Category: News

ELLISVILLE- Two Jones College students earned individual honors through the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. Sophomore marketing and business administration major from Puckett, Brady Williams was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Mississippi Academic First Team. Columbia High School 2003 graduate, Chanel Evans of Hattiesburg and formerly of Magee, was selected for Second Team honors.

“Chanel and Brady are two incredibly deserving honorees for this scholarship competition,” shared Eric Shows, JC Science Division Dean and PTK Advisor. “They genuinely represent the best of what we strive to honor in PTK and in our student body as a whole: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.”

At Jones College, Williams has served his peers as the president of both the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He also is a manager for the Bobcat Tennis Men’s Team and he is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This summer, Williams has returned to work at his summer camp job at WinShape Camps through Chick-fil-A in Atlanta, Georgia through the Truett Cathey Organization. 

“I am humbled by the honor of representing Jones College as a member of the All-Mississippi First Team and I’m thankful for the opportunities for both leadership and service I have been entrusted with during my years as a student at Jones College,” said Williams. “I’ve grown in so many ways that I didn’t think would be possible coming from a small town without many leadership opportunities. My advisors have encouraged me to set and reach goals that I did not dream were possible. My confidence in my leadership abilities has increased through their support and belief in me. A confident attitude motivates and inspires others. I have had such a positive experience with leading these organizations at Jones, that I hope I can continue to make a difference when I transfer to a university,” said Williams.

One of his goals as a leader in both organizations was to get students more involved in campus life and activities in a post Covid era. Through collaboration with fellow students and faculty members, Williams planned and organized several activities for students to come together to enjoy and meet new people.

“There were discouraging times when we would plan events and very few students would attend, but we would work together and find ways to get more students involved by utilizing different advertising techniques and getting key individuals to attend. We learned from this endeavor that there would be activities that drew more students than others and there were factors beyond our control that would affect involvement. We learned to persevere and not give up just because the activity was not as successful as expected. We learned to be patient and flexible with students who were reluctant to attend activities,” Williams shared. “One measure of our success has been the 5-star chapter rating that our PTK chapter received.”

Earning college degrees 20 years after earning her high school diploma seemed impossible to Chanel Evans. After a personal traumatic experience ended her college career before finishing her freshman year in 2004, she immersed herself in work. As a 16-year-old, Evans began working in the restaurant industry before taking on leadership roles at various restaurant corporations and becoming a personal fitness trainer. In 2021, Evans enrolled in Jones College to honor her younger brother, Rashad Evans who lost his life after having a stroke. He encouraged the then Krystal regional field training manager to return to college.

“I walked away from my academia and immersed myself in work and I thought I could just work the pain away and I needed to take time to heal. So, in that time away from school, I did find peace and God made me whole again. So, the greatest challenge thereafter was not the rematriculating but the actual reintegration into campus life and walking amongst my peers once more,” shared Evans. “That’s where PTK comes into play for me and really, Rho Sigma chapter Advisors, Sarah Ishee, Mark Brown and Eric Shows. They received me, a non-traditional student of color, trying to outrun the enigma that has subdued my urge to complete my academic pursuit for so long. They saw me! There wasn’t a barrier. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor, and I’m more resilient now than ever before!”

Evans earned her Associate of Arts in Psychology in May 2023 at Jones and was honored to be nominated for the Merit Gold Key Award in addition to being named a 2023 USM Golden Scholar, earning a 4.0 GPA and inclusion in the Jones College President’s List Honor Roll and earning the PTK All-Mississippi Academic Award.

“To be awarded such an accolade has to be one of the most tremendous honors of my time. I’ve strived to always give the very best of me. I often hold myself to impossible standards because I’m such a perfectionist,” said Evans. “To also share in this honor with Brady, who is one of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside him, not just PTK but also SGA at Jones, is amazing.”  

