ELLISVILLE – Jones College students flooded campus on the first day of fall semester classes. In fact, Executive Vice President, Dr. Finèe Ruffin is excited to report enrollment is up.
“Credit hour enrollment is up by 3.79 percent to 60,197 credit hours and the headcount or actual number of students on campus is up by 5.84 percent for a total of 4, 534 students,” said Ruffin.
Students entering Jones Hall were greeted with a bottle of free water and an invitation to the Baptist Student Union’s Welcome Weekend event. Many freshmen had mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety before attending their first classes.
“I’m a little excited but really I just want to get through this first day,” said Natalie Jones of Mendenhall.
Freshman from Raleigh, Anna Lauryn Grayson said she was a little surprised her first class was dismissed a little early and was looking forward to working on her Special Education major.
Sophomore Will Carlson of Hattiesburg said being in band helped him adjust to being back on campus and freshman Luke Westmoreland of Grenada said he’s ready to begin competing as a member of the tennis team.
Even some faculty members, like Social Science instructor, Stacy Ruth shared with her students that today was her last, first day of school as she plans to retire upon completion of her 32nd year of teaching.
While traditional classes began today (Monday, August 19), online and dual enrollment classes begin on Monday, August 26. For more information about how to apply go to the website, www.jcjc.edu
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 – The business hours of operation at Jones College have changed as of Monday, August 19, 2024. Office hours are now Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Friday, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“We are thrilled to announce extended operating hours at Jones College, which will provide our students with greater flexibility and accessibility to campus resources. By offering an additional 30 minutes each day to serve students and meet our class schedule demands, we are demonstrating our commitment to optimizing student support services. These changes reflect our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and enhancing their overall college experience,” said Executive Vice President, Dr. Finèe Ruffin.
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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.
ELLISVILLE – After two weeks of fine-tuning the musical and technical skills of the 180-member Jones College Typhoon Marching Band during band camp the first weeks of August, the band is eager to perform. The largest student organization on the Ellisville campus represents majors from every academic and technical program. Entertaining the crowds who gather to see the show continues to be the goal of every member of the Typhoon.
“I am very excited about this group!” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. “Each fall I say that I am proud and that they work really hard, but there is truly something very special about this group of young adults! They have been extremely focused, extraordinarily kind, and have gone above and beyond in each and every task.”
Percussionists, dancers, and the colorguard arrived in late July to begin their training along with the student leadership. Freshman drum majors, Elisa Cook of Meridian and Chaz Welborn of Ellisville joined sophomore drum majors Braden Yarber of Ellisville and Hannah Latham of Sandersville this season. These student leaders assisted Burge, Associate Band Directors, Dr. Lindsey Keay and Dr. Josh Frans and Touch of Gold Choreographer, Lora Davis and Colorguard/Winterguard Director, Meredith Owen when the remaining band members arrived for pre-season camp routine on August 6. Every note and show step will be mastered before debuting the first football game-halftime show in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field on Thursday, August 29. Bobcat fans will hear the traditional pregame show including the “JC Fight Song Fanfares,” the National Anthem, and other football stadium favorites like the “Hey Song” and the “JC Jam.” The Touch of Gold dance team will be featured during the pre-game show performing the Phil Collins pop hit, “Easy Lover.”
“Overall, I think the band students came in and were very productive,” said Lora Davis, the Touch of Gold Dance Choreographer for the last 33 years. “The dancers worked so well together, and we were able to knock out a lot of choreography. I’m always excited for alumni to see what each team brings to the field each season.”
The Typhoon will also debut a new look later this fall with newly designed uniforms reflecting the College’s new color launch, using cardinal, Vegas gold, and white colors. Additionally, the Touch of Gold and Colorguard will also be wearing custom costuming in the new color scheme.
“The students are very excited to perform in our new uniforms and I believe that the Jones Family will be very proud of the new look for the Typhoon in their new digs!” said Burge.
The halftime show production called, “Remix!” honors our campus slogan for the fall, “Embracing legacy, forging the future.” Musically, we are going to perform some of our favorite tunes from the last decade with selections from Daft Punk, Sheila E., Prince, and Lady Gaga. With one of the largest trumpet sections to march in JC history, the 27 trumpeters are putting out some serious sound.
“The band has had an incredible start to the fall with a camp full of fantastic work ethic, great attitudes, and excellent musicianship, despite the grueling heat conditions. We are so proud of what they have accomplished so far and are really looking forward to a fun and fulfilling season with our band family!” said Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Lindsey Keay.
