Category: News

Jones College 2022 graduate and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Mississippi Academic Second Team winner, Shayna “Shay” Clark of Petal will be the guest speaker for the High School Equivalency (HSE) graduation ceremony. Clark, who has an inspiring personal story of overcoming addiction, will share her encouraging words during the commencement ceremony for about 100 HSE graduates at the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center in Ellisville, on Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m.

Clark struggled with addiction for 15 years, beginning when she was a teenager. From the time she was in second grade, her mother battled cancer, succumbing to it in Shay’s senior year.

“I was hurting, but I didn’t know how to say I was hurting,” she said. “It felt selfish because my mom was sick.” One day, she tried drugs. “Instantly, I felt relief,” she said. “When it wore off, I needed more and more, and it kind of escalated from there.”

That escalation included several times in jail and four times in prison. Despite her arrests, she continued to use drugs to numb the pain she felt she couldn’t handle then.

When her father first discovered her drug use, he tried to get her counseling, but she was a rebellious teen who refused to participate. Her addiction estranged her from her father, who died of a heart attack a few years later, which only increased her pain.

A graduate of Lamar Christian School, she was awarded a full tuition scholarship to MSU, but this was the fall that Hurricane Katrina hit. Two months after the natural disaster upended the lives of many, her life was upended as well when she went to prison for the first time at the age of 18. Through the years, she would get cleaned up for brief stints and enroll in college, thinking college “would fix” her. After attending class a few times, she wouldn’t return, always falling back into the vicious cycle of addiction.

All that changed the day she became involved in Drug Court. Specifically designed for people with substance abuse problems, these courts allow participants to enter long-term drug treatment while agreeing to court supervision. Members are expected to maintain recovery while working on lifestyle changes, with progress monitored by the court.

She said the Drug Court saw something in her that she couldn’t see in herself, and it was the first time that people had tried to help her. She was involved in the program for three years, and this is when she received counseling, something she’d never had before. She began the recovery process, and when she graduated from Drug Court, she enrolled the following semester at Jones, determined to get her degree.

“From the first phone call, everyone at Jones encouraged me and made it so doable,” she said.

When she started Jones, she was already working in the mental health field. After one year of sobriety, which is one of the pre-requisites for the job, she became a Peer Support Specialist at Clearview Recovery Center. She was the first person hired for the position at the center. Working at a treatment center helping people work on recovery helped her, too.

“Whenever I go through something hard, I remind myself that this is going to help someone,” she said. “It’s comforting to others when someone has gone through the same thing. That’s what’s so powerful about peer support because we’ve felt the same thing.”

In this role, the specialists share their personal stories with others through lectures and support groups. People in this role can receive certification through the Department of Mental Health. She later became a Clinical Assistant, and now she serves as a Case Manager for the Forrest/Perry County Drug Court. She plans on earning a bachelor’s in social work from USM, where she will start in the fall. She hopes to one day earn her masters as well.

While working in these roles, she attended Jones online classes, graduating this past May. Although not seeing her instructors for face-to-face classes, she said they all made an impact.

“My advisor, Stacy Ruth, was very helpful in navigating course schedules, and she was also my teacher a few times. I remember in one of our advisement appointments she called me ‘The Bomb Dot Com,’ which I remind my teenage step son of regularly when he gets embarrassed of me in public,” she said. “The amazing Eric Shows, PTK advisor who nominated me for the All-State Academic Award and believes in me and my story…

“Sarah Ishee, who helped my middle-aged mom-brain actually be able to retain history information (something I thought was impossible!!). Ms. (Missie) Meeks helped me to become a better writer, and Mr. (John) Burks helped me to better organize my thoughts and challenged my fears of speaking in public. Mrs. (Kathryn) Davis gave me interesting assignments in my social work classes that really made me think about things I have been through personally in a different light.

“I really could go on and on. Each and every teacher I had was special, and they really helped me to grow and learn,” she said.

An avid AA member, she talked of the 12 steps and used herself as an example. “I am just as capable as everyone else, but I have no power against this one thing, so I have to give it to a higher power,” she said. Staying involved in AA helps her to remain humble, help others, and seek God daily.

“When I get small, then God can get really big,” she said. “I want to see that power. I would not be anywhere close to here without Him.”

Last month, she started her nonprofit called Renters for Recovery. The idea was sparked when she saw people with nowhere to go once they finished their time at a treatment facility. The plan is to rent properties where people in recovery can go after treatment, similar to group homes. Everyone will receive counseling once a week in the home, and renters will receive two counseling sessions a month, which will be included in the rent.

