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ELLISVILLE – According to the Mississippi Community College Board’s statewide-enrollment report, Jones College had the most significant growth in student headcount since the Fall of 2011, with 4,995 students reporting on the 10th day of classes. The report shows Jones College had a 10.4 percent increase in student headcount from fall semester 2023 to 2024, compared to the state’s 14 other community colleges. Additionally, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Dr. Finèe Ruffin, said the report also shows Jones College had the highest semester credit hours in a fall term since the Fall of 2020.

“This achievement is a direct result of our dedicated faculty and staff, who are committed to providing exceptional experiences. By fostering a student-centered campus environment, we have been able to attract and retain students,” said Ruffin. “Our team has been relentless in exploring and implementing innovative strategies to promote growth. This year’s record-breaking enrollment is a testament to the effectiveness of our efforts. By focusing on initiatives that address the specific needs of our students, we are creating a more accessible pathway to educational and career success,” said Ruffin.

The largest increases in enrollment at 12.73 percent, are in the Career and Technical Education programs with 17 of the 31 CTE programs being completely full at Jones College. The biggest increase of all of the CTE programs at 26 percent can be found in the Industrial Services programs like welding, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, diesel mechanics and the utility lineman programs.

“We attribute a lot of this to the fact the spotlight has been on career and technical trades nationwide and the impact of the skills gap in this country and in the state. More people are seeing value in career and technical education and are enrolling in more programs,” said Vice President of Instruction, Rod Tolbert.

A lot more students are opting for career paths that have not traditionally been spotlighted nationally and are in demand according to Tolbert. Partnerships with our district high schools have also been instrumental in driving enrollment success stated Ruffin.

“Together, we have worked tirelessly to create innovative programs and streamline the transition from high school to college, making higher education more accessible to students from all backgrounds. We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our students, their families, and the community. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to providing a world-class education that prepares our graduates for success.”

The MCCB’s statewide enrollment report also shows that the statewide Community College system’s enrollment headcount average is up by 2.4 percent from fall 2023 with the total statewide enrollment headcount at 67,547 students enrolled. With increases in students, the Community College’s statewide average in the number of credit hours being taken from fall 2023 to now, is also up by 2.1 percent with 830,235 credit hours.

As more people are being trained for skilled jobs in addition to the increased number of academic courses completed, lifetime salaries are more likely to improve according to the Community College President’s findings in the Mississippi Community College Return on Investment Report in 2020.

Registration for the spring semester classes begins on October 10, at Jones College with classes beginning on Monday, January 13, 2025. The Spring 2025 Mississippi Virtual Community College online, eight-week short-term classes, and Dual Enrollment classes begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. For more information on enrolling in courses at Jones College click on the website and learn how to become a student, https://www.jcjc.edu/

ELLISVILLE – Plans are underway to make Homecoming at Jones College a spectacular event this year with gatherings honoring the 50th reunion for the JCJC Class of 1974, and the 60th reunion for the Ellisville High School Class of 1964, along with the 1979 Championship Football Team and 10 Honor Alumni.

The weekend of activities will incorporate the Homecoming theme, “The Golden Era” beginning with Jones College students and faculty constructing floats on Monday, October 14, then a “Jones Got Talent” Show showcasing student talent will happen on Tuesday, October 15, outside on Centennial Plaza at 7 p.m., then the JC Jazz Band and Jones OnStage will entertain everyone on Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. On Thursday, October 17, at @7 p.m., the Homecoming Glow Pep Rally will be held at Centennial Plaza. The “Glow Pep Rally” is sponsored by the Student Government Association and will provide glow-necklaces and glow-sticks for everyone in attendance. This event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

The 60th reunion for the Ellisville High School Class of 1964 will take place on Friday, October 18, in the C.L. Neill Student Center Banquet Hall. Class members are encouraged to meet and greet from 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Contact Jo Anna Newcomb in the Alumni Office for more information by calling 601-477-4145.

Homecoming Day, Saturday, October 19, will be a day filled with numerous activities and fun for all ages. Events will begin at 9 a.m. with a brunch for alumni and friends on the front lawn of the Terrell Tisdale Library. Members of the JCJC 1974 class will need to come by the JC Alumni Association table and check in during the brunch.

At 10 a.m. the Homecoming Parade will wind through the streets of Ellisville and the campus beginning at the Terrell Tisdale Library and will end outside of the M.P. Bush Fine Arts building on Bush Drive. The parade features floats made by the student body incorporating the theme, as well as the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, JC cheerleaders, Touch of Gold, and of course, the 2024 Homecoming Queen and her court.

At 11 a.m. following the parade, the public is also invited to join the Jones family for a pep rally in front of the C.L. Neill Student Center, Centennial Plaza. At 11:30 a.m. the JCJC Alumni Luncheon will be held in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium.  During this luncheon, the JC Honor Alumni, Hans Van Houten, Sawyer Taylor, Dr. Reyn Clark, Dr. Ben Stevens, Michael and Katye Howard, Dr. Jeffrey Carter, Ben and Erin Napier and Dr. Larry Guthrie will be recognized. Additionally, the JC Homecoming Court, and the members of the 50th Year Reunion for the Class of 1974 will be honored. Reservations for the luncheon can be made through the Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145 or by emailing, jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu or the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/events/

“Tailgating under the Tents” will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the North Endzone of Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field for the Bobcat Club and the 1979 Championship Football Team.

The Homecoming pre-game festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with the marching band’s pre-game show in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. The game against East Central Community College will begin at 2 p.m. 

