Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s School of Art, Music and Performance and the Salvation Army invite the public to join its celebration of, “Christmas Peace, Hope and Joy!” on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. Admission to the celebration of Christmas is a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree toy drive to enjoy performances by the Jones College’s Concert Choir, JC Jazz, Jones OnStage, JC Voices, and the ever-popular, 4-hand piano performance by Dr. Theresa Sanchez and Dr. Victoria Johnson along with a few guest performers. Following the indoor performance, the night will end with caroling around the Christmas Tree on the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza.

“The focus this year is on sacred music with a modern twist. We’ll do some contemporary and sacred music with a pop element to it. The focus is on the joy of Christmas, the hope of Christmas, and the peace of Christmas, with three movements performed within a 70 to 90-minute time frame,” said Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith. “There will be some classic songs like, “Silent Night” that will expand into the other elements of a hopeful season before moving into my favorite time, the joy of Christmas and you know it is going to be an unconventional joyful ending!”  

The Salvation Army toy drive is an excellent opportunity for our students and community to give back at a time when it’s really critical. This is one way for students to feel a connection to the community. Gift suggestions include toys, sports equipment, board games, and plush animals. All the donations will be given to children in our area this Christmas.  Necessities and Christmas gifts are provided for disadvantaged children from infants to age 12, through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Jones, Jasper, Wayne, Clarke, Smith and Simpson counties.

For more information, call the Jones College of Art, Music and Performance Office at 601-477-4203 or follow Jones College’s Art, Music and Performance Facebook Page and Twitter. For more information about the Angel Tree project, go to https://salvationarmyalm.org/

ELLISVILLE – Of the nine honored alumni during Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s Alumni Recognition Program held during Homecoming celebrations on October 28, 2023, four alumni were named “Rising Stars.” Included in the distinguished group of alumni achieving great success, included Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current Madison resident, Alise Mathews of Laurel, and Jermarcus Ross of Laurel.

“These alumni represent various professional fields, and each one embodies the values of excellence that Jones stands for. Today, we are recognizing their outstanding contributions to their communities and celebrating the impact the college has had on their lives. These ‘Rising Stars’ are JC alumni who have demonstrated success early in their careers and have accomplished professional and personal success throughout the community,” Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith explained to the several hundred alumni at Homecoming events honoring a total of nine JC alumni.

When Lewis S. Bateman arrived on the Ellisville campus in 2012, after taking Dual Credit courses, the Laurel High School Salutatorian decided to stay and take advantage of the full “Jones College experience.” The smaller classes, personal attention from faculty and challenging curriculum also gave him a unique opportunity for a leadership experience not offered to many students. As a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Jones Ambassadors, and Bobcat Brigade, to name a few, Bateman was the perfect choice to take on a regional leadership role.

“Technically, by the time I graduated high school, I was already classified as a sophomore here, and I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. We hosted the Regional Conference in 2013 at JC, and that’s when Gwen Magee asked me if I wanted to stay another year to serve as the Regional President of PTK. And again, I had the time of my life! Dr. Smith told me at graduation, ‘You’ve done a lot for the college and I’m proud of you.’ I responded, ‘If I stay another year, will you give me a four-year degree?’ We laughed, but I had a lot of trust in everybody here at JC, and that really meant something to me and why I came to Jones. I honestly don’t think that I would be where I am in the position that I’m in today, if not for my tenure at Jones,” said Bateman.

Currently, Bateman is the Director of Rehab and Physical Therapy at Oakwood Retirement Community in Brooksville and is a staff Physical Therapist at Noxubee County General Hospital in Macon. Originally, marketing was his career of choice, however, he explained that a personal experience with a physical therapist caused him to explore the healthcare field.

“So, after that first year, I did swap over to more of a pre-medical sciences track. I knew about the lab sciences offered at Jones, and how good they are. I took my biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and physics which did help tremendously, once I got to Mississippi State and earned my bachelor of kinesiology degree.” Bateman acknowledged, “I think if I had gone on to a 4-year immediately out of high school, I definitely would not have done as well in a lot of those prerequisite classes. I think there is a level of maturity that Jones instills in people, and it did in me.”

Baseball led Mason Irby to Jones College from Meridian, but he shared it was the JC people who helped him decide to commit to Jones in 2014. The Southeast Lauderdale High School graduate passed up other offers to play for Coach Christian Ostrander and the Bobcat team that would win the Region 23 Championship and the Division 2 National Championship in 2016. For his efforts, Irby was named All-American in both of his years at Jones, and he received the Golden Glove award his sophomore year, as well as Top Defensive Player in the country and the Marucci Elite Hitter award for being a top hitter in the U.S. 