Her ultimate goal with the nonprofit would include “apartments where whole families can be together, where they can work to get their kids back, and everyone can receive counseling.”

This isn’t her first time helping others in an innovative way. When she entered Clearview as a patient, she came with nothing, but while there, she received all the resources she needed. This inspired her to start a donation closet at the facility where people who come with nothing can receive clothes, toiletries, and other helpful items. The Fresh Start Donation Closet was just the beginning of her call to help others.

There was a time when people automatically associated drug users as bad people, but progress is being made on how we look at addiction, she explained.

“With mental health counselors, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention counselors, we can have a helping attitude instead of a punishing attitude,” she said.

People having that helpful attitude really made the difference in her recovery. She saw Drug Court Judge Helfrich as a father figure, partly because he resembled her father, but also because he was personable and accepting of her, hugging her when she made progress, officiating her marriage, and meeting her two-week-old baby.

She can look back at her time when she entered drug court and see the accomplishments she’s made today. She’s been clean for six years. She’s mended once-broken relationships and joined a church. In 2018, she married her best friend, also in recovery. They have a 3-year-old daughter together named Adalee, and she also has a teen stepson with her husband. The couple, who each at one time was homeless, bought their first house this past December. She has a rewarding job, an AA degree, and academic accolades.

“I’m really, really grateful for that second chance,” she said. “I’d really thought I’d blown it. It’s neat to be on the other side of Drug Court and watch people growing.”

Shay said when she shares her story with the HSE graduates, she hopes they realize how important getting a second chance at life really is and to take full advantage.

“I want to encourage the graduates to challenge the negative voices they have encountered in their past, internally and externally,” she said. “(Her story can help the graduates) see that change is possible for anyone, no matter what we have gone through. If I can do it, ANYONE can! I want them to know that it is never too late to chase your dreams, that they are stronger than they may realize. There is no limit to what they can do, and the first step is believing that fact.”

ELLISVILLE – The new Diesel Equipment Technology program will now be offered at Jones College beginning fall of 2022. The Diesel Equipment Technology Program offers instruction and hands-on experience providing students with the competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment, commercial trucks and construction equipment. Assistant Dean of the College of Agriculture & Industrial Services, Barry Bradshaw explained every heavy diesel repair shop needs someone with credentials to perform warranty repairs, which is one reason Jones College has added the Diesel Equipment Technology Program.

“Industry demand is very high for this type of repair program,” said Bradshaw. “There are five, local heavy diesel shops where students could seek employment. There are also countless shops within the state and nationwide.”

The new Diesel Technology Program will cover large diesel engines in the transportation industry. However, students will primarily work on, but they will not be limited to working on over the road truck engines.

Bradshaw said, “Plans include maintaining the college’s tractor trailers from the Commercial Truck Driving program to give the students an opportunity to work on real world applications. Of course, the Diesel Technology Program will also offset some of the repair and maintenance costs for the Commercial Truck Driving program.”

Students can earn a Technical Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree at the successful completion of this new Diesel Technology Program on the Ellisville campus.  Additionally, Jones College also offers the Light Duty Diesel Program which applies to diesel engines in automotive applications. Teaching the new diesel repair program will be Brad Ellzey, who has shop foreman experience at Burroughs Diesel and Kirk Sharplin who owns a business refurbishing large trucks.

For more information check out the website https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/diesel/

ELLISVILLE – After serving the Pine Belt as a law enforcement officer for the last 28 years, Jones College Campus Police Chief, Stan Livingston signed off for the last time on June 30, 2022. The Jones College campus police department and the Student Affairs Office coordinated a special color guard flag ceremony witnessed by friends, family and fellow officers before Chief Livingston signed off on his radio for the last time, connected to the Jones County dispatch for all his fellow officers to hear.

“It was bittersweet,” said Chief Livingston. “I’m blessed to be at this point in my life and I’m blessed to be around good people at Jones, and all through my career. I just hope I’ve reached some people and made a difference.”

Livingston served the college for 12 years but his prior service in law enforcement includes working for the Laurel and Hattiesburg police departments, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jones County School System as South Jones High School’s Resource Officer. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Army Airborne Division, National Guard 624^th QuarterMaster Co. and was honorably discharged in 1995. While serving in the Army, Livingston earned the 1992 Adjutant General Military Leadership Award and the 1991 Army Achievement Medal-Leadership Award.

