Category: News

Photo Cutline most beautiful top 6 small by Hunter Heath 2021: Jones College sophomore from Ellisville, Caidyn Crowder (center) was crowned Most Beautiful at the annual Most Beautiful Pageant, held April 20, 2021. Also pictured in the Top 6 are (pictured left to right) Keely Skellion of Ellisville, Rylee Brabham of Waynesboro, Most Beautiful-Caidyn Crowder of Ellisville, First alternate-Lydia Ruth Odom of Bay Springs, Second alternate-Brinley Bullock of Laurel and Third alternate-Karsyn Ulmer of Laurel.

ELLISVILLE- The annual Jones College Most Beautiful Pageant will be held Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. Thirty contestants are vying for several awards including the title of “Most Beautiful,” Top Ten, Top Five, Most Photogenic and the People’s Choice Award.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under, and free for Jones students with their student ID. The audience will have the opportunity to choose the “People’s Choice” award for a $1 “write-in” vote. Attendees will also see a performance by JonesOn Stage. For more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 601-477-4030.

ELLISVILLE – The recent partnership between Jones College and William Carey University equals more options for students to earn bachelor’s degrees than ever before, in a shorter amount of time and with less costs.

“Together, partnerships like this create more pathways to degrees for our students,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith. “The end goal is to have more health care professionals in every community. There’s no better way to create more pathways than to use existing resources. We’re leveraging those resources to provide health care in every small town in Mississippi.”

The first of two Memorandum of Agreements (MOU) between Jones College and William Carey University will expand the growing options for nursing students to earn bachelor’s degrees while also earning their associate degree at the same time. The dual enroll nursing option includes William Carey University instructors teaching two bachelor of nursing courses on the Ellisville campus of Jones College, with students paying the Jones College tuition rate. Additionally, Jones students and faculty will have access to WCU advisors to ensure students are on the right career and degree path.

“This will take (nursing students at Jones College) towards their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, otherwise known as the B.S. to B.S.N. degree. Jones students will get a head start in getting those degrees,” said William Carey University Associate Vice President of Health Programs and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Janet Williams. We will also offer (dual enrollment) with our HAE (Health Administration and Education) program. All of this helps students get a head start in earning their degrees. We look for every advantage to help students do big things in the future.”

As nursing shortages reach critical stages in the state, providing more education pathways is part of the answer. Jones College has a similar partnership with the University of South Alabama’s nursing program. Providing more options with the addition of William Carey University’s nursing dual enrollment option can only help resolve the crisis.

“If you want to stop the nursing shortage you have to increase supply to stop demand,” said Williams. “Everything we can do to increase the supply, including the number of nursing faculty. If you increase the number of faculty, you can increase the number of nursing students.”

Williams added that as a state, nursing schools turn away almost as many qualified applicants as colleges can admit because they don’t have the faculty and resources to be able to handle the number of students interested in nursing. Assistant Dean of Health Sciences at Jones College, Teresa McDonald said she is excited about the possibilities with this partnership.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities offered to our students on campus with this partnership. When Covid hit, it was like throwing gas on the fire as far as the nursing shortage. It caused tremendous complications,” said McDonald. “WCU’s new degree options are great for students because these graduate programs lead to improved salary and administration opportunities.”

Another caveat to the partnership agreement between the two institutions of higher learning is the expansion of pre-professional programs. Williams said WCU has been working on ways to create a 3+ 3 program by expanding Jones College’s pre-professional health programs which will put JC students on the path to grad school at WCU.

“We have several professional programs or doctorate degrees available at WCU in physical therapy, pharmacy, nursing, and health administration and education. When Jones students complete their two years in the pre-professional program, they will come to WCU for their third year, and they can apply to grad school. It won’t guarantee admission, but it guarantees an interview to go through this fast track. Earning a professional degree in six years versus eight years is a huge advantage for students,” said Williams.

WCU’s goal is to offer every community college in Mississippi fast-track opportunities into the health care related professional programs. Executive Vice President at William Carey University, Dr. Ben Burnett said the second MOU announced at Jones College gives Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates more options. By accepting CTE credits, CTE graduates now have a pathway at WCU to quickly earn a B.A., B.S., and the newly created Bachelor of General Studies.

