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ELLISVILLE– After nearly four years since the Covid-19 Pandemic spread around the globe, its impact can still be felt in the nursing profession. Easing the shortage slightly will be the 25 graduates of Jones College’s Practical Nursing program that were recently pinned after completing the year-long rigorous program. Even though nearly 100 or more practical nursing students graduate annually from Jones College’s programs, hospitals and medical facilities are having a hard time keeping nursing staff. JC’s Practical Nursing Program Director, Amy Myers explained when Covid hit, the pandemic caused a lot of experienced nurses to leave the profession which exacerbated the nursing shortage the profession was already experiencing.

“We’re still trying to play catch up even though things have improved,” said Myers. “Being a nurse is a big responsibility and one of the more difficult disciplines because you literally have lives in your hands. I feel like through these students, I have touched more lives than I ever would have at the bedside.”

Becoming a nurse is not an easy journey, according to Jordan Thurman of Laurel who began the nursing program in 2020. While working full time as an E.R. tech, Covid hit, and classes were switched to an online format.

“I am not an online learner so that was a really big struggle and then I ended up failing and it was super discouraging. I didn’t think I was going to go back because I couldn’t get over the fact I didn’t pass,” shared Thurman. “I took time for myself, had a mental break and I’m back and graduating.”

In fact, Thurman earned the Rising Star Award which is one of only three honors given to students at the Pinning and Completion Ceremony. She was recognized for her continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting in addition to her positive attitude and perseverance which has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. Derayvia Bell of Hattiesburg also endured difficulties completing the nursing program. Her journey started in 2021 in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Jones College.

“I failed twice, and I was devastated. That was the hardest part, but I had a great support system, and I was able to get back up,” shared Bell. “I got accepted into the Practical Nursing program in January and it has not been smooth sailing; the process was difficult to overcome but I did it! God had a plan, and I am happy to be here!”

With her diploma in hand, Bell has a job lined up at the Dialysis Clinic in Hattiesburg after she passes the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. However, she also plans to return to school to become an E.R. nurse after she earns her Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

“I have waited for this day for a very long time and it’s finally here. I am so excited!” said Bell.

Also excited to begin his career in nursing is Connor Foret of Waynesboro. He is following in his parents’ footsteps and will work at Wayne General Hospital. His parents have been working there since they graduated from the nursing program at Jones College.

“My dad is an E.R. nurse and my mother is a home health nurse. She goes around Laurel and helps people and takes care of them,” explained Foret. “I’ve always liked to help people and I just thought this could be the best way that I could do that. It feels really good to know I’m helping the people in my community and just to give something back to the community.”

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award, which was awarded to Kami Moler of Hattiesburg for having the highest overall average and Mercedes Charleston of Hattiesburg was honored with the Florence Nightingale Award because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing. All 25 students recited the Practical Nurses’ Pledge and participated in the Lighting of the Lamp Ceremony which commemorates the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale’s use of an oil lamp to assist in caring for the wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. For more information about Jones College’s Practical Nursing Programs, click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

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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 (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.

ELLISVILLE– Seventeen students completed the Cosmetology Program at Jones College and were honored with a special completion ceremony. During the ceremony, Emma Cockrell of Magee was named class Valedictorian and Stringer’s Hailey Jones was named Salutatorian. Earning diplomas were Emma Cockerell-Magee; Hailey Jones-Stringer; Pacey Baucum-Laurel; Jenna Bryant-Hattiesburg; Christopher Coleman-Shubuta; Breanna Gamble-Laurel; Avery Hamm-Soso; Karah Henderson-Petal; Ja’Kera Hill-Ellisville; Taylor Lawrence-Moselle; McKenzie Lee-Ellisville; Karoline Martin-Mendenhall; Ava Moore-Madison; Naomi Thompson-Hattiesburg; Lanie Undegraff-Petal; Anna Vaughn-Florence and Kyra Woullard-Collins.

