Jones College A.D. Nurse grads overcome obstacles to achieve dreams
ELLISVILLE – To make the “cut” and be accepted into a nursing program is difficult. To graduate can be even more challenging. Some of the 26, new Associate Degree Nursing graduates from Jones College didn’t think they’d graduate because of the obstacles they had to overcome to achieve their dreams. Thirty-one-year-old Jennifer Ha from Oak Grove saw the Covid 19 epidemic as an opportunity to enter the healthcare field to make a difference. Despite the trials she endured, she’s one step closer to her dream of being a nurse practitioner now that she has her A.D.N degree.
“I was living in Texas as a nanny, and it seemed like the perfect time to go back and pursue something where I knew I could help people. Being a nanny, I had some experience keeping people alive,” Ha joked. “Really, I started nursing to help people like my dad who was sick right before I took my entrance exam. He passed away nine days before the test. I’m still trying to make him proud from heaven, and by the grace of God, I’m here today, graduating.”
Covid shut downs and isolation also impacted 23-year-old, Mathews Newton from Hurley, whose journey was upended while at USM on the early acceptance track with special honors into nursing school. Being a first-generation college student in his adopted family and with little computer experience, Newton quit college.
“After the first semester I just couldn’t handle it, mental health wise. I just shut my laptop off one day and never opened it again,” Newton explained.
While working in home health, he heard about Jones College’s A.D. Nursing program and was back on his journey to become a nurse.
“I didn’t want to give up; I still wanted to be a nurse. I was going to get my pre-requisite classes and return to USM, but I got accepted into this program after being really discouraged. The fact that I went through with it and then got into nursing school, which is harder than they make it seem, today is sweet relief!”
He’s accepted a job at Wesley Hospital’s ICU and is now exploring options in nursing on the I.T. education side of the field.
“I was rarely on a computer before, but I have learned to really like it once I got used to it. I now enjoy helping with charting and navigating the new charting systems,” Newton said.
Navigating through the challenges of nursing school may have been a little easier than the tests of being a mother for Bridgit Sears. The 30-year-old from Ellisville managed to work part-time at Pineview Nursing Home in Waynesboro, juggling her four kids, ages 11, 10, 7, and 3, with a baby on the way, and a husband who works on the oil rig every other week.
“The biggest challenge was having a job and kids. I would have to wait sometimes until 10 or 11 at night when everyone was in bed to be able to study and then run off of three or four hours of sleep the next day,” Sears shared. “When they tell you nursing school is hard, it is! Blood, sweat and tears goes into it and it’s a lot of work. A lot of time, mentally.”
With her Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing complete, Sears now has her sights on earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
“It means a lot to me to set a good example for my kids and my family too. Hardly anyone in my family graduated from college so this is a big deal!” Sears said.
For 60 years, Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program has been sending its graduates into the healthcare field. The December Pinning Ceremony is a celebration of hard work and support from family and friends. Class President, Anna Webb of Petal summed up the past five-semesters the 26 new nurse graduates endured and learned.
“We studied for every test, gritted our teeth, put in the hours on those care plans and we practiced our tails off for skill check offs. We celebrated our wins, and we got through our failures and became friends in the process. We not only learned the course material, but we also learned that we are strong, capable, resilient and intelligent people,” Webb shared with the audience of friends and family.
She continued, “Despite the difficulty of the curriculum, our lives outside this program did not stop. We celebrated many milestones like engagements, marriages and even a baby shower. We had to face the harsh realities of life too. We all share the calling to become nurses and have developed an extensive knowledge of the nursing process, countless skills and lifelong friendships.”
All 26 students began the five-semester program and culminated the ceremony by lighting their lamps and proudly reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge, who is the founder of nursing.
Jones College Associate Degree Nursing Graduates December 2024
- Regan Diane Allmon, Seminary
- Eli Lane Blackwell, Louin
- Stuart Williams Bowman, Petal
- Kennedy Faith Bryant, Mize
- Chandler K Clark, Byram
- Breanna Nicole Cooper, Petal
- Antoinette Michelle Davis, Laurel
- Jalisha N Dease, Hattiesburg
- Kara Ashlyn East, Purvis
- Jaylon D Fleming, Shubuta
- Brianna N Gray, Ellisville
- Jennifer Ha, Hattiesburg
- Hannah Elizabeth Hillman, McLain
- Jerrica D Hinton, Petal
- Amanda Sherree Keyes, Laurel
- Kezia Angenise Keyes, Petal
- Sherri Elizabeth Lee, Hattiesburg
- Mackenzie Nicole Mauldin, Sumrall
- Mariah McRaney, Bassfield
- Mathews K Newton, Hattiesburg
- Claire E Polk, Collins
- Bridgit A Sears, Ellisville
- Taylor G Smith, Soso
- Abigail Lynn Vanderford, Louin
- Anna Michelle Webb, Petal
- Karli E Welch, Mendenhall
Jones College Practical Nurse grads are filling the gap
ELLISVILLE – With 48 Jones College Practical Nursing students successfully completing the three-semester full-time program and five-semester part time program, some health care gaps will be filled. However, Director of the Jones College Practical Nursing program, Amy Myers said there will always be a need as nurses face some challenges.
“Today, we celebrate the dedication and compassion of our practical nursing graduates, who are stepping into South Mississippi’s healthcare workforce at a critical time. With the region facing healthcare shortages and increased demand, these graduates are ready to make an immediate impact. Their skills and empathy will help meet the needs of local communities, ensuring that quality care remains accessible and compassionate for all,” said Myers.
Amongst the class of graduates was 53-year-old, John Rogers from Collins. After working in a variety of fields like his mother’s florist business for 18 years, seven years setting up and breaking down events for a church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a career in banking, he wanted to become a nurse to care for his aging parents. After announcing his career change, he learned his niece, Claire Polk of Collins was accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing school at Jones College.
“It’s been awesome and really good for both of us, having someone to rely on and really understand some of the struggles,” shared Polk. “Since he