Jones College’s Associate Degree Nurse grads are “COVID-19” prepared
ELLISVILLE – Observing CDC protocols, 41 Jones College Associate Degree Nursing graduates celebrated their successful completion of the five-semester program with the traditional, Nurses Pinning Ceremony in the Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Football Field. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith noted to
day’s celebration in the football stadium was an odd place for these nursing graduates, but it is also very appropriate considering their adaptable attitudes have allowed them to be successful.
“If it were easy, we’d all be nurses. You have chosen the most noble profession we can teach at Jones. We are honored you have made it through and are celebrating today. It makes me very proud that the most important thing we do at the college, you have done very well, and we thank you. We know you are going to impact so many lives,” said Smith.
Completing the rigorous but rewarding nursing program was a dream come true after two years of sacrifice, dedication and perseverance for Keira James of Jackson. One of the biggest challenges for James was juggling her responsibilities at home and school.
“Switching to online learning while balancing a life at home with my husband and young toddler was difficult. However, my instructors were so helpful by providing different time slots where we could join lecture conferences at our convenience because so many of us had busy home lives,” said James. “As for working amidst the pandemic, I feel a little more at ease going into a hospital setting with prior education and experience with pandemic protocols and seeing it first-hand. COVID-19 is still concerning, especially as the numbers are back on the rise, but I feel more prepared to help in this pandemic.”
The COVID-19 virus changed these graduates’ normal course of study, and everything else, midway through the A. D. N. program. While it threw a few off-track, for Hannah Lott of Petal, it forced her to find a new way of learning.
“Although online testing didn’t numerically affect my grades, it raised my stress level knowing that I was not able to physically write on a test anymore. We also transitioned into online lectures instead of class lectures, which took a toll on me as well as some of my classmates. However, I believe I adapted very well given the circumstances, and I think the pandemic prepared me for the future and being comfortable with the ‘unknown’ and just learning how to quickly adjust and adapt. In the end, Jones’ nursing instructors and South Central Regional Medical Center provided me with the necessary tools and guidelines needed to help protect myself and others from this virus,”
Being flexible is something graduate, Laura Ellerman of Hattiesburg said she learned as she navigated through the changes the COVID-19 protocols mandated. As both faculty and students worked toward accomplishing mutual goals to attain clinical experience, creative problem solving became more necessary.
“Having evening clinicals is just one example of how we had to be flexible to meet the educational and clinical requirements for this challenging program,” said Ellerman. “The JC A.D. Nursing program not only taught us these abilities, but they also put them in action with us, in real-time. I will be eternally grateful to the JC COVID-19 Task Force and faculty and SCRMC for diligently and successfully creating, monitoring and maintaining environments that allowed our program to continue to thrive during these trying times. It was not an easy feat to accomplish!”
Associate Degree Nursing Program Director, Erin Knight, MSN, RN, 
acknowledged there have been many changes but these graduates have embraced the changes and thrived. Nurses are well-equipped to best embrace an ever-changing environment.
“The year 2020 has been such a challenge for all of us in so many ways. We are proud that these students have embraced those challenges and are now able to move out into the workforce. We know they are ready to take NCLEX-RN and be at the bedside taking care of patients where they will make a difference every day and to every patient they encounter,” said Knight.
At the Pinning Ceremony, five graduates were recognized by Knight for their perfect attendance and dedication. Jasmine Hamilton of McComb, Breanna Helms of Hattiesburg, Harleigh Howell of Ellisville, Madison Odom of Ellisville, and Sarah Sherman of New Hebron.
JC nurse graduates, Brianna Helms, Lori Jones of Hattiesburg, Hannah Lott of Petal, Hannah Smith of Heidelberg, Dalton Sumrall of Moselle and Kaelin Vegas of Columbia were also recognized as the newest members of the Gamma Nu chapter of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society.