Also, for the first time, Jones College will be hosting the USBANDS organization for the Southeastern Marching Showcase & Competition on Saturday, October 5, 2024. High School bands from throughout the Southeast will be on campus competing for regional accolades. The Typhoon will be the exhibition band at the event and will be working with Laurel High School to co-host this event.
“USBANDS has been fundamental in the promotion of the marching arts since 1988. Having them in south Mississippi and providing the expert level judging panel for our area students is really exciting,” said Burge. “This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to see regional high school musicians performing and executing remarkable shows.”
USBands has supported the development of scholastic performing ensembles through exceptional service, high quality adjudication and world class venues. Over the past 35 years, USBands has expanded to include thousands of bands in 150+ marching band, indoor and concert band events nationwide including local high school bands like South Jones in Ellisville, which has won first place in these competitions. For more information about this event or the Jones College Marching Band, email ben.burge@jcjc.edu or click on the link to the JC College of Art, Music and Performance, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/
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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.
ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2024 Summer Session honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.
President’s Honor RollSummer 2024
Clarke Stonewall: Ember Mixon.
Coahoma Clarksdale: Kenya R Johnson.
Covington Seminary: Kaleb Michael Harrell and Hannah Elizabeth Moore.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Jordan Andrew Johnson, Damian Lea, Hartmann Anderson Marblewright and Kami Anne Moler.
Forrest Petal: Kevin James Smith.
Greene Leakesville: Jessie Vander Highsmith and Cameron Scott Williams.
Jasper Bay Springs: William Matthew Brasfield.
Jasper Laurel: Polly Leaann Myrick .
Jasper Stringer: Emily Gracyn McCallum.
Jones Ellisville: Nartasha Monae Johnson, Jesse Daniel McDonald and Christopher Isaac Walters.
Jones Laurel: Tayler Holifield, Carter Mason Jones, Kinsley Paige Melton, Jaqueline Mendez, Laken Mary Minchew, Joey Allen Taylor and Jordan Haley Thurman.
Jones Ovett: Wyatt Cole Bullock.
Jones Seminary: Sam G Griffith.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Conner Omari Davis and Lawrenette Shirrae Oatis.
Marion Foxworth: Hunter Anthony Ford.
Perry Beaumont: Braxton Tyler Lott.
Perry Richton: Jacob Andrew Herring.
Smith Bay Springs: Eli Kevin Raby.
Smith Raleigh: Thakarius Jaquaveon Smith.
Wayne Clara: Daxton Wayne West.
Wayne Waynesboro: Lottie Idell Boyles, Mason C Coxwell, Tyler G Freeman and Patricia M Gandy.
Dean’s List Honor RollSummer 2024
Forrest Hattiesburg: Jacob David Farmer.
Forrest Petal: Brighton Brooke Hutchinson, Justin Wayne Jones and Dane Michael McCormick.
Greene Leakesville: Daphne L Highsmith and Dawson Craig Hobby.
Greene Richton: Andrew D Lott.
Harrison D’Iberville: Tristian Jean Hall.
Harrison Gulfport: Shelby Leighanne Duckworth.
Jasper Bay Springs: Mallory Rose Avary.
Jasper Laurel: Alley Payton Gunter.
Jasper Louin: Jackson Rex Brown.
Jones Ellisville: Amber Lynn Bolton, Jimmy Lee Brownlee, Caroline Grace Strange and Calista Dynisha Walters.
Jones Laurel: Coley Clayton Clark, Ian Alexander Marks, Dejarris Levell Page and Jeremy Pineda.
Jones Ovett: Hunter Garrett Pulliam.
Lamar Sumrall: Brannan Davis Jorns.
Smith Mize: Tymber Brooke Eubanks.
Smith Morton: Chandler Blake Wade.
Smith Mount Olive: Paula D Harvey.
Smith Taylorsville: Stephanie Renee Hall.
Wayne Laurel: Monica Nicole Doherty.
Wayne Waynesboro: Shaniya Tyriel Evans and Brianna A Williams.
Faculty List Honor RollSummer 2024
Clarke Enterprise: Rachael Allen Benefield.
Clarke Pachuta: Olivia L Conerty.
Clarke Shubuta: Hunter Joseph Burke.