Before the 2^nd quarter, the 2024 Honor Alumni will be recognized and during halftime, the Homecoming Court will be presented with the crowning of the 2024 Homecoming Queen, Shaniyah Turner before the Typhoon Marching Band and Touch of Gold perform. The festivities will end with the announcement of Mr. and Miss JC before the 4^th quarter. For more information call the Foundation and Alumni Office at 477-4145 or email jcjcalumniinfo@jcjc.edu

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s sophomore students in the Electrical Technology and Information Systems Technology programs had the opportunity to meet with Sunrise Networking Solutions Inc. (SNS) representatives recently at the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center. The Specialty Contractor headquartered in Ocean Springs and providing services globally, specializes in Electrical, Electronic Security, and Communications, and fulfills contract work for the Department of Defense. About 40 students heard from SNS Vice President of Business Development & Pre-Construction, Richard Harvey, RTPM, and SNS Underground Construction Project Manager, Jesse Radcliff about some of the company’s recent projects and the technology they are using in the field. Radcliff demonstrated Air-Blown Fiber Optic threading as one of the newest advances in fiber optic installation and discussed the demand for fiber optic technicians, especially in the telecommunications industry.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s food service partner, Sodexo, kicked off a district-wide “Cooking for a Cause” competition as part of Hunger Action Month. In addition to having fun spotlighting Food Insecurity amongst college students, funds were raised to support the college’s food pantry. Jones College’s Chef, Andy Wu and East Mississippi Community College’s Chef, Dwayne Brown were each asked to pick three items from a list of common food pantry items and create a dish. Chef Wu prepared a creamy corn sauce over salmon croquettes and smoked gouda cheese grits with honey bun bread pudding for dessert while Chef Brown fixed chicken and sausage jambalaya and a strawberry and blueberry cobbler. Jones College cafeteria patrons voted decisively, 105 to 27 for Chef Wu’s creation.

“I really love the flavor and the meat in the jambalaya was really good and the salmon croquette patty tasted really good too,” shared freshman Addy Shorter from Oxford.

A lot of students had a hard time voting between the two meals but there was no doubt everyone enjoyed their lunch in the cafeteria while also learning about resources on campus to ease hunger.

“So, this was actually pretty neat having a cooking competition. I didn’t know what to expect from either chef, but they were both really good meals,” said sophomore from Magee, Daniel Baldwin. “A lot of people don’t know what’s going on outside of their own personal ‘bubbles’ sometimes. I think this is also good for raising awareness and it’s a creative way to do it because I mean, everyone likes to eat here at Jones.”

Besides bragging rights, Jones College’s Chef, Andy Wu took home the trophy for Best Meal created from items found in the Bobcat Food Pantry and voted on by patrons. The JC food service, Sodexo, also donated 300 meal vouchers and $300 in food to the Bobcat Food Pantry.

“Food insecurity is a big issue that affects a lot of college students, and it’s only gotten worse since the COVID Pandemic, so we want to bring awareness not only to the students, but also to let them know about the resources that are available to them on campus, like the Bobcat Pantry,” explained Sodexo’s Campus District Dietitian, Abbey LeBoeuf, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC.

The data found in the August 2023, Inside Higher Education’s story, “For First Time, U.S. Releases Data on Student Basic Needs” discussed the rising rates of homelessness and hunger amongst college students. With access to the cafeteria, a student union with food stations, snack machines and coffee shops located throughout the Jones College campus, many students were surprised to learn that an estimated 31 percent to 55 percent of all college students are food insecure. Some Jones College students make regular visits to the campus’ Bobcat Pantry to get food items and hygiene products, which solely depends on donations.

“These donations from Sodexo will help students you would not guess need a little help now and again,” said Food Pantry Manager, Kristen Register who also works in the Campus Clinic. ‘The Cooking for a Cause’ event was a fun way to raise awareness of the growing needs of students. We appreciate any assistance, and it is always needed.”

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – Every fall and spring, Jones College’s annual blood drives fill the needs of the community and statewide but this year the need is critical. Vitalant’s Michelle Anderson-Jones said donations are down 30 percent since May and all types of blood are needed but O positive and negative are in greatest demand to help trauma patients, and others with cancer to newborn babies.

“When we come to Jones College, we know we’re going to have a great day because the students and employees turn out,” said Anderson-Jones. “With two hours left today (Monday) on the first of the three-day drive, we have exceeded our goal of 27 with 30!”

At the end of the first day of the drive on Monday, 41 units of blood were collected thanks in part to people like William Partridge. The part-time student, and adjunct Jones College HVAC instructor and maintenance employee, Partridge has a special reason for donating every time there is a blood drive.

“I’ve spent eight years in the Marine Corps and a lot of my friends that I was overseas with were in situations where they needed blood. So, this is kind of my way to give back and make sure that no one goes without,” said Partridge.

Also a regular at the blood drive was freshman Jones College student from Seminary, Cooper Norris. Since he was a senior in high school, Norris has been giving every time they allow. Giving for the first time, was freshman McKenzie West of Ellisville.

“I’ve always wanted to give like my mom. Now that I’ve met the requirements, I thought I would try,” said West.

The Fall Blood Drive will continue on the Jones College campus through Wednesday, September 18, by the C.L. Neill Student Center and between the A.B. Howard Gymnasium in the Mobile Unit. Donations will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The public, as well as the JC community is invited to participate by making an appointment on the Vitalant website, https://donors.vitalant.org/

The overall goal for the three-days is 105 units of blood. To encourage donations, T-shirts will be given to all donors and Door Prizes will be available all three days for donors during random drawings.