Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE – Three Jones College flute majors had the opportunity to get a “Masterclass” from Dr. Brianne Little, after she performed as the featured guest performer in the JC Spring Recital Series. The Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette thrilled the audience with her performance of “Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise,” “Feathers and Wax” and “Flute Sonata ‘Undine’ I. Allegro,” before offering performance changing tips to Jones College music students.

Sophomore, Sophie Wansley from Ellisville performed for Little and then received suggestions like changing her embouchure, or mouth shape and jaw placement to get a richer tone. Little also offered ways to enhance her breathing during the personal and short lessons to improve flute performance.

Dr. Brianne Little is a First Prize winner of the 2018 Vienna, 2019 Paris, and 2019 London Grand Prize Virtuoso competitions and the 2018 Golden Classic Music Awards International Competition. She has performed in Italy, France, and England in such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Amphithéâtre – Cité de la Musique, in Paris, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and the Haydnsall in Eisenstadt, Austria. In July 2019, she performed as Guest Principal Flutist with the Orquesta Filarmonica de Santa Cruz de La Sierra in Bolivia.

ELLISVILLE – Almost all of the 660 students that applied and completed in the summer/fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters that are eligible to graduate are planning to participate in the 97th annual Commencement Ceremony at Jones College. Graduates and guests will hear from Retired Colonel Craig Ziemba as the keynote speaker for graduation held on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. The ceremony will be held outside on the North Lawn of Jones Hall.  

This ceremony will also mark the third class of the new Middle College Program at Laurel High School with 12 students earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Jones College. These students, Emeri Cooley, Robert Jackson, Deborah Johns, Taeveon Mackey, Landon McMillan, Isabelle Terry, Madison White, Donald Williams, Jamel Knight, Da’d Pigford, Brenda Santiago and Deandre Winn, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.

Friends and family are welcome to support graduates by attending the commencement ceremony with seating on a first-come-first-serve basis. Graduates will receive either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. To watch the ceremony live, check the website:http://www.jcjc.edu/   For questions specifically regarding the 2025 graduation ceremony, please contact Kacie Birdsong at 601-477-4137.

Keynote speaker, Retired Colonel Craig Ziemba, is a native of Pensacola, Florida, and a distinguished pilot, accomplished author, and passionate advocate for humanitarian causes. After earning his degree from LeTourneau University, Colonel Ziemba launched a storied aviation career in the U.S. Navy, flying the A-6E Intruder, A-4 Skyhawk, and T-45 Goshawk during combat deployments aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise and U.S.S. Eisenhower.

Prior to 9/11 and while transitioning to the Air National Guard, Colonel Ziemba flew an array of missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, piloting the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-27J Spartan, RC-26 Condor, and MC-12 Liberty. A specialist in High Value Targeting, he authored the tactics manual that guided thousands of successful enemy kills and captures. His leadership extended to commanding at multiple levels and directing large-scale war games modeled on real-world global crises to strengthen U.S. and allied force readiness.

In his “encore” career, Colonel Ziemba flies Gulfstream jets, devotes time to writing and works in the ministry. He actively supports pro-life and anti-human trafficking initiatives and serves as a liaison to the Hispaniola Baptist Orphanage in the Dominican Republic. His books, 37 Near Death Experiences, Life’s Emergency Procedures, and 27 Combat Lessons for Life, reflect a life shaped by courage, faith, and service.

Col. Ziemba has been recognized for his career of valor and excellence with numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

ELLISVILLE – As Jones College students finish the spring semester, administrators are encouraging students to sign up for classes while the tuition is “Half Off” of most Summer Classes. The summer special tuition discount allows students to take classes at half the tuition cost, which is available to anyone who enrolls in summer classes at Jones College. Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Tessa Flowers explained that offering half-price tuition for the summer term is part of the college’s commitment to serving the community and supporting student success.