Evans has worked her way up to various leadership roles in the restaurant industry, including her current role as Field Training Manager: Franchise Development at The Wendy’s Company. In this role, she supports the training and operations of 351 restaurant teams from Ohio to Alabama. Evans also facilitates training and leadership classes, develops and certifies training, and disseminates product and educational brand initiatives, all while taking a full course load of online classes at Jones College. Over the past two years, the 38-year-old came to campus for PTK related events or service projects and meetings. Evans is now earning educational degrees as quickly and effectively as she did in the restaurant industry.

“I am a dual degree student earning a psychology and biz management technology degree at Hinds Community College and I have recently completed the Certificate program for Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Human Resources through Cornell University’s School Industrial Relations and Labor School. Also, I will complete my BSBA in Human Resources Management at Southern New Hampshire University by August, then continue my academia at Jones College for the 2023-2024 academic school year as a full-time, General Studies major. I will complete my BSBA at SNHU next fall ahead of my matriculation to Harvard Business School online to study Organizational Leadership.”

Ultimately, Evan’s career goal is to either work in the Diversity Equity & Inclusion field or secure a role as an Executive Leader with the ability to directly influence corporate culture and development. Meanwhile, as she continues to juggle her professional career and earn additional educational degrees, Evans plans to return next fall to Jones College in a leadership role with PTK while earning another degree.

“I have answered the call to serve as a Phi Theta Kappa officer for the 2023-2024 academic year; however, I have not opted for a specific leadership position,” explained Evans. “Nonetheless, I am committed to be of service in any capacity bestowed upon me to the very best of my ability. I am honored to contribute to Phi Theta Kappa, Jones College, and our community!”

The two JC students competed with more than 1,800 nominations from each of the 15-community colleges in Mississippi. As part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s annual academic and workforce competition, each student submitted an essay, answered discussion questions, and described their leadership roles and activities while in college.

The highest scoring nominees from each of the 15 two-year colleges earned First Team All-Mississippi honors and $500 scholarships provided by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. All team members received special medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Legislature.

ELLISVILLE – Five Jones College sophomores were selected as Tullos Scholars which is the highest honor bestowed upon students: Faith Collins of Heidelberg; Sara Grace Morgan of Foxworth; Breanna Penton of Runnelstown; Christopher Ritz of Sumrall and Gracye Tower of Runnelstown. All five students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.

Perry Central High School graduate, Gracye Tower majored in electrical engineering and was selected to be a member of the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and to serve as College Project Director for the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society, Rho Sigma chapter. Additionally, she was a member of the Student Engineering Society and a band manager for the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band. Tower will continue her education at Mississippi State University. She credits her grandparents, Dr. Mike and Lucy Edmonds for pushing her to do her best at all times, along with the support of her brother Brody, and parents, John Tower and Kristyn Edmonds for being successful.

“This honor means so very much to be recognized for all my hard work as a student at Jones. It can be pretty difficult to balance school and time-consuming extracurricular activities, especially with the intensive classes that come with pursuing an engineering degree,” shared Tower. “I was blessed to have some of the most wonderful teachers like Mary Boleware, Dr. Corey Jones and Sarah Ishee to name just a few that helped me persevere and become the best student I could possibly be along the way. I am extremely thankful to have received this honor from Jones College and I am so thankful that I chose to be a Bobcat!”

Faith Collins majored in Computer Science earning President’s List Honors each semester at Jones College. She is a member of PTK, Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society, Student Government Association, Student Engineering Society and FBLA. Collins is her church’s pianist and has volunteered on various disaster relief efforts. Her future plans include earning a software degree with minors in mathematics and German.

West Marion High School graduate, Sara Morgan plans to continue her education at William Carey University and become a physical therapist. At Jones College, Morgan was the Vice President of Fellowship for PTK and assisted with the College Project and Honors in Action Projects, and she was a member of the Charles Pickering Honors institute. Morgan is currently in Washington as a Summer Missionary through the Baptist Student Union, where she also serves on the BSU State Lead team as well as President. Sara’s parents are Brad and Jill Morgan.