Covington Collins: Jaqura Beyonce’ McDonald, Aquashus Lakyla Pope, John Mitchell Rogers and Annalee C Stringer.
Covington Mount Olive: Chelsey L Booth, Kayla Margarette Howell and Jikei S Thompson.
Covington Seminary: Lillian K Norris and Susannah Faythe Walters.
Forrest Petal: Derek Johnathan Blades, Ethan Andrew Gerlach and Kalla E Yates.
Greene State Line: Cierra Jaquez Ward.
Jasper Bay Springs: Essie Lynn Susano.
Jasper Heidelberg: Kydrekia Nicole Graves.
Jasper Louin: Hannah Grace Fries, Shatara M Keyes, Megan Gable Phillips and Kataya Yahna Shipp.
Jasper Stringer: Caleb Levi Jenkins.
Jones Ellisville: Evan Mikael Nix and Kayla Lynn Purvis.
Jones Heidelberg: Haley Madison Gilman.
Jones Laurel: Magan Lindsi Arnold, Joshua Thomas Dean, Emily Ann Hill, Alesia Danielle King, Bobby Dale Martin, Micah Montez McSwain and Ashley M Page.
Jones Moselle: Katie Malynn Smith.
Jones Taylorsville: Haley Brianna Clark.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Nicholas Drake Singleterry.
Lincoln Greenville: Inari Danielle Reed.
Marion Columbia: Theresa R McHenry.
Neshoba Philadelphia: Lindasee Kakayana Little.
Perry Richton: Sydney Leighanne Conway.
Rankin Florence: Gabrielle Lerandra Batton and Deamberleye E Rankin.
Smith Louin: Emerald Rose Green.
Smith Mize: Melissa Hosey Hughes and Breanna Nichole Stephens.
Smith Raleigh: Erica A Ate, Tasjane’ Laila Jones and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.
Smith Taylorsville: Heather Ladawn Hester and Effie Rawls Klein.
Tippah Ripley: Julia May Gable.
Wayne State Line: Imaya Eileen Binder, Connor Jordan Foret and Myeisha Rekay Lang.
Wayne Waynesboro: Brenna Dixon and Jomeria Elese McDougle.
ELLISVILLE– For some of the approximately 150 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at Jones College over the last year, the Commencement Ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at Jones College recently was also celebrated as a lifetime achievement and historical moment. Daniel “Ryan” Hampton, the 40-year-old father of 18-year-old Adrienne “A.J.” Hampton of Mize walked across the stage together with diplomas in hand after numerous unsuccessful attempts, “life’s” challenges and medical issues.
“My dad inspired me to go back to school,” shared A.J. “I wasn’t even going to finish. I was just going to get a job and do what he had done; get a job, work hard and get through life. But I wanted a high school education and the college experience. I wanted to be able to say I did it because everyone told me I couldn’t.”
That external challenge by A.J. is what also pushed her dad to go back to school and get his HSE diploma.
“I got tired of her saying, ‘You didn’t get your diploma so why should I?’” shared Ryan. “I also had a neck and hand injury at work and began to realize I may be confined to a wheelchair and without my education, I may not have a job.”
Moreover, Ryan credits his HSE teacher, Terica Chapman at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs for inspiring him to keep going and keep moving.
“Everybody at Jones College’s Jasper County Center was fantastic about encouraging us and they just kept me uplifted, kept me going forward, and I never let it get in my head,” Ryan explained. “Being an adult, you’ve lived life, so now you know not to let things get in your head anymore because you know it’s the enemy trying to defeat you, to destroy everything within you and you know, being a child of God, the Lord helped me through this. You can ask Miss Chapman. I prayed at every test, even practice tests.”
Leakesville’s Ian Stowers also proudly earned his HSE diploma after some challenges in high school which forced him to be homeschooled. After passing his HSE, the 18-year-old Stowers pursued the workforce electrical program at the Greene County Center in Leakesville.
“I took the Smart Start program and got paid to come to school along with a certificate to help get a job,” said Stowers. “In August, I’m going into the electrician program and earn my associates degree and become an electrician.”
Earning a diploma has impacted the future of Stowers and the Hampton’s lives, just like seeing Jones County and Youth Judge Wayne Thompson’s parents’ diplomas impacted him and his brother growing up. As the Keynote speaker for the HSE Commencement, Judge Thompson explained that his parents dropped out of high school to get married, and his father went to work on a chicken farm. The elder Thompson realized later, a high school degree would be necessary to go into the ministry and Mrs. Thompson would have to get a job. Years later, when they both earned their degrees, Judge Thompson shared the diplomas hanging on the wall always made him think about his future.