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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 (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

ELLISVILLE–Twelve students recently completed the paramedic program at Jones college with three students being recognized with special honors. Kayla Howell of Collins was honored with the EMS Character of the Year Award and Josh Melton of Lamar County had the highest average, earning the Academic Student of the Year Award. Mike Slemensky of Hattiesburg was awarded the Clinical Student of the Year Award.

The Emergency Medical Technology course is a 1200-hour program in which the student spends over a year in the classroom, area hospitals, and field internships preparing to care for patients. Prior to entering the program, all of these students were employed as emergency medical technicians and continued working while learning the advanced paramedic training at Jones College. These students will now sit for the National Registry certification examination in order to begin their practice and then begin serving their communities at the highest level of EMS training. 

Paramedic Graduates 2024

Lottie Boyles-Laurel

Monica Doherty- Waynesboro

Jacob Farmer- Hattiesburg

Madison Gandy- Waynesboro

Kayla Howell- Collins

Hartmann Marble-Wright- Hattiesburg

Dane McCormick- Perry County

Josh Melton- Lamar County

Brooke Moore- Laurel

Nicole Palmer- Collins

Mar’Quavious Porter- Ruth

Mike Slemensky- Hattiesburg

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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 (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.

ELLISVILLE– The second class of Jones College’s Practical Nursing graduates that earned their degrees at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs recently received their professional pins at a ceremony held at the Center. Amongst the graduates was Chelsey Booth of Hot Coffee, who began the Practical Nursing program with the first class but fell short.

“I didn’t make it by 2.1 points. I had sent out graduation invitations and everything! I really thought I was going to graduate last summer so I was really devastated,” shared Booth. “I have faith, so I didn’t quit. I just asked for strength to make it through the year because I had to sit out for a year before I could come back this summer and finish the course.”  

All summer, the 33-year-old former Sanderson Farms Childcare Center employee drove 42 minutes daily to class and work to finally achieve her “purpose” in life and become a nurse. Of course, Booth had to overcome several more obstacles before she would realize her dream.

“During Covid, I was praying for my purpose, and I saw myself saving someone in an emergency situation and that’s been my dream ever since,” shared Booth. “However, since I started nursing school again, my mom retired after 23 years from Landmark in Collins as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and my stepdad had a stroke. I lost my sister in 2014, leaving her 10-year-old, who I help care for, and I help financially support my family. It’s been challenging and I worked a lot to get here!”

Proudly, Booth joins the ranks of the nursing profession and is ready to begin working as a travel nurse, after getting some experience working in a nursing home facility.

“This year, I have learned the concepts and I understand the nursing process, instead of just studying to pass the test. Before, I didn’t really know how to study but I have retained the knowledge and I feel like it’s my time now,” said Booth.

Also celebrating with the 16 nurse graduates at the Pinning and Completion Ceremony was the new lead instructor at the Jasper County Center, Lisa Hammons. She completes her first-year teaching after serving in several nursing roles for the last 11 years.

“Completing this first year as a nursing educator has been one of the most rewarding and challenging nursing experiences,” said Hammons. “I have found so much joy in watching these students learn, grow, and succeed. I look forward to the incoming class of nursing students and pray that they will find the success that the class of 2024 has achieved.”

Part of Hammon’s mission as a nurse educator is to impact not only the patients receiving care but also the nursing profession on an even larger scale.

“I have witnessed firsthand the critical need for well trained, competent and skilled nurses. I felt that by continuing my bedside career, I would touch the lives of a few patients but by helping train the future of nursing, I was further extending my reach as a nurse,” said Hammons.

Earning special honors at the ceremony were three students. Linda’See Little of Scooba earned the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest average score in her class. Shatara Keyes of Louin received the Rising Star Award as the nurse who has shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting and her positive attitude and perseverance has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. The Florence Nightingale Award went to Effie Klein of Taylorsville because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing.