Jones College’s PTK students’ “Pantry Drive” impacts thousands of students community-wide
ELLISVILLE – Each year, the Rho Sigma chapter of Jones College’s Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society takes on a project to assist the college’s administration, as well as the campus and the surrounding community. The College Project group of PTK students, McKay Lee Bray of Leakesville; Matthew Harrison of Laurel, Caleb Harris of Jackson, Garrett Bradshaw of Raleigh and Isaac Burns of Lucedale, led by Curtis Boleware of Seminary, quickly discovered the needs were many with the arrival of the COVID-19 virus.
“After talking with JC faculty and administrators who helped us pinpoint what would have the best impact for the most people, we first focused on the college’s pantry program which helps our students who need food or personal hygiene items. However, when the campus and community responded to our request for items, we were overwhelmed!” said PTK College Project Director, Curtis Boleware.
Some of the contributions from the community began pouring in after Bobcat Pantry Coordinator, Kristen Register spoke to the Ellis Club. The club’s contribution of $500 in food and other items, along with individual donations from JC’s campus grounds crew, allowed PTK to purchase 167 cases of water and other needed items. Colonel Mark Prine, from Camp Shelby, donated 100 cases of drinks and enlisted a platoon from the Youth ChalleNGe program to disseminate the drinks. Additionally, the JC truck driving program’s students volunteered to pick up donations, and the JC horticultural department delivered some donations. Thankfully, the Baptist Student Union has provided the much-needed storage space for donations to help with future needs.
“The JC Bobcat Pantry thanked us throughout the entire process for packing the pantry. They emphasized the impact we were making would be helping students who live in their cars and the others who need a little help,” said Boleware. “We had no idea so many people were dealing with hunger on campus.”
Once the need on campus was met, the PTK students sought the help of the Beta Clubs in all of the South Jones schools to fill each of their pantries. The JC students discovered the protocols implemented to limit the spread of the virus at the elementary, middle and high schools included cutting off water fountains and closing the cafeteria. About 2,600 students from three public schools, Moselle Elementary, South Jones Elementary and South Jones Middle and High School benefited from the donations.
“The public schools in the area were astonished to receive the large amount of donations we had gathered,” said Boleware. “Our PTK members really enjoyed giving back to the community and volunteering at the drop-off booths at the Baptist Student Union and in the football stadium parking lot.”
PTK Advisor, Mark Brown said he is especially proud of this group of students and their determination to succeed. As they overcame each challenge, they were blessed by their efforts of those who donated.
“This group had to overcome the fact there were a lot fewer students on campus and they had to physically distance themselves and follow the sanitizing protocols. Unfortunately, the student director of the College Project, Curtis Boleware came down with the COVID-19 virus, but he still managed to take care of business.”
While preparing for the Pantry Drive, JC students said they didn’t realize the enormity of the problem. However, the impact the drive has made on so many people has been astounding. Surprising the PTK College Project members the most were the reactions from the students and school officials. In fact, one JC PTK member, Lane Douglas of Pearl, was so moved by the whole experience that he donated an entire pallet of water, or 84 cases, to the College Project’s Pantry Drive.
“I have firsthand proof that one person really can make a difference, not by his own hands but by connecting those that need help with those that want to help. Leading this project has helped me grow in several aspects. I look forward to continuing our work next semester!” said Boleware.
Phi Theta Kappa’s College Project team plans to expand their efforts in the spring semester by involving local churches and businesses to ensure that the project continues to grow until the needs in the community are met. Donations of toiletries, canned foods, non-perishable foods like Ramen Noodles, grits and water will be accepted shortly after the spring semester begins and students return to campus, February 1, 2021.
Jones College students receive PRVEPA Scholarships
ELLISVILLE – Jones College freshman, Emma Burge is one of 31 Jones College students who received a scholarship from Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association’s Round Up for Education program this year. The Oak Grove High School graduate received the $500 scholarship, funded by the spare change donated by PRVEPA’s more than 51,000 members in the electric power cooperative’s 12-county service area.