Perry Central High School 2021 Salutatorian, Breanna Penton worked hard at Jones College, earning a spot each semester on the President’s List Honor Roll, and she was a member of the Bobcat Brigade and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. As the Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, she organized numerous events and volunteered for many PTK sponsored activities while also working at Chick-fil-A in Petal. Her goal is to continue her education at USM to earn her elementary education degree. Breanna’s parents are Windell and Jennifer Penton.

Christopher Ritz majored in electrical engineering and served as the President of the Jones College Student Engineering Society. He’s been on the President’s List Honor Roll and is a member of PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Ritz has been volunteering as a tutor, and he is the local coordinator for Students for Liberty, in addition to being an evangelist. Floyd and Tracy Ritz are his parents.

Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a résumé with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos.

Gene Tullos came to Jones in 1960 on a basketball scholarship which he said, gave him a jumpstart and a great foundation to begin Law School. Endowing scholarships, like the Tullos Scholarship Program was his way of returning the “favor” to the college that provided an excellent foundation for a successful career as an attorney in Smith County.

“As he made the single, largest donation ever at Jones, Gene Tullos said he wanted to recognize outstanding students from various majors who are shining stars, to honor them and encourage them to feel special,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.  “When Gene established this Scholarship, he explained, because of the encouragement he received at Jones he felt like he could make it and be successful. In fact, Gene was a successful attorney for 50 years, only missing three days of work related to his cancer treatment before he passed away in 2016.”

For more information about Jones College, visit the webpage, https://www.jcjc.edu/

ELLISVILLE – It’s been three years since SkillsUSA students at Jones College competed in the State Competition, yet they continued their “winning ways” this year, coming home with plenty of gold. JC SkillsUSA advisor, Ryan Hearn said he was thrilled with how all the students performed.

“We had the most competitors at the state contest with 19 students and we brought home 17 medals. It was a very strong showing for the college and we anticipate it to continue to grow every year,” Hearn said proudly.

The last time a Jones College team competed and won the engineering technology design category was in 2019. That team of students, C.J. Hoodless of Ellisville, Preston Hammonds of Leakesville and Lakelin Smith of Lucedale also earned Gold Medals at the National Competition. Covid-19 concerns halted and modified competition over the past couple of years. Regardless, the Jones College engineering design technology design team took the top trophy again and continued the winning tradition. The three-person team of Jose` Mendez of Laurel, Ruben Diaz of Lucedale and Trevor Courtney of Bassfield created an attachment for a weed eater, which won over the judges because of its practicality.

“Our attachment allows you to weed-eat and edge using just the weed eater. Turning the weed eater horizontally with our attachment, allows you to roll it on the ground so you don’t have to hold it up while trying to also edge with the weed-eater,” explained Courtney who also serves as the President of the Jones College SkillsUSA chapter. “The three of us brainstormed about possible ideas and since we all do yard work, we wanted to design something that would make yard work more cost effective and efficient.”

Jones College students have won this category since its introduction which combines civil engineering, drafting, design and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, each team was judged by company professionals considering the originality of their product, presentation and explanation of how and why the product was created, the manufacturing process and the financial and future analysis of the 3-D printed invention. Each piece was drawn on a 3D software program and then printed on 3D printers separately, which added some difficulty finishing their creation according to Courtney.

“Our printers are not large enough to print the whole set out at one time, so we had to print the pieces and then figure out how to mold them together,” said Courtney. “We knew we had a lot of guidance and materials at JC, so we felt like we had a good shot of winning. Not many other community colleges are capable of even doing the things we did so we feel confident going to Nationals.”

By doing every aspect of the process to create and produce an original product, Hearn explained is the best possible way to prepare students for the “real world” in the engineering field. SkillsUSA’s competitions give students opportunities to excel and prepare them for the workforce.

“It would be very difficult to win without both of these programs (civil engineering technology and CAD engineering), especially at the SkillsUSA competition because it takes both skills to make it work,” said Hearn.

Other first place winners include Blake Stokes of Glade in Electrical Construction Wiring; Elijah Sellers of Hattiesburg in Extemporaneous Speaking; Jareen Green of Leakesville in Technical Drafting and the Quiz Bowl Team of Ethan Ainsworth of Laurel, Aldo Velasco of Laurel, Oscar Gomez of Laurel, James Grayson of Laurel, Juan Carlos of Hernandez of Laurel and Lee Mixon of Stonewall.

“Some questions were about the SkillsUSA organization but there were a lot more questions about current events and trivia,” explained Mixon. “The winning team had to earn 70 points and if you’re not sure about the answer, and answer incorrectly, the mistakes cost the team. Also, this was a timed competition but at Nationals we’ll compete directly against other teams.”

Earning second place silver medals at the SkillsUSA State Competition were Jason Eason of Laurel in Job Interview; Stephen Holifield of Laurel in HVAC; Thomas Broadhead of Sandersville in Job Skill Demo Open; Jakob Anderson of Purvis in Architectural Drafting and Mason Broadus of Collins in Related Technical Math.

Students placing first place at the State Competition are invited to compete at the National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia on June 19 to 23.

ELLISVILLE – Twenty-five graduates of the Jones College Associate Degree Nursing program are entering the nursing profession at a time when demand has never been greater. During the Pinning and Commencement Ceremony, A.D.N. Program Director, Mike Cummings stated, “These graduates will fill an important role in the care of our citizens at a time when the population’s need for medical care is also growing.” 

Class President, Shelby Csaszar Littleton of Hattiesburg will start her nursing career at Gulfport Memorial Hospital on their Progressive Care Unit, noting she feels Jones College prepared her well for the profession.

“I started the A.D.N. program in August 2021, and it’s crazy to think that nearly two years have come and gone in the blink of an eye. It’s no secret that nursing school is tough, but I truly believe that Jones’ A.D.N. program is led by some of the most competent and caring instructors that prepared us not only for our licensure board exams, but also for real world nursing. I have learned so much from my instructors in both the classroom and clinical setting, and I believe I will be a better nurse in the very near future because of attending the A.D.N. program here at Jones,” said Csaszar.

The graduating class of 2023 includes Danielle Leigh Beech, Laurel; Marissa Terryal Bender, Bay Springs; William Beau Blackledge, Hattiesburg; Shelby Nicole Csaszar Littleton, Hattiesburg; Rebekah Elisabeth Denham, Laurel; Lakyn M Edwards, Leakesville; Baylee Madison English, Richton; Alyssa Haley Guy, Laurel; Tara Miranda Hair, State Line; Samantha Paige Hawkins, Seminary; Victoria H Hill, New Augusta; Catalynn Gabbie Hodge, Laurel; Nikki Marie Hough, Taylorsville; Summer Nicole Hughes, Mize; Gracie Jacquline Ingram, Mt. Olive; Anya Cedrianna Kellum, Hattiesburg; Justin Earl Keyes, Taylorsville; Richard Lee Klug, Collins; Kelli Nicole McNease, Sumrall; Carleigh Leann Murray, Enterprise; Kellie Lott Saulters, Collins; Abigail Lee Strange, Ellisville; Myles Christian Vince, Enterprise; Kourtney Marae Wells, Columbia and Charles Joseph Zickus, Ellisville.

Earning additional recognition at the ceremony were Rebekah Denham of Laurel and Nikki McNease of Sumrall for being inducted into the A.D.N. Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Gamma Mu Chapter at Jones College.