“After serving in the military, his dream was to be a police officer,” explained Livingston’s wife, Tina, who also works at Jones College. “We had three young children, a new house, two vehicles and with God’s support, he did it! Our kids never went without. They didn’t always have everything they wanted but we always had what we needed. We are very proud of him!”

Tina Livingston shared, the family is also very grateful Stan was able to leave the job he loves in good physical shape. Knowing he risked his life daily for others, she shared, was something he loved doing.

“He worked long hours and sometimes 24/7 when he worked in narcotics. I’m not going to say it wasn’t hard on us, but he always made it work. He has lots of stories to tell and accomplishments,” said Tina Livingston.

Some of those accolades include being the 2015 Jones College Administrator of the Year Award. In law enforcement, he earned the 2006 Bill Robinson Award – Sportsmanship Award/Dog Detector K-9 Trials, the 2005 Laurel Police Department Officer of the Year Award, the 2004 National USPCA Team Competition-4^th in the nation, the 2004 Jones County Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year Award, 2003 USPCA Canine Sportsmanship Award and the 1999 Hattiesburg Police Department Academy Leadership Award/Top of Class.

“He did his part in law enforcement and in the military,” said JC campus police officer, Kim Stewart. “He paid his dues and now he gets to sit back and enjoy life. We’re going to witness him being able to retire, walk away in good health with his family. That’s important to me.”

His Jones College colleagues gave him several retirement gifts to enjoy in his off time. However, the retired chief of campus police said his wife gave him a long list of “Honey Do’s” to keep him busy in between his fishing and hunting trips.

 

ELLISVILLE – The Covid-19 pandemic pushed a strained medical community into crisis two years ago and it also forced area nursing programs to search for ways to help more nurses obtain degrees. The University of Southern Mississippi recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Alcorn University, anticipating Jones College and Pearl River Community College could also assist with the plan to maximize resources to best help nursing students exceed their goals.

“Nursing education is the most important thing we do in the community,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith. “We have a long history of working together with our community and there’s nothing more important than providing excellent health care. A great number of talented students can benefit from this exceptional partnership.”

The new partnership affords solutions for nursing students faced with obstacles in obtaining their degree, with the end goal of finding solutions to end the critical needs in health care and access to services. Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at USM, Dr. Lachel Story said the partnership offers two pathways for USM undergraduate nursing students seeking their first nursing degree options to finish their degree when obstacles would normally put their degree on hold.

“We turn away many highly qualified applicants every semester, like many nursing programs, because we have more qualified applicants than we have the capacity or resources to enroll them,” said Story. “This pathway will provide those students an opportunity to complete their initial nursing degree with one of the three college partners and return to USM for a B.S.N. for a seamless process.”

Typically, nursing applicants who were not accepted into USM’s program could have applied to other schools. Unfortunately, most students were forced to wait at least a semester to begin the application process again. The new partnership will allow USM nursing administration another enrollment option for students. Instead of denying nursing applicants, students will be offered the option to enroll into another partner nursing program.

“We are looking beyond ourselves and what’s best for the nursing profession and our state,” Story said.

The second pathway allows students who have difficulty in nursing courses to complete their degree with an associate or practical nursing degree at Jones College or Pearl River Community College and then return to USM for their B.S.N.

“There are some students who are academically talented, who can have difficulty for a variety of reasons, which can put them in a potion which is challenging for them to overcome. These students will be identified before they fail a course or the program, and they will be offered an opportunity to finish their initial nursing degree with these colleges and then return to USM for a B.S.N. with the same seamless process,” said Story.

When nursing students quit before completion, it takes longer for them to enter the workforce and it limits financial aid options. By increasing the students’ opportunity to succeed with additional support and these new options to complete their degree will allow them to begin working in the medical field a lot sooner.

“Some students have taken courses in other programs like Psychology, Sociology and Healthcare Administration while they wait to be accepted into the nursing program. They usually end up getting degrees in those fields, but they really want to be a nurse,” said Jones College’s Assistant Dean for the College of Health Sciences, Teresa McDonald. “This partnership is all about the qualified students’ desire to become a nurse and helping them reach their goal.”

Additionally, Smith recognized the impact this new partnership can have on ending the nursing shortage by helping students reach their desired educational and career goals.