“Seeing those diplomas did things to me that words never could. It inspired me because your diploma is not just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of determination and of hope and endless possibilities.” Thompson emphasized. “Look at it. Let it remind you of what can be achieved in this good life we have. Understand that success is not in the one-size-fits-all concept. It’s not about just titles and salaries, material possessions. True success lies in finding purpose, making a positive impact and living authentically. You must define what success means to you and don’t be afraid to sacrifice for it. Looking at my dad’s diplomas growing up would inspire me and my brother to go further in education. I’d go off to law school, he’d go off to medical school. He’d become a vascular surgeon. I’d practice law. My brother’s and my future changed when two teenagers almost 50 years ago decided that they were going to be different and not settle.”
Also determined to make a difference in her two-year old daughter’s life was Phaylon Gandy of Laurel. The 18-year-old said, “The math test was quite the challenge, but I did it for my daughter and my father. They inspired me and motivated me to earn my diploma.”
Eight students with the highest average score on their HSE test at each of the HSE centers in the Jones College eight-county district were awarded scholarships. Jones County’s Portia Jefcoat of Soso learned she was one of the recipients and the recipient of the only Academic Distinction Scholarship for scoring 25-28 on the ACT.
“A scholarship would fund everything for me. It would be a lot of help in my journey to be a cosmetologist,” said an excited Jefcoat. “Today is a big accomplishment for me. My very first big accomplishment, and it’s going to be a big boost, hopefully for my education in my future.”
Also earning the full-tuition scholarship for two semesters are Covington County’s Marissa Evans of Seminary, Clarke County’s Alareia Smith of Shubuta, Greene County’s Grace Dickerson of Leakesville, Perry County’s Faith Cooley of Richton, Smith County’s Kendaysha Keys of Raleigh, Wayne County’s Angel Ruppel of Waynesboro and Jasper County’s Olivia Conerty of Pachuta, who also earned the Overall High Scorer Scholarship.
“It will make a world of difference to me because I don’t have very much money and my family doesn’t have much money,” said the 16-year-old Conerty who wants to be a lawyer. “We work very hard to get what we have. Right now, getting a scholarship for Jones College to complete my education here would be incredible!”
Ten additional ACT scholarships were announced during the ceremony including Elliot Sholtz of Moselle and Faith Cooley of Richton who each earned an Academic Achievement ACT Scholarship. Rising Excellence ACT Scholarships were awarded to Isabelle Beasley of Ellisville, Kaden Bradley of Ellisville, Memoree Hawk of Laurel, Eli Massey of Moselle, Wyatt Phillips of Bay Springs, Marissa Rogers of Ellisville, and Sarah Jo Rogers of Ellisville.
Director of Integrated Pathways at Jones College, Wendy Evans commended the students for their hard work in not only earning their diplomas but also for earning nearly $75,000 in scholarships. Many of these new HSE grads are still enrolling for college and could earn more scholarships. Even though Kristopher Lee of Hattiesburg didn’t earn a scholarship, the 28-year-old said he is proud he now has his HSE diploma.
“I earned an Occupational Diploma in 2014 but I came back to school because I really wanted my HSE diploma,” explained Lee. “Now that I have this diploma, I can go out and conquer the world as a nurse! I start classes August 19th at Jones College!”
Regardless of the situation that kept these graduates from earning their High School diplomas, Evans is proud of each of them for their accomplishments. With the most HSE graduates celebrating this summer since the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, Evans said the HSE Class of 2023-2024 will always be a little more special to her.
“Each of you has demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience throughout your journey to earning your High School Equivalency diploma. Your commitment to education and personal growth has been truly inspiring, and today we celebrate your accomplishments with great admiration. Behind every successful graduate stands a team of dedicated educators and staff members who have worked tirelessly to support and guide each of you,” said Evans. “Congratulations for doing a great job in reaching this goal!”
The HSE classes are free of charge at Jones College and most tests costs can be covered by grant money. Supportive teachers and counselors at each of the Jones College Centers where HSE classes are taught can help students determine the best pathway for their success for little to no expense. For more information about the Adult Education programs offered at Jones College click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/adult-learning/
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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.