I learned not to overthink and sometimes simple, is more,” said Zykeria Coleman of Laurel.

Getting out of her comfort zone with this found object art lesson, Lillian Barnett said she was amazed by how trash can become a masterpiece.

“I’ve never done anything like this before and it taught me, anything can be art. You can take nothing and make it into something. I have a new perspective on how I look at the trash on the floor now,” said Barnett.

Also collaborating on the Wing Wars chicken trophy project was the Scotsman Co. who made the wood trophy bases. Jones College’s culinary art students will additionally have two teams competing thanks to Magnolia State Bank who is sponsoring the student teams for the November 9, competition in downtown Laurel.

“Laurel Main Street encompasses a little bit of everything,” said Director of Laurel Main Street, Caroline Burks. “We are the ‘welcome mat’ for visitors to downtown and we try to be the economic engine for downtown, where our businesses are champions. We wear a lot of hats, but this is just one manifestation of us trying to do all those things rolled into one and we’re very excited to partner with Wayne-Sanderson Farms and Jones College. It’s also wonderful to see all the community participating in this new event.”

More information about the Wing Wars chicken wings cook-off can be found at the website, https://laurelmainstreet.com/pages/signature-events