For more information about the Practical Nursing Program at Jones College, offered in Jasper and Wayne Counties and on the main campus in Ellisville, click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

Jasper County Center Practical Nursing Grads July 2024

Samantha Abbey, Stringer

Magan Arnold, Laurel

Erica Alyss Ates, Raleigh

Nicole Bolton, Bay Springs

Chelsey Booth, Hot Coffee

Brenna Dixon, Waynesboro

Tymber Eubanks, Mize  

Kydrekia Graves, Heidelberg  

Heather Hester, Taylorsville

Melissa Hughes, Mize

LaJada Johnson, Bay Springs

Shatara Keyes, Louin

Effie Rawls Klein, Taylorsville

Linda’See Little, Scooba  

Megan Phillips, Bay Springs

Kataya Shipp, Louin  

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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 SouthernAssociation 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.

ELLISVILLE– If you asked Terica Chapman, she’d say her passion is science. However, the High School Equivalency (HSE) instructor at Jones College’s Jasper County Center in Bay Springs is actually passionate about teaching. In her first year, she is proud to have 18 students which is the most in years to complete the program and earn their HSE diplomas.

“Jordyn Jones is a first-generation graduate that completed the program and enlisted in the Army. He is currently in Tampa, Florida, completing basic training. A father and daughter, Daniel and Adrienne Hampton also completed their HSE together within two weeks of each other and I’ve had students who are thriving that were bullied in school, and are now graduating,” shared Chapman. “I truly could not have had the success that I have had if it were not for Jasper County Center Dean Grant Crowder, the staff at the Jasper County Center, Integrated Pathways Director, Wendy Evans, and mentor teachers, Janet Tucker and Tammie Griffith. I am so proud of the progress that me and my students were able to make together this past year.”

Connecting with the science department on Jones College’s main campus in Ellisville has also helped her to bring learning to life. Assisting Chapman’s students to thrive in the classroom was Dean of Science and Technology, Eric Shows. He donated science equipment and specimens to create the first science lab at the Jasper County Center, allowing Chapman to provide more hands-on lessons.

“I have noticed an increase in scores since the science lab was established and we’ve had a lot of gains throughout the year,” said Chapman. “I try to incorporate hands-on-learning exercises in every subject. That is something that I had in my teacher-toolbox from teaching K-12 in the public schools. If you give students something tangible, they can touch and see, they tend to learn more.”

Seven-teen year old Dawson Knotts from Louin is one of Chapman’s students whose love for science and helping others has manifested into a career in health care. While caring for his grandmother, his passion for nursing became more evident and with Chapman’s help, Knotts has not only earned his HSE diploma, but he has also spent the last month preparing for the ACT test. He is now planning to take some basic college courses and apply for the Practical Nursing program when he turns 18, next fall.

“The HSE program and Ms. Chapman have helped me more than actual high school because everything in high school was on the computer,” shared Knotts. “I got more one-on-one experience here and it’s like a family here; everyone is accepting of everyone. I’m more comfortable in the classroom and I feel safe and it’s probably why I’m doing better here because I love learning”

This year’s record number of HSE graduates is only the beginning of what Chapman said she hopes to build upon while teaching each year in Bay Springs. The innovative instructor said she plans to continue building strong relationships using creative teaching methods to foster a growth mindset and continued success.

She added, “As I resume my journey as an educator this upcoming year at Jones College’s Jasper County Center, I remain committed to these principles, always striving to better serve my students and help them reach their full potential.”

Of the total 150 HSE students who have successfully completed the HSE program through all of Jones College’s various sites, 107 students plan to participate in the special, HSE Commencement Ceremony held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the M.P. Bush Auditorium on the Jones College campus in Ellisville. Many of these students are also receiving scholarships to continue their education at Jones College in the fall. For more information about the Adult Education or other Integrated Pathways Programs, contact Wendy Evans at 601-477-2228 or email, wendy.evans@jcjc.edu or on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/adult-learning/

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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 (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.