“There was something different about the campus, something different about the people. I remember telling my dad, after the visit that it just seemed like everything was brighter and happier and the people were happier, and I fell in love with the place. And not necessarily just the baseball program, which was great, but more or less just the campus in general,” said Irby.

He continued playing baseball and his education at the University of Southern Mississippi. Irby helped bring two conference season championships and one conference tournament championship. Also, USM earned two berths in the NCAA Postseason Tournament. After graduating from USM in 2018, Irby accepted a job offer from Edward Jones Investments as a financial advisor in Ridgeland.

“I had countless experiences with professors that just seemed like they would bend over backward to help you in any way and not even just in the business department. I had to take classes like the prerequisites that were outside of my business classes which I really enjoyed. But you know, I remember taking a biology class and I had no interest in biology, and Mr. Shows knew that I wasn’t interested in biology, but he was super eager to help in any way that he could. Everybody was just so helpful,” Irby said.

He and his wife, Caroline became parents of their first child, Carsen Olivia Irby in May.

The next two Rising Stars are from Laurel, Alise Mathews, and Jermarcus Ross. Mathews quickly got through college by taking classes while at West Jones High School. Packing lots of classes during both summers, she graduated after one year at Jones in 2014.

“I wouldn’t advise that for most people because I feel like I missed out on all the fun times nine years ago. I was part of the Student Government Association and Bobcat Brigade, and I was super involved on campus, but I didn’t live on campus; that is my one regret because I feel like everyone who lived on campus became a tight-knit group. It was a wonderful experience though and I felt like this was my home away from home, even though I’m from here in Jones County,” Mathews shared.

 The lady who was once going to be an orthodontist said now, she helps give cavities with her sweets and candies at the first business she opened six years ago, Shugs Cookie and Candy Bar. Recently, she opened her second business, Shugs Boutique employing lots of JC students from the community.

“Thank you for giving me the foundation of changing a major and being able to pursue a dream. You know, I had wonderful leadership in the Bobcat Brigade with Kayla Bradley (Farris); she was a huge mentor to me. I could walk into her office and Sonya Dykes who was over SGA, and she had that yellow couch…. But their leadership and just letting me know that like, hey, you can do this. I would just say thank you to the people who really were mentors in that chapter in my life and I still have great relationships with both of them. My memories from SGA, I was the first chairperson for the Mardi Gras Ball and that just set the example for me,” shared the young entrepreneur.

Mathews earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mississippi State University in 2016. She is an active member of the Laurel Junior Auxiliary and Laurel Main Street.

In 2014, as Alise graduated from Jones, Northeast Jones High School graduate, Jermarcus Ross was headed to JC. He kept the campus enthusiasm at a record high as the Bobcat Mascot and member of the Jones College Cheer Team that placed 4^th at the National Level Competition at ESPN Sports in Buena Vista, Florida. Presently, Ross is the Tumble Director and Ambassador for the ACE Competition and Recreational Cheer Company for high school and collegiate level athletes. In his “spare time,” he often returns to Jones to assist with recruiting events.

“Every time I come to Jones College the feeling is so nostalgic. It’s almost like I’ve never lived, because once you attend Jones College you kind of realize that it always has a partin your heart.For me to come back and see the impact around the community, Jones gave me a foundation when I didn’t really understand what I wanted to do. It’s wonderful to look back and think, I never thought I would have been at Jones and to look and say I was at Jones, and now I’m here for this honor, let that sink in for a second. To come back and affect these students? Just like my advisors, teachers and cheer coach affected me. I’m just returning the favor and the love that I once got from here and I’m forever thankful for it here at Jones College,” Ross shared.

Since graduating from Jones in 2016, Ross has served as the MAIS Cross Country Head Coach and Physical Education Teacher at Laurel Christian High School, and he is the youngest Board Member to serve on the “Laurel Leap” event as part of the Laurel Main Street organization. He is the CEO and co-founder of Ross & Co. Investments established in 2021, along with Ross & Co. Athletics which he began in 2019. This company hosts a three-day sports camp for the community’s youth, providing an opportunity to mentor local students and student-athletes. Originally, Ross had plans to move to Texas and even become a professional athlete, but his perspective changed after touring the JC campus.