“We’ve all been touched by nurses that have been educated in these outstanding programs at USM, our community colleges, JC and PRCC, and at Alcorn University,” said Smith. “We know we’re going to have a solid impact on our state with this partnership by ensuring more competent, caring nurses can earn their degrees with the support to exceed their goals and ease the nursing shortage.”

For more information about the partnership https://www.usm.edu/news/2022/release/nursing-pathways-partnership.php For more information about Jones College’s nursing programs click on these two websites https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/adn/ or https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/

 

ELLISVILLE – If you’re streaming movies on Amazon and other Reel One Entertainment services located in Canada, you may find a familiar face in the movie, Love, Game, Match. Oak Grove resident and 2022 Jones College graduate, Emma Burge plays Ariella in the newly released movie.

“Working on the set of the movie, Love, Game, Match was an incredible and extremely affirming experience! I had a lot of ‘aha moments’ where I felt like I was exactly where I wanted to be, doing what I was born to do. The cast and crew were beyond welcoming, and they are people I keep in touch with daily. I really appreciate the kindness and encouragement they offered and showed me throughout filming, and we continue to be in touch today,” said Emma Burge.

Success in the film business didn’t come easy or quick for Burge. The Oak Grove resident began acting at 11 years of age after responding to an “open call” for children for the Mississippi Made Film, As I Lay Dying.  Despite not getting a part in the William Faulkner novel inspired film, it opened the doors for the Oak Grove resident for another project. She was later cast in the James Franco remake of the screen adaptation of William Faulkner’s, The Sound and the Fury.  

“Being on the set, Emma said she fell in love with the process and decided she wanted to explore acting more,” said her father, Dr. Ben Burge. “Emma sought agency representation and is currently a client with Action Talent Agency.”

The rising star with long red-hair is the daughter of Jones College’s Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge and his wife Cindy. They explained after Emma fell in love with acting, she has continually found her way back to the stage. Whether it’s to dance, sing or play the flute, Emma has embraced all the Fine Arts.

Her dad shared, “Emma was a theatre student in middle school and high school. She credits her middle school acting teacher, Emily Wright of Northwest Rankin Middle School for inspiring her. Ms. Wright is a consummate professional and a wonderful arts educator. Emma was inspired by her and admires her middle school acting teacher.”

Over the last nine years, Emma has been cast in a variety of projects, including horror, romantic comedy and sci-fi projects on screen and commercial projects for television and print. Additionally, she has years of modeling experience, and she has enjoyed a wealth of opportunities to work with talented photographers and fellow models. Emma has worked alongside Loretta Divine, Janet Gretsky, and Mississippi actor, Kylen Davis. In the film, Don’t Kill It, Emma worked for the horror genre director and creative genius, Mike Mendez. Additionally, Emma has worked on films for actor-director John Krasinski, Tate Taylor, and New Orleans filmmaker, Nathan Tape. She worked alongside Christine Prosperi (Degrassi, Bring it On), and Dale Moss (The Bachelorette).

The 2022 Jones College music industry graduate has 14 years of competitive dance training, she also plays the flute in addition to being a member of the color guard and drum major in both high school and college. On top of it all, her talents include being a vocalist with the JC Jazz Band and she was a member of the Bobcat Brigade leadership and ambassador group for the college.

“I loved my experience at Jones! I enjoyed my service in the Bobcat Brigade and the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band. I made lifelong friends and professional connections I will always have while at JC. I know that my first two years of college have set me up for success along my path. I will always be thankful for my time at Jones. I am a proud alumna!” said Burge.

She added that access to the recording studio and individualized instruction in the music industry program were key factors in choosing Jones to continue her education. Also, being close to New Orleans and accessible to auditions were another major factor for staying in the Pine Belt. She encourages young performers to pursue their passion and learn from the “no’s.”

“I’m excited that this film (Love, Game, Match) is the one that lifted me back up in confidence affirming that I can do this and that not every audition will be a ‘no.’ I’m honored for being cast in this film and was trusted with the role of Ariella. I’m very thankful for the support of my family and friends that have reached out, watched the movie, and have been supportive behind the scenes for the auditions and trips to the film set.”

Currently, Burge said she is working on a television series this summer, which is filming in New Orleans, along with a few other projects in the works. Her last feature film, Off Ramp, is currently in post-production. She was cast with veteran Actor Reid Diamond, Scott Turner Schofield, and Ashely Smith (fashion model and actress).  Next fall, Emma will head off to the New York Film Academy to earn her certification in film production and acting. To learn more about the rising actress, check out Emma Burge’s IMDb bio at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6367259/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm