Author: Teresa McCreery

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.

ELLISVILLE – There are no signs of slowing when it comes to the growth and the additional programs being offered at Jones College’s Greene County Center in Leakesville. Supervisors and college officials broke ground on the facility in 2009 as the first of the college’s free-standing centers or “mini” campuses in the JC district. Three additional Centers have since been established in Bay Springs, Stonewall, and Waynesboro to expand the reach and opportunities offered to Jones College’s students because of the vision of college and community leaders in Greene County 15 years ago.

“This is a perfect example of a community effort driven by the leaders of Greene County to bring economic development to every home and every family that calls Greene County home,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith at the grand opening ceremony, January 17, 2012.

From the beginning, representatives from the Greene County School District, the Board of Supervisors, Community Bank and Singing River Electric Power Association, worked together to secure a zero-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Service to provide another level of education and training to help fund the $1.1 million dollar, 17,440 square foot Greene County Center which has led to the improvement of economic development prospects in the region.

“The Pipefitting lab was only 300 square-feet and now we’re teaching in a 2,200 square foot facility and I’m able to teach almost three times as many students,” said pipefitting instructor, Skip Holland who was the first teacher of the program at the Greene County Center prior to the facility’s opening.

Jones College began offering adult education and workforce welding and pipefitting classes in 2008. In 2012, academic classes were offered at the Leakesville facility, including English Composition and Psychology. The Greene County Board of Supervisors then introduced the Tuition Assistance program in 2013 and with that, combined with more students attending classes from surrounding counties, the need to expand became apparent by 2017. Dean of the Greene County Center, Alan Cook reflected on the Center’s beginnings since he has been affiliated with the facility during the initial building stage in 2008.

“I was actually involved with building the facility through our construction company, which did the electrical work,” shared Cook. “I knew everybody out there and to see how it serves the students in that area, and even since I’ve been hired as Dean of the Center, I see it more and more. There are so many students that the Center serves that would otherwise not go to college. The Greene County Center is conveniently located because the length of travel to Ellisville or the Gulf Coast prevented many from an education and job opportunity or training in the past.”

To accommodate the growing demand for services, an additional 13,680 square feet was added in 2020. Cook is excited to now offer more medical programs and expand the electrical technology program.

“Our first Phlebotomy class graduated this spring, and was offered again this fall, as well as the Certified Nursing Assistant program,” said Cook. “We are expecting approval to begin offering the Medical Assistant program very soon, and hopefully, we can also get the EMT program started in the near future. The Practical Nursing to Associate Degree Nursing Bridge Program is another opportunity for nurses to continue their education and improve their skills that we hope to be able to offer before long.”

The Greene County Center offers Welding for credit and Workforce Certification, as well as day and night classes. Additionally, the Center provides Adult Education, the Out of School Youth program, CDL-Commercial Truck Driving, and the “Smart Home” course as part of the Electrical Technology program.

“It’s the next level in electrical technology. People like new technology. It’s just like a cell phone. If a new cell phone can do something different or new, we want it. Smart Home wiring involves connecting smart devices like light switches, receptacles, thermostats, door locks and even sprinkler systems. It gives you the luxury of controlling these devices locally and or remotely. Basic installation and programming of smart devices is covered in the electrical technology course to help students learn the new technology in the electrical field,” explained Cook.  

The Greene County Center has impacted thousands of students and employees in the region who have taken classes or training to improve their skills and income. In the future, Cook said they will continue to build on the solid education and training foundation the Greene County region has enjoyed for decades to come. For more information about the Greene County Center’s programs, call 601-477-4238 or email student navigator, Menyone Barrow at menyone.barrow@jcjc.edu or visit the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/greene-campus/

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Art Department will be hosting photographer Micah Green and his cohorts in an “Art Talk” on Tuesday, September 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery. The images Green and his colleagues will have on display at Jones College includes pictures from their travels to Bangladesh to cover the Alliance of Smiles project. The entire collection will be on display from September 16, until October 18, in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Ellisville campus. Additionally, Green will be speaking at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel on September 19, and he will hold a workshop on Friday, September 20.

Green was born in Texas and lived much of his childhood in Laurel, Mississippi. He graduated from Mississippi State University and began taking photographs while working at The Commercial Dispatch, a small, short-staffed newspaper during the worst years of business for print media. Since then, Green has freelanced for local newspapers around the South, and has clients like The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Reuters, along with numerous regional publications. Self-taught through experimentation, Green’s daily observations through his camera lens have given him a better understanding of and ties to the region he calls home.

Last year, Green had a photo chosen to be a part of the 39th edition of the American Photography Annual and the photo was part of an exhibit at the selection show in New York City in November 2023. He was also recently chosen to be the first photographer represented by a fine art gallery based in Mississippi. A selection of his work from across the American South is available through The Caron Gallery. According to Gulf Coast Media, the American Photography Annual is a hardcover, juried annual that offers an expansive view with hundreds of images selected from thousands of entries. The contest is regarded by creative professionals as the “book of record” and the best “source for today’s top image-makers.”

Green’s selected photo details a steer wrestling practice he captured on assignment for a 2022 story on Robertsdale Alabama high school graduate Drew Clukey, who signed to Southeastern Oklahoma State University on a rodeo scholarship. The photograph is of his friend, Josh Hyatt, in Elsanor at Luke Campbell’s farm.

American Photography, and its illustration counterpart American Illustration, “are the premier showcases for editorial, advertising, book, poster, design, animation, fine art, unpublished and student work created by established, emerging and student illustrators and photographers.” The images in this annual selection include everything from unpublished works to Prince Harry’s book cover portrait, from the aftermath of tragedy like gun violence and the war in Ukraine to high fashion and celebrity portraiture.