“I am grateful for the scholarship money from Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association’s scholarship program. Most of the scholarship is used for school expenses, which is a big help to students during these hard times. My family and I really appreciate this!” said Burge who is pursuing a degree in the music and entertainment industry.
Her family discovered PRVEPA’s scholarship program two years ago when Burge’s brother Max came to Jones. Emma’s father, Dr. Ben Burge said he appreciates the financial assistance. As an educator and the Jones College Director of Bands, Burge knows the value and fully understands the importance scholarships can have in helping students earn a college degree.
“As a parent with two college-aged children, I sincerely appreciate the financial 
opportunities that this organization provides. It greatly helped my family get both students off to college,” said Burge. “I also know first-hand, as an educator, scholarships go a long way in helping students achieve their educational goals.”
This year, a total of 175 community college students received a $500 scholarship because of PRVEPA’s generous members. At Pearl River Community College, 107 students received the financial assistance and 27 students from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College were eligible for the scholarship. An additional 10 students are attending four other state community colleges with PRVEPA scholarships.
“The purpose of electric cooperatives has always been to make life better in the areas they serve,” said PRVEPA’s General Manager, Randy Wallace. “Our Round Up for Education program is an example of how cooperatives can improve the lives of their members through education which is vital to improving the future for all of us in south Mississippi.”
For the last eight years, the electric power cooperative’s members have been offering up their spare change to collect more than $1.6 million, which is deposited in an account overseen by the PineBelt Foundation. Ten percent of each year’s funds are set aside in an endowed fund for future use. The remaining money is divided equally between the number of eligible applicants. Over the last eight years, 1,651 students have been helped from the spare change from members of PRVEPA, with a total of 319 Jones College students benefitting from the benevolence of PRVEPA’s members.
“I hope our members are able to see the effects this program can have, helping more than 1,600 community college students begin their college careers,” said Wallace. “We are thrilled with the results and know that members’ participation in the program will have a positive impact for years to come.”
Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith is very grateful for PRVEPA’s desire to invest in the students living in their service area and believing in them to succeed.
“We’re very thankful for their vision and I’m very thankful their members believe in this scholarship program as well. It is obvious their support will help our state continue to grow,” said Smith. “Anytime a civic club or organization invests in its people, like the PRVEPA Round Up for Education scholarship program, the whole community benefits.”
Scholarships are available to members, their spouses or dependent children who are enrolled as freshmen each fall, and who participate in the Round Up for Education program. Members round up their bill to the nearest dollar each month. The Round Up for Education funds collected after August 1, go towards next year’s scholarships. Students can apply for the scholarship beginning in November of each year.
Jones College Students Hometown High School
Nyla Zarai Abram Foxworth West Marion
Ashely Brooke Allee Purvis Presbyterian Christian School
Cameron Aultman Sumrall Sumrall
Emma Burge Oak Grove Oak Grove
Chandler Burns Hattiesburg Shaw HS
Sullivan Clark Sumrall Sumrall
Hunter Scott Courtney Bassfield Columbia Academy
Bryce Crawford Hattiesburg Oak Grove
Teel Garcia Hattiesburg FCAHS
Johni Graham Hattiesburg Oak Grove
Justice Hanberry Sumrall Sumrall
Halle Hendrix Purvis Purvis HS
Kyle Herring Hattiesburg Columbia Academy
Coleman Kendrick Purvis FCAHS
Tytan Lee Lumberton Sacred Heart HS
Tyler Lowe Purvis Purvis HS
Mackenzie Mauldin Sumrall Sumrall
Jaclyn Mordica Hattiesburg FCAHS
William Purser Hattiesburg Oak Grove
Conner Rayburn Purvis FCAHS
Taylor Ready Hattiesburg Sumrall
Ethan Robertson Kokomo West Marion
Jacob Rogers Brooklyn FCAHS
Kealy Smith Hattiesburg Oak Grove
Rebecca Speights Silver Creek GED
Abigail Swilley Hattiesburg Oak Grove
Colby Thompson Columbia Columbia Academy
Laka Till Seminary Seminary
Benson Trussell Hattiesburg Sumrall
Hannah West Purvis Oak Grove
Nathan Whitworth Hattiesburg FCAHS
Jones College students select Mr. & Miss JC
ELLISVILLE –Isaac Burns of Lucedale and Dariyel Johnson of Leakesville were recently voted as Mr. & Miss JC by their peers. The sophomores competed for the titles to represent Jones College students and are considered to be the best representation of the student body.