“My experience at Jones College completely changed the path of my life. I feel like I’ve been going in the right direction ever since I chose to come to Jones,” explained Ross. “Being in the marketing program with Miss Ginger Keeton, she helped me open up my eyes and realize, there’s so much more to life than just sports. Even with me being able to coach and give back to the community. Marketing is not just a name. Marketing is you. I am Jones College. Like I am and I feel like she instilled those little traits in me to help me.”

Ross has also worked with Ben and Erin Napier on several projects for HGTV’s Home Town and even found his house on the show.

Other Jones College alumni honored included “Achievement and Excellence Award” recipients, Dr. Leander Bridges II of Laurel, Ashely Dean of Clara, and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, and Richton native and current Petal Resident, Austin Smith, and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh, and current Oxford resident, received the “Legacy Award,” and Laurel’s Jim Rasberry received the “Outstanding Alumni of the Year” Award. All the honored alumni received a medallion during half-time of the football game.

ELLISVILLE – Three Jones College alumni were honored as Achievement and Excellence Award recipients during Homecoming festivities on October 28, 2023. Laurel’s Dr. Leander Bridges II, former Clara native and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, Ashley Dean, and Richton native and current Petal resident, Austin Smith were recognized as graduates of Jones College having demonstrated professional and personal success that is recognized throughout the community and are 40 years old or younger.

“These alumni are a vital part of their communities, and we expect great things and know they will continue to change the world and touch many lives with their work,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith at the Homecoming Luncheon where these alumni were recognized before hundreds of alumni and their peers.

Dr. Leander Bridges is a graduate of South Jones High School and was a member of the varsity football team, concert choir, Madrigals, Quartet, Beta Club and Student Council. In 2001, Bridges earned an associate degree at Jones College before continuing his education at USM where he earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi while simultaneously studying music. Furthering his education at William Carey University, Bridges earned both Specialist and Doctorate degrees in educational leadership. While serving in public education for more than 18 years, he has led choirs with superior ratings and championships with two residencies at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Additionally, Dr. Bridges serves his community as the Minister of Music at Springhill Baptist Church in Ellisville. The current principal of Oak Park Elementary School shared that it was one of his JC instructors who inspired him to pursue not only music but also education.

“Dr. Mark Taylor. He probably had the greatest influence on my career choice before I got into administration. As a principal, I was a choir director for eight years and had no intentions of when I got to Jones, of ever teaching children. Dr. Taylor literally changed my perspective on all of it. I still converse with him to this day because I consider him a mentor, a friend and an advocate,” said Bridges.

Reflecting on his two years at Jones College, Dr. Bridges continued to share, that being accessible to faculty and administration along with receiving “care and respect from them,” helped to make the transition to college easier and has positively impacted his future.

“Aside from my parents and my faith, Jones probably has had one of the single largest and most profound impacts on my life’s journey because it literally caused me to reevaluate my perspective professionally. It caused me to reevaluate how I dealt with people, dealing with a much larger cross-section of people. I can honestly credit Jones College as helping to shape me into the man I am today.”

He and his wife of 17 years, Tamiko have three children, Leander, III, Lauren Grace, and the late Laina Michelle Bridges.

Also awarded the Achievement and Excellence Award was Ashley Dean who currently lives in Lebanon, Tennessee. She graduated from Jones College in 2004 and continued her education at the University of Mississippi for Women, graduating in 2006. She continued her education at Northwestern University’s Prosthetic Program the following year.

Currently, Dean is a licensed ABC-certified prosthetist and BOC-certified orthotist for Hanger Clinic in Murfreesboro and Estill Springs, TN, with more than 15 years of experience. She specializes in lower limb prosthetics, treating a broad spectrum of patients, cherishing the opportunity to help improve the quality of life of many. As an active member of the Tennessee Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics (TSOP), Dean was the first female President of TSOP. Also, she serves on the East Tennessee State University’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Program Advisory Board, and she is an active member of the Junior League of Nashville, and the MUW Alumni Association.

“I’m a math and science kind of girl, so my Comp-1 teacher was amazing. The amount of knowledge that I learned in that class with Miss Mary Callahan, prepared me so that I can actually write papers! That was very impactful in my life to get that education and to get better at writing and doing papers and research and all that fun stuff,” said Dean.

Also, while at Jones, she was an editor of the yearbook, Lair, Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She said, the yearbook advisor, Rebecca Patrick also played an influential role in her life.