“WCU is providing two different pathways for the career tech grads who ordinarily think once they earn their CTE degree, they go right into the workforce. Now, there are a couple of degree options where they can continue their education, in any major and use CTE hours,” said Burnett. “Flexibility-that’s how higher education is changing, and Jones College is the first institution we’ve partnered with to offer these new opportunities.”

This is the first private university Jones College has partnered with that will now accept CTE credits toward earning bachelor’s degrees. All eight public universities currently have this articulation agreement with all 15 community colleges in Mississippi. Smith noted that Jones students who are enrolled in associate of applied science degree programs, like computer programming and electromechanical engineering technology are among the students who can take advantage of these new options and combine the A.A.S. degree credits to earn a bachelor’s degree at WCU in math or science for example.

Burnett isn’t shy about recruiting community college students, but he doesn’t want to “steal” students from Jones College. He shared that William Carey University heavily depends on this group of students.

“We don’t exist without community college transfer students. Forty percent of WCU students are community college transfers. We want to partner with you in any and in every way mutually beneficial to make Mississippi stronger. We know (Jones College) is doing that and WCU wants to partner with you,” said Burnett.  For more info contact Ashley Knight at, aknight@wmcarey.edu

ELLISVILLE – She’s a “High Stepping” Golden Girl from the land of the Laurel Tornadoes and the Jones College Bobcats. While many 30-year-olds tend to settle down and raise their children, Chiquillia Walker-McMellon with three children, hasn’t stopped dancing yet! She is the new Dance Coordinator for the “Golden Goddesses,” the dance team for the Arena Football League’s newest team based in Philadelphia Mississippi, the Magnolia State Spartans. Last year, Chiquillia danced for the Mississippi Raiders’ Dance Team, the Silver Belles and served as Dance Coordinator for that team, too.

“Initially after the pandemic, I was feeling stuck in my job as a teacher and losing my artistry. I literally saw the sign up on Facebook and decided this might be fun to try to see if I still had that performance spark in me,” said Chiquillia.

After submitting a dance video audition, she landed an interview. She not only made the team, but they also offered her the Dance Coordinator position for the Silver Belles.

“When I got in the room and answered questions, they loved my personality and energy and offered me the Dance Coordinator position. As Dance Coordinator, I handled all the affairs for the dance team, from uniforms to choreography, publicity appearances, interviews and pretty much all the behind the scenes work for the team. I also danced with the team to continue living out my dream of continuing to perform and enjoy the art of dance,” said Chiquillia.

The AFL season begins in April and runs through July. Most of the games are played on Saturdays and the dance team often travels with the team.  However, after one year as dance coordinator for the Silver Belles, Walker-McMellon thought she was done dancing professionally.

“I thought I was going to dance with the Silver Belles for a year and just check it off my bucket list but after I gave it up and focused on life changes, I was approached by the Spartans. They offered me another shot at the Arena Football scene again. The first-year dancing again brought back a lot of inspiration in my life and reminded me that I am very capable of doing anything I put my mind to. It is very exciting and I’m able to expand choreography and artistic expression to an older age group versus my day-to-day school aged children,” said Walker-McMellon.

Some of the 30-year old’s spirit and athleticism may be partially inherited. Her mother, Sules Walker graduated from JCJC in 1993 and was a star basketball player for the Lady Bobcats.

“My mom is a 2-time MVP, 2-time All-State, 2-time All-Region and JUCO All-Star,” said Walker-McMellon.

In fact, Sules had the rare opportunity to coach her two younger daughters’ basketball at Laurel High School before they came to Jones. Chikaylla Walker (JCJC 2015) and Nique Cherry (JCJC 2018) were just as tough and successful as their mother. Unfortunately, Chikaylla’s ACL injury ended her basketball career while in high school.

“Nique followed in my mom’s footsteps. At JCJC, Nique’s stats include 41 Double Doubles, she was 3rd in the nation in rebounding, and she was a 5-time MAC Player of the Week,” said Chiquillia.

Even though Chiquillia didn’t play basketball, she was her sister’s biggest cheerleader at all the basketball games. She also followed in her mother’s footsteps by working in education. After graduating from Laurel High School in 2008, Walker-McMellon joined the 2008-2010 Jones College Touch of Gold and Gold Rush dance teams. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dance education and psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2014 and has been teaching some form of dance fitness ever since.