“To put it frankly, this means the world to me. I came to Jones knowing that I wanted to make the most of it. After the time I’ve spent here and the amazing connections I’ve made, I can confidently say that I have done just that. JC has become a second home to me,” said Johnson.
The broadcast journalism and political science major also holds the titles of Leakesville’s Miss Hospitality 2019, Greene County High School Homecoming Queen, Miss GCHS and Mississippi Beta Club State Vice President. At Jones College, Johnson was also selected as 2019-20 Most Beautiful, Freshman Class President and Homecoming Maid, and she is the SGA Student Body President. In addition, Johnson is a member of the Charles Pickering Honors College, the Concert Choir and the Bobcat Brigade student ambassador program. With her eyes set on being a TV reporter/anchor, Johnson plans to transfer to the University of Mississippi to earn her bachelor’s degree.
“Jones gives you a university experience with the relationships that feel like you’ve known everyone all of your life. There is no way that you cannot love it here. You just have to make the most of it,” she said.
Mr. JC is interested in the artistic expression of journalism. In high school, Burns was the sports editor and cartoonist for, “The Student Press” high school newspaper. He won the Mississippi Press Association’s Best Editorial Cartoon Award in 2017. Also, in high school, Burns was a member of the tennis team, the choir’s piano accompanist and he graduated in the Top 20 of his class. Burns is majoring in accounting at Jones College while sharing his many talents in several clubs and organizations on campus. As a freshman, he was a Leadership Officer in Bobcat Brigade and he was a member of Jones OnStage show choir. This year, Burns is a Senator representing the Business Department in the Student Government Association. He also serves as the Public Relations Director for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Rho Sigma chapter at Jones.
“I am extremely grateful and honored that the student body has chosen me as an ambassador for the college. Jones College is an amazing place to be partly because the students and faculty are very friendly. My goal has always been to make people feel welcomed and loved which I hope has been accomplished,” said Burns.
The future plans for the George county native include graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Arts for filmmaking with the ultimate career goal of creating the visual effects in the film industry.
Jones College faculty and staff accomplishments honored
ELLISVILLE – Sixteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace over the previous year. The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC president, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the college’s Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program’s Selection Committee. In compliance with the CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, honored faculty and staff gathered on the patio of the President’s house, while all other employees watched the announcement via live stream.
“We wanted to honor and appreciate all of our employees who have worked especially hard this last year as we managed numerous changes, instead of canceling the Employee Appreciation Event,” said Joel Cain, VP of Advancement and Athletics, and Dean of Students. “There are so many employees who deserve recognition, but we had to narrow it down to a smaller group to give big rewards. Hopefully, we will be able to return to our normal celebration with an afternoon of food, fellowship and thanking employees for their service to the college, soon.”
Three individual awards were bestowed upon vital members of the Jones 
family. The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established five years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Amanda McLeod was selected as the recipient of the 2019, Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. The 2005 JC graduate is currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management. The Ellisville native earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mississippi College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has been employed at Jones for six years and works with the academic counselors, admissions and recruiting personnel.
“Amanda has demonstrated daily, her commitment to her profession and the college. She really stands out and does a fantastic job in managing people,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith as he awarded McLeod a $500 check and plaque.