“Whether students are looking to get ahead, get back on track, or return to college after time away, this opportunity is designed to remove financial barriers and make it easier to take that next step. We believe investing in our students is an investment in the future of our communities,” said Flowers. “We hope to empower more students to come to Jones to gain the skills and training they need to build a strong foundation for their future.”

While some programs have a different charge per credit hour, all courses, except the health science programs listed on this link, chrome extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.jcjc.edu/summer2025/docs/Fee%20Sheet-Tution_Only-Summer%202025%20(1).pdf will be discounted from the full tuition price.

Jones College’s Summer 2025 schedule includes a variety of online and face-to-face options. Online classes begin June 2, for both 4-week and 8-week formats, with a second 4-week online session starting June 30. Face-to-face classes begin June 2, for the first 4-week session and July 7, for the second 4-week session. The Commercial Truck Driving Program offers two starting dates: Session 1 will begin June 2, and Session 2 will begin July 7. 

In addition to offering summer classes at the main campus in Ellisville, academic and Career & Technical Education options will be offered this summer at the Jasper, Clarke, Wayne, and Greene County Centers. To view the summer course listing visit https://class-search.jcjc.edu/ for any of the summer term options. For Summer Session information, admissions application, summer classes and to find your enrollment services counselor, click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/summer2025/

Jones College is also offering free CEU’s for Mississippi K-12 teachers needing additional endorsements or to renew a current K-12 Educator’s License. The free Jones College four-week courses are offered during the June summer session which begins June 2, through June 27.

To be eligible for the no-cost pricing, all participants must complete a Jones College Admissions Application. For a complete listing of the courses available and enrollment information, go to the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/ceu/

For more information to enroll in summer or fall courses, and free CEU’s, contact Enrollment Management at (601) 477-4257, email, enrollmentservices@jcjc.edu, or online at: https://www.jcjc.edu/enrollmentservices/

ELLISVILLE –The Jones College Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Imgyu Kang proudly presents its Spring Concert, “The Story,” at two upcoming performances. The First Baptist Church of Laurel will host the JC choir on Sunday, April 27, at 6 p.m. and Glade Baptist Church will feature the choir at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 4.

Admission is free, and all community members and students are welcome to join the Jones Choir Family in this meaningful musical experience. Dr. Kang said, “’The Story’ promises to be an evening of inspiration and connection through powerful choral music.”

Additionally, JC Voices will present their Spring concert titled, “Spring Serenade” on Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, in Leakesville.

“Spring Serenade” will take the audience on a musical journey through the themes of love, faith, renewal, and unity from the intricate harmonies of the Renaissance madrigals to the soulful melodies of gospel, folk, and contemporary works. This concert celebrates the essence of spring: hope, joy, and new beginnings. The concert will feature stirring solos, vibrant ensemble pieces, and uplifting quartets, all performed in six different languages, spanning from the Renaissance to Contemporary styles, including a special appearance by ballet dancers. Admission is free and the public is invited to this evening of song and celebration.