“I love dance because it is the only way of communication that makes perfect sense to me. It allows me to express myself in a positive outlet no matter the emotion. I enjoy teaching others to use movement to create a safe haven for growth and confidence. My motto is to be bold, be confident, and be you. Create your own movement,” said Walker-McMellon.

For the last seven years, Walker-McMellon has been working for the Laurel School District in a couple of different roles. At Oak Park Elementary School in Laurel, Chiquillia is the Arts Infusion teacher. She has also been the dance sponsor and choreographer at Laurel High School for the last five years. She and her husband, Brandon McMellon are newlyweds with three children, 8-year-old Ari Johnikin, 4-year-old Eli Johnikin and 4-year-old Italie McMellon.

ELLISVILLE – Five Jones College sophomore art students earned recognition from the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s annual art competition and show. Carly McInnis from Mize earned first place honors in the 3D category and an Honorable Mention for her drawing entry, “Untitled.” The sophomore graphic design major said this was the first time she entered an art show.

“This is the first time I’ve ever entered anything in an art show, this is the first show! I was very shocked (to learn I won in the 3D category) because there were so many other pieces that were good. It was for the experience, even if I didn’t win anything,” said McInnis.

Her unnamed 3D art figure, her mother calls, “Squidward” was created using sand, cardboard, and mod podge. While time consuming, McInnis says it was fun creating her 3D art project.

“I have really come to love abstract art, 3D art. The project was to cover it in something that didn’t make it look like the cardboard used to create the figure. I thought sand would be cool because it would look rocky, and people would wonder how did that stay up? Mark Brown, my teacher told me to finish it and put it in the show and see what happens. I finished the weekend before entries were due.”

McInnis’s “big” goal is to work for Disney animation after graduating in May from Jones and finishing her degree at USM.

Other winners from Jones College include Bryanna Davidson of Laurel’s “Teeth” drawing which earned 3^rd place. Honorable Mention accolades were bestowed to Laurel’s Aryn Cox, for her drawing, “The Backyard,” and Hattiesburg’s Rebekah Lawless’ drawing, “Untitled 2”.   In the 2D art category, Heidelberg’s Quinton Chapman received an Honorable Mention for his work, “Untitled.”

Best of Show went to Southwest Mississippi Community College sophomore, Darryn Coney for his pencil drawing, “Bessie.” More than 170 pieces of art were submitted for MCCAIA’s competition and art show which was on display in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Jones College campus in Ellisville in March.

MCCAIA Awards by Category

Best in Show

Darryn Coney, Bessie, SMCC

Painting/Mixed Media:

1st: Mandy Zhang, Brick #2, Holmes Ridgeland

2nd: Theresa Ho, Nightscape, Holmes Ridgeland

3rd: Mia Cossin, Cooper Dyes His Hair, ICC

HM: Theresa Ho, Bricked, Holmes Ridgeland

Why Hewitt, Cupcake, NWCC

Drawing:

1st: Kaitlin Stegall, Plum Tea, ICC

2nd: Jamiah Smith, Decoy, Hinds/Raymond

3rd: Bryanna Davidson, Teeth, Jones

HM: Carly McInnis, Untitled, Jones

Aryn Cox, The Backyard, Jones

Peyton Barr, Self-Portrait, NWCC

Colton Miller, Converse Desktop, Co-Lin

Rebekah Lawless, Untitled 2, Jones

Megan Jeter, Self-Portrait, NWCC

Ella Bowen, Paper Bag, EMCC Golden Triangle

Kaitlin Stegall, Caleb’s Sunset, ICC

2D Design:

1st: Peyton Barr, Gas Masks/Emphasis, NWCC

2nd: Peyton Barr, Balance, NWCC

3rd: Olivia Reed, Self-Portrait, MGCCC

HM: Megan Jeter, Untitled, NWCC

Mia Coggin, Eye, Eye, Captive, ICC

Colton Miller, Local/Expressive Color, Co-Lin

Erin Gullet, Globes on Table, Hinds

Catherine Milford, Void, Holmes

Quinton Chapman, Untitled, Jones

Inya Kirkland, Excitement, Hinds/Raymond

3D Design:

1st: Carly McInnis, Untitled, Jones

2nd: Peyton Barr, Surveillance System, NWCC

3rd: Alissa Ladner, Linear Design Project, Co-Lin

HM: Elliana Parker, Patterned Gogh, ICC

Hailey Hardy, Bumpy Ride, East Central CC

Digital/Computer Art:

1st: Brian Lummus, November Prince, Meridian

2nd: Colton Miller, The Great Daltoni, Co-Lin

3rd: Viskiyya Muhammad, Viskiyya, Meridian

HM: Gabby Ladd, Social Medusa, Co-Lin

Photography:

1st: Nicolas Boerema, Spake Motion, Hinds

2nd: Anwar Alhanshaly, Peace and Quiet, Hinds

3rd: Nicolas Boerema, Revelry, Hinds

HM: Nicolas Boerema, Heaven Wave, Hinds

Anwar Alhanshaly, Antique Boutique, Hinds

Printmaking:

1st: Colton Miller, Oscar, Co-Lin

2nd: Honor Brown, Grammy, EMCC Golden Triangle

3rd: Ella Bowen, Honey, EMCC Golden Triangle

HM: Sarah Banes, Butterflies, EMCC Golden Triangle

Ceramics:

1st: Gabby Ladd, Chaos and Serenity, Co-Lin

2nd: Morgan Rogillio, Crystal Turquoise Bowl, Hinds/Raymond

3rd: Katherine Witsberger, Like Blades of Grass Returning, Hinds

HM: Drew Winter, Brainstorm, Hinds

Photo by Kelly Atwood: Pictured, left to right, back row, are Jones College’s Newspaper staff writers and editors with their awards from the Mississippi Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest: Shannon Barbin of Hattiesburg, Mackenzie Gunter of Hattiesburg, Megan Matthews of Richton, Erin Fairchild of Seminary, Keenon Simmons of Laurel, Opinions editor Jennifer Shirley of Waynesboro, Photography editor Montanah Middleton of Mize, Copy editor Olivia Norwood of Laurel; front row, News editor Bryce Dupree of Raleigh, Sports  editor Presley White of Quitman, photographer Bralynn Newell of Newton, and Features editor Mikayla Rainey of Ellisville. Not pictured is Kyle Manseill of Waynesboro.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College competed in the Mississippi Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest for colleges and brought home the General Excellence award in the community college category.

Jones students received 11 awards, with Southwest Community College earning three and Holmes Community College received two awards. For most of the categories, these three participating community colleges competed against universities, including the University of Mississippi, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Jones newspaper, the Radionian, won first, second and third place in the news category. Tori Ellis was the second and third place winner for her stories on COVID-19. The Radionian also swept the Features category. Mikayla Rainey received first place, Dariyel Johnson of Leakesville received second place, and Olivia Norwood received third place. In the Feature Photo category, Bralynn Newell won first place and Montanah Middleton won second place.

In the General Interest Column, which included both two and four-year colleges, Mikayla Rainey received third place for her column on mental health. In the Website category, which included both two and four-year colleges, the Jones website bobcatpress.com received third place. Under the Use of Social Media category, which included both two and four-year colleges, Bryce Dupree and Presley White received first place. In all three of these categories, the others who placed were all from universities.

The General Excellence award has both a university and two-year college winner. Mississippi State University joined Jones College in the win.

“I’m happy to see my students are able to successfully compete on the university level,” said newspaper advisor Kelly Atwood. “Newspaper staffs are getting smaller at colleges nationwide, but my students are always in demand. With more people accepting social media, partisan websites and newstainment TV as official news sources, it’s getting harder to find objective journalism, but it is so important for our nation. Today’s guest speakers were perfect examples of why society still needs professional journalists. Regardless of the medium, professional, objective, responsible journalists will always be needed to preserve democracy and place the public good above everything else.”

Before the contest, the 24^th annual O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit was held with speakers Geoff Pender of Mississippi Today, Emily Wagster Pettus from the Associated Press, cartoonist Ricky Nobile and keynote speaker Jerry Mitchell from the Mississippi Center for Investigative reporting.

Atwood is currently taking applications for the Fall 2022 staff. Interested students should email her at Kelly.atwood@jcjc.edu.