A.D. Nurse graduations May 2023

Danielle Leigh Beech, Laurel

Marissa Terryal Bender, Bay Springs

William Beau Blackledge, Hattiesburg

Shelby Nicole Csaszar Littleton, Hattiesburg

*Rebekah Elisabeth Denham, Laurel

Lakyn M Edwards, Leakesville

Baylee Madison English, Richton

Alyssa Haley Guy, Laurel

Tara Miranda Hair, State Line

Samantha Paige Hawkins, Seminary

Victoria H Hill, New Augusta

Catalynn Gabbie Hodge, Laurel

Nikki Marie Hough, Taylorsville

Summer Nicole Hughes, Mize

Gracie Jacquline Ingram, Mt. Olive

Anya Cedrianna Kellum, Hattiesburg

Justin Earl Keyes, Taylorsville

Richard Lee Klug, Collins

*Kelli Nicole McNease, Sumrall

Carleigh Leann Murray, Enterprise

Kellie Lott Saulters, Collins

Abigail Lee Strange, Ellisville

Myles Christian Vince, Enterprise

Kourtney Marae Wells, Columbia

Charles Joseph Zickus, Ellisville

*Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society members

ELLISVILLE – Jones College recently hosted 19 members of the 110 members in the Jones County Agricultural High School Class of 1955 for its 68th Reunion. Each year, fewer of these 85-year-olds can gather for the reunion, but those that are able to attend the reunion enjoy planning and meeting every two years. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith commended the class for continuing its traditional biennial reunion and invited the group to be honored at Homecoming.

“They are probably the oldest group of alumni who still meet regularly and are proud to be American citizens and alumni of Jones County Agricultural High School. JCAHS shared the campus with the college students before moving to its own campus in 1965. Many of these alumni stayed to take two years of college classes on campus, spending a total of six years on the Ellisville campus,” said Smith. “They have lots of memories to share and cherish with one another. Even if they are unable to return as a class to Homecoming this October, they will return in two years to celebrate with their classmates. I admire this class’s determination to celebrate one another.”

Led by then Class President, the Honorable Charles Pickering and his wife, Margaret Ann, who served as Vice President of the 1955 class, have coordinated every reunion with a group of classmates assisting. This group has returned to campus or a venue nearby, every two years to reminisce about when they believed, was the best time to be alive.

As Charles Pickering noted at the class reunion, “The 1950’s was during a time of peace when America was reveling in the win of World War II. Life was good for most, and everyone was proud to be an American. Patriotism was visible, unlike today. We need to pray for our country to return to the days where everyone was more patriotic,” said Pickering.

Former JCJC Foundation Director, Paula Walters moderated the special patriotic program which included two special musical guests. Joining the JCAHS Class of 1955, was Susan Alexander on saxophone and James Arrington on piano. The two performed God Bless America and Alexander performed a solo of the National Anthem. Class member, Hilton Ray Walters who traveled from Atlanta for the reunion, led the group in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

After being moved by the musical performance, Robert Hilbun the husband of JCAHS alumnus Gail Hilbun, reminded everyone about the Korean War Memorial outside the chapel on the JC campus. Some of their classmates participated in that war and he was proud the College has a tribute to honor them. He encouraged everyone to continue to pray for all the members of the military and their families. 

The 68^th Class Reunion concluded with a luncheon prepared by the Sodexo cafeteria staff at Jones College, as everyone shared their favorite experiences as Jones County Agricultural High School students.

Additionally, The JCAHS Class of 1955 established a scholarship to be awarded to eligible Jones College students that are descendants of the JCAHS Class of 1955. Class members said they hope the scholarship will be an incentive to get 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation students to discover Jones College, like they did. Jones College students applying for Foundation Scholarships are required to meet academic guidelines before scholarships are awarded. Jones College students can apply for Foundation Scholarships by checking the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/scholarships/ in January 2024, for Jones College Foundation scholarships to be awarded for the fall 2024 semester.

Tax-deductible contributions towards the JCAHS Scholarship or other scholarships can be mailed to Jones County Junior College Foundation, Inc. at 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, Mississippi, 39437, or contributions can be made online at https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/giving-support/. For more information, please contact Jo Anna Newcomb in the JC Foundation Office at 601-477-4145.