“Miss Patrick is a wonderful lady and I’m glad I got to spend so much time with her. My sophomore year, she became my advisor, even though journalism was not my major. I was going into prosthetics and orthotics, but Miss Patrick knew that and had a plan, so she was there to support me. She also took me on my first flight. We went to Canada for a very interesting yearbook conference. Being involved in that, seeing all the campus life come together and put it in one book that you’ll have for years to come. It’s just so rewarding. It’s been almost 20 years, but Miss Patrick really made a great impact on my life. When I applied for the MBA program at USM, she wrote a letter of recommendation for me. She and I are still in touch, and I can’t say enough great things about her and the experience that I had working with her and the entire yearbook staff at JC,” shared Dean.

With her parents, Robert and Carole Dean of Clara continuing to support her from a distance now, Dean plans to graduate from USM’s MBA program in July of 2024.  

Jones College’s third Achievement and Excellence recipient is Richton native, Austin Smith, who was both a student in 2003, and a faculty member for 10 years at Jones College. Smith only intended to take summer classes at JC when English instructor, Faye Moulds changed his mind.

“The next thing I know, I registered for classes that fall, and you know, I stayed here for two years, and my focus was pre-med at the time. I intended to go to medical school and anyway, life changed. I met a lot of really good friends while I was here at Jones, and I never thought that I would come back here to teach.” He added, “Thank you to all the faculty that I had while I was here at the college. I’m also appreciative of the students who I was able to teach and inspire to go on to greatness like Kane Edwards and Stephen Billingsley. I’m also appreciative of the administration for what they have done as far as developing this campus.”

While at Jones College, Smith became very involved in Phi Theta Kappa honor society as President, before transferring to Mississippi College, completing his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. 

“I was not a trust fund child, so you know, I needed college to be affordable and my involvement with Phi Theta Kappa, and a decent looking transcript while I was here at Jones, paid dividends whenever it came time for me to go to Mississippi College. I was able to get a little bit of an extra boost with a leadership scholarship and about the only thing that I had to pay for was just the dorms. I would say to any student that comes along, you know performing well in the classroom is important, but also be involved in good quality student organizations and do something; do not just don’t have your name on the list,” said Smith.

He began teaching microbiology and biology in 2009 before taking over the family business. Currently, the commercial beekeeper from Petal co-owns Smith’s Honey Farm LLC, with his father. They have more than 2,000 colonies with the honey sold in many grocery stores, produce markets and retailers throughout Mississippi. He is a certified member and the current president of the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association. Additionally, he is active in the Mississippi Beekeepers Association having served as president and is currently serving as vice-president.

Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of nine alumni and friends of the college during the October 28, Homecoming weekend of activities. “Rising Stars,” Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current resident of Madison, and Laurel’s Alise Mathews and Jermarcus Ross were honored along with Laurel’s Jim Rasberry, the recipient of the “Outstanding Alumni of the Year” award and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh who received the “Legacy Award.” All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded Alumni Recognition Program held during Homecoming celebrations on October 28, 2023, honored nine alumni including Laurel’s Jim Rasberry as the Outstanding Alumni of the Year.

“I have never felt so honored and so appreciated. The team here has been incredible we’re all appreciative of this award,” said Rasberry.

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith shared before an audience of several hundred alumni and friends during the Homecoming Luncheon and Awards Presentation that this award was bestowed upon alumni of Jones College, recognizing the accomplishments and service of former students who have exhibited exceptional service and brought honor to the College.

“One of the qualities that we admire most about Jim is that he sees the true caliber of who we are, what we are, and our community, and how special we really are. He has gone on to be an advocate for revitalizing small-town America and if you look at what’s happened to our community that infectiousness is happening all across small towns in America. We are so proud of what you’re doing, what you have done, and what you continue to do,” said Smith.

Rasberry played golf in the National Junior College Championships in Chautauqua, New York, which was his first trip to New York and outside of Mississippi, while attending Jones College from 2001 until 2003.

“It was the first time I’d ever seen it, and the only time I had seen Niagara Falls. Traveling as part of the Jones Golf team and getting to see more than just what’s going on right here in South Mississippi was a great experience because of what Jones offered and being able to be a part of an organization. It was fun. I finished 19th in the country which wasn’t too bad,” said Rasberry.

Getting to know everyone on campus and building upon the friendships he began then, was one of the biggest surprises and life-changing experiences for the founder of Rasberry Financial Services. JC’s business division chair and accounting teacher, Rick Bedwell was one of the many people Rasberry met who influenced his outlook on life.

“What was great about that accounting class was learning the value of a great attitude because Rick Bedwell has an incredible attitude to this day. Every time he walked into the classroom with a smile on his face and a positive attitude, made me feel like you know what, I can conquer this. I may not feel great about what I’m getting ready to do, but I’m going to make it happen. So, getting that attitude from Rick Bedwell really set the tone for me and I really appreciate it,” shared Rasberry.

After graduating from JC, Rasberry earned a degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He made his mark in the financial world when he founded Raspberry Financial Services in 2001 and established a premier firm in the Southeast. He has since been named a “Leader in Finance” by the Mississippi Business Journal and he has served as a financial advisor for the National Football League Players Association advisor program. Additionally, he is a partner in a historic real estate development firm and partner in the Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman Manufacturing Co., in addition to serving on the board for numerous economic development related organizations over the last decade. His wife Mallorie and he have two daughters, Lucy and Lottie and have called downtown Laurel their home since 2009.  

Other Jones College alumni honored were recipients of the “Rising Stars,” Award, Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current Madison resident, Alise Mathews of Laurel, and Jermarcus Ross of Laurel. Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Leander Bridges II of Laurel, Ashely Dean of Clara, and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, and Richton native and current Petal Resident, Austin Smith, each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award,” and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh, and current Oxford resident, received the “Legacy Award.” All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded Alumni recognition program during Homecoming celebrations on October 28, 2023, honored “Rising Stars,” Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current Madison resident, Alise Mathews of Laurel, and Jermarcus Ross of Laurel. Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Leander Bridges II of Laurel, Ashely Dean of Clara, and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, and Richton native and current Petal Resident, Austin Smith, each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” Jim Rasberry of Laurel was honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year,” and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh, and current Oxford resident, received the “Legacy Award.”

“We are so happy you are with us at Jones College,” Dr. Jesse Smith, President of Jones College said, greeting hundreds of alumni at the Homecoming Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. “We represent the past, present, and future. It is such a pleasure to have all of our honored alumni back on campus as we gather to celebrate your accomplishments and the lasting impact you have left on your communities. You are the embodiment of our school’s legacy, and we are proud to call you our own, as part of the JC family.”

The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of Jones College who has illustrated over the years continued support and has made consistent contributions to honor the College, like Dr. Dewey Garner. The retired pharmacist and pharmacy professor at the University of Mississippi and the University of Houston, graduated from JCJC in 1960, taking 18 hours every quarter. At the end of his freshman year, he said he was still undecided on a major until he won the Chemistry Award.

“I’ve figured all this is general and it will transfer…and I said well, I got this chemistry award so I must have some talent here,” Garner quipped. “But I don’t want to be working with test tubes and beakers for the rest of my life. I read pharmacy was a very people-oriented profession, but I’ve never been in a pharmacy in my life other than to sit at the fountain before the movie in Raleigh. I wound up coming to Ole Miss because it’s the oldest pharmacy school in the state. I had only been on this campus one time in my life to see a football game.”

Upon graduation from Ole Miss, Dr. Garner practiced pharmacy for 2 ½ years in New Albany, when the Dean of the Pharmacy School convinced him to return for graduate school in 1966. He joined the faculty at the University of Houston after graduation in 1970 for a year, before joining the faculty at the University of Mississippi. Garner retired in 2009, as professor emeritus of pharmacy administration and research professor emeritus in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences after serving 38 years on the faculty with 14 of those years as the chair of the department of pharmacy administration.

He served the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, the oldest and largest professional pharmacy fraternity in the world, in nearly every national office and as a member of almost every national committee. He wrote a book in 1993 on the fraternity’s history. The fraternity recognized him for his extraordinary service to the pharmacy profession with the A. Richard Bliss Grand Council Citation of Appreciation in 2009. Professor Garner served as faculty adviser to the Beta Rho Chapter of Kappa Psi at Ole Miss, and the student chapter of the National Association of Community Pharmacists.

The School of Pharmacy selected him as “Alumnus of the Year for 2009-2010, and the Mississippi Pharmacists Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2009. He served on the Mississippi Medicaid Commission’s Drug Advisory Committee from 1971 to 1985 and was one of three pharmacists appointed to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s State’s Pharmaceutical Transition Commission.

Of all his awards and honors over his lifetime, Garner shared, the Legacy Award from Jones College is the most treasured.

“Those lifetime awards are for different constituencies, but this one is a little overwhelming because when it said Legacy from Jones College, it goes back further than any of those others. I mean, it was 64years ago that I entered JCJC as a freshman,” said Garner, who met his wife Barbara of 60 years during his sophomore year at JCJC, thanks to his cousin.  The couple has two children, two grandchildren, and one, great-grandchild.

All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court.