JC and its cafeteria management company, SODEXO honored Andy (Chia) Wu with the SODEXO Employee Award of Excellence. Wu has been with Sodexo for eight years as the Executive Chef. He has owned his own restaurant and has been the Chef at Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg. He received a $500 cash prize as the SODEXHO Employee of the Year.
English instructor, Rochelle Dahmer was selected to receive the Barbara and 
Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged independent analytical thinking skills, loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. “Buddy” and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundation’s Advisory Board. Dahmer was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.
Additionally, twelve individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in, maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250 and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125 and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.
The finalists for the faculty awards were associate degree nursing instructor, Lauren Bell; health, physical education and recreation instructor, Katie Herrington; fine arts instructor and assistant director of bands, Dr. Lindsey Keay, engineering and design technology-CAD instructor, Karen Kirk and foreign language instructor, Dana Knight. Herrington was chosen for the overall JC Faculty of the Year Award. She has been coaching and teaching for a total of 32 years at Jones.
“It is an honor to have been chosen as the ‘Faculty of the Year.’ Jones has so many talented, intelligent faculty who work tirelessly to help our students be successful. Therefore, I am humbled to have been considered,” said Herrington. “It’s been a blessing to have worked at Jones for 32 years. One of the most rewarding things for me has been to see our students grow and mature while accomplishing goals. I have also worked with so many incredible people who we call the Jones Family.”
The Ellisville resident began coaching at William Carey in 1980, as an assistant women’s basketball coach. One year later, she became head coach. After earning her Master of Education degree at WCC in 1988, Herrington’s successful, 51-31 record and a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship in 1987-88 helped to launch her career at JC. She served as the women’s basketball coach before coaching the men’s and women’s tennis teams in 1989. After coaching at Jones for 11 years, Herrington returned to the classroom as a full-time health and P.E. teacher. However, she couldn’t stay away from athletics and in 2006, the Smith County native became the first female athletic director at Jones College.
“I hope somehow over those many years, I have made a difference in our students’ lives. I have enjoyed being a small part of our championship athletic programs, in addition to seeing our Fellowship of Christian Athletes grow across our campus. One of the most special events I have enjoyed is the FCA Christmas Party which has grown to bless more than 100 children with Christmas presents,” said Herrington.
During her career at Jones, she also served as Director for Region 23 for 15 years, and as Assistant Director for five years. She received the National Junior College Athletic Association Loyalty Award in 2016, and the Dave “Boo” Ferris Influence Award in 2015 by the FCA. Additionally, Herrington was named the 2008 Faculty of the Year and was named a “Lamplighter” in 2003 and 2006.
Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of t
he Year award included Stacey Forbes who works in the bookstore and mailroom, Sonya Graves from payroll, Juanita Morgan from human resources, Hope Taylor from student affairs and Jennifer Wood from financial aid. Admissions counselor, Hope Taylor was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division. The Seminary native moved to Ellisville when she began her education at Jones College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in
Applied Technology from USM in 2019 while also working at Jones. Taylor began her career at JC almost five years ago as the One Card Assistant before becoming the Student Success Center’s administrative assistant and manager of Tutoring Services. As an admissions counselor, Taylor said she enjoys helping students find their pathway to success.
“I love my job because I get to help students. Sometimes it’s tricky financial aid situations that could alter their education and other times it’s something simple. My goal is to help students realize they do not have to be ‘stuck in the box’ they are in and they can break the mold and change their own future,” said Taylor.
In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police departments division, policeman, Gene Head earned a spot as a finalist along with Ken Lindsay in maintenance. Also nominated were Diasetta Nelson in housekeeping and Randa Carr who works for the campus grounds department. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Doug Messemore from the grounds department.
Also, during the Jones College Faculty Appreciation virtual program, The JCJC 
Faculty/Staff Association awarded Lucy Flowers with the Officer of the Year Award. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith honored Flowers with an acrylic plaque and cash award at the Employee Appreciation program for her service as Vice President of the organization.