Author: Teresa McCreery

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

_______________________________________________________________________

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  

__________________________________________________________________________

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/

____________________________________________________________________________

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– Approximately 100 of the 150 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at Jones College over the last year will be participating in a commencement ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at Jones College on Thursday, July 25, at 7 p.m. Besides receiving their HSE diploma, during the ceremony, high scoring students will learn if they are a recipient of a scholarship to continue their education at Jones College.

Jones County Judge Wayne Thompson will be serving as the keynote speaker at the event. He has served as County and Youth Court Judge for Jones County for the past seven years. Prior to Judge Thompson taking the bench, he practiced law in Laurel for 22 years serving as the elected County Prosecuting Attorney of Jones County and the appointed board attorney for the Jones County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority of Jones County, and South Mississippi Fair Commission along with having a general law practice. In his role as Youth Court Judge, he hears abuse, neglect, mental health and delinquency cases for children and youth of Jones County.

Judge Thompson holds degrees from Jones County Junior College, A.A., Mississippi State University, B.B.A., and the University of Mississippi, J.D. He and his wife Tina, a school counselor at Glade Elementary School, have been married for 27 years and they have three children: Taylor, a law student at Mississippi College School of Law; Peyton Grace, a graduate of Mississippi College who recently married Tanner Johnson, and Will, a recent graduate of South Jones and an incoming freshman at Ole Miss.  Judge Thompson is also an active member at Soso Baptist Church.

ELLISVILLE– In an effort to make college more affordable and tuition costs easier to understand, Jones College has changed its tuition and fee pricing model to a program-based tuition pricing structure. Administrators took the concerns of students and parents to heart and developed a pathway to ensure the institution’s “open-door” mission continues, while also helping its students thrive.

“In the 2024-25 academic year, the average Jones College student will save $200 per semester. This is the ultimate impact Jones College is aiming to have on our students and community. Affordability has always been and will continue to be an excellent benefit of attending Jones College,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.

Students like practical nursing major, Shatara Keyes of Louin, said she really likes the idea of saving money and expects other students will be excited about the savings too.  

“It sounds like it’s going to be something great coming to school, especially for people with low-income families and like, mothers going back to school. I think it’s going to be great!” said Keyes. She added, “It’s also going to be easier going through the one-page, all-inclusive program-based tuition sheet instead of the 14-page fee document I had to go through this semester to find the cost of tuition.”

Currently, the program-based tuition pricing for all full-time academic students seeking university parallel programs, which includes 12+ credit hours, is now $2,350 per term. A part-time student will pay $196 per course hour. Each of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and medical programs will also have an all-inclusive tuition cost with everything a student needs for that class. Smith stressed there are no hidden fees with this tuition restructuring.   

“Our instructional team worked diligently to identify every possible cost a CTE, or professional student may experience at JC, and wrap those costs up into one, clear price per program. The new pricing for Jones College’s CTE and professional programs accurately reflects all costs associated with that program,” Smith explained. “While this improves clarity of costs for our incoming students, it also helps our students identify the powerful return on investment they earn by taking on the challenge and completing the program.” 

A few other changes students will notice include the credit hours to qualify as a full-time student is now 12 hours, but the full-time scholarship and state-aid requirements will remain at 15 semester credit hours. Dual Credit tuition for academic programs will be a flat rate of $195 per seat. CTE programs will be priced based on the program and format.

Additionally, this fall, Jones College students are transitioning to a four-day class schedule allowing students to have a longer weekend with classes being offered Monday through Thursday. Classes begin on Monday, August 19. For more information about these changes at Jones College, click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/Fall_2024/