JC Choir Members 2024-2025

Emily Amason, Mize

Trinity Amason, Mize

Matthew Arnold, Laurel

Kati Jane Barnard, Magee

Audria Belding, Laurel

Shawn Blaylock, Mobile, AL

Bralynn Bolan, Laurel

Braxton Byrd, Ovett

Hannah Byrd, State line

Gabrielle Capasso, Laurel     

Noah Carroll, Laurel

Sarah Dearmon, Waynesboro

Evelyn Dixon, Heidelberg

Holly Ensign, Laurel

Dallas Flowers, Laurel

Hope Houston, Laurel

Malachi Jordan, Laurel          

Peyton Shoemaker, Morton

Kally Elise Smith, Laurel

Zoe Vanderslice, Laurel

Aubriaunna Wells, Mendenhall

Charles Williams, Laurel

Daniel Baldwin, Laurel

Beckha Barnett, Magee

Bailey Brooks, Ellisville

Antarian Chapman, Hebron

Zion Cooper, Waynesboro

Grace Dickerson, Leakesville

Abigail Dorgan, Hattiesburg

Natalie Evans, Ellisville

Charity French, Pearl

Savannah Gatlin, Laurel

Tristen Goss, Pulaski

Molly Griffin, Ellisville

Sydney Klaire Ivy, Raleigh

Anna Grace Jolly, Laurel

Jayla Larry, Waynesboro

Kiandra Lopez, Laurel

Trent Mattern, Picayune

Micah McSwain, Laurel

Teyonna Millsap, Laurel

Dasia Newell, Laurel

Kylie Noland, Laurel

Ta’Nia Patrick Hattiesburg

Edna Perez-A., Morton

Ella Phillips, Hattiesburg

Jacey Posey, Ellisville

Jayla Powe, Waynesboro

Rustin Rounsaville, Ellisville

Alexandria Ruth, Laurel

Kailand Snow, Laurel

Isaiah Spradley, Laurel

Addie Thames, Petal

Heather Walters, Ellisville

Chloe White, Laurel

Matthew Wynn, Laurel

Ella Young, Laurel

Korey Rainey, Petal

Rosemary Hicks, Laurel

Emalee Herrin, Laurel

ELLISVILLE – Two of the six sophomore art majors, Lillian Barnett-Soso and Jordan Parker-Ellisville are displaying their award-winning artwork with recognition from the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show at the annual Sophomore Art Exhibit. Barnett and Parker, along with Zykeria Coleman-Laurel, Zoe Estacio-Laurel, Alyssa Mosely-Laurel, and Gracie Nichols-Laurel have several pieces of artwork currently on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville, through May 2, 2025. The Sophomore Art Exhibit features a little bit of everything from the classes students have taken on campus including drawing and design to ceramics and painting. All the bases are covered according to Jones College Art instructor, Melanie Banks.

“I’m really proud of these graduates, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them,” said Eubanks. “I hope the public takes the time to see their artwork.”

Jordan Parker of Ellisville earned first place honors at the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show. The South Jones High School graduate explained her printmaker poster was inspired from a 1950s poster she updated featuring her favorite current musicians for a concert appearance.

“I love oil painting, so this print piece is really out of my norm,” shared Jordan. “It was for an assignment and my least favorite genre of art so I was a little surprised I won!”

Parker said she’s been drawing since she could hold a pencil as a child. Her future plans include earning her bachelor’s degree from USM, working in a museum and continuing to create art.

Her classmate, Lillian Barnett of Soso, also earned honors at the statewide art show. Barnett received an Honorable Mention for her oil painting, “Worn Out” depicting a scooter needing repairs. The West Jones High School graduate explained her dad’s repair shop was the inspiration for her winning artwork.

“I’m very happy about placing in the MCCAIA competition; it feels good! The award also confirms my decision to become an art professor,” said Barnett, who also won 2nd place while in high school.

Northeast Jones High School graduate, Zykeria Coleman has several ink and pen drawings of still life on display. She explained that her inspiration comes from her self-determination to succeed with aspirations of inspiring others to succeed.

“A year ago, I didn’t think I could do what I love. With a little hard work and dedication, and support from my instructor, Mr. Brown, I’m going to earn my art degree and continue creating,” said Coleman.

She added that her grandfather’s love of art inspired her to pursue being an artist since he had to work instead of following his dreams of becoming an artist. Coleman plans to earn her art degree at William Carey University.

Also showing some of their favorite works, is Zoe Estacio whose artwork features her love of stuffed animals. The West Jones High School graduate’s brightly colored oil paintings reflect happiness through the eyes of children. She plans to get her B.F.A. from Mississippi State.

Additionally, Alyssa Mosely of Laurel enjoys using bright colors in her oil paintings and ink drawings which are her contributions to the Sophomore Art Exhibit. She focuses on drawing flowers and other still life objects in her work and has plans to earn her degree at USM.

Gracie Nichols dabbles in various forms of art including water color, ink, charcoal, and graphite. The West Jones High School graduate from Laurel plans to continue creating artwork in the future.

For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Wednesdays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the Jones College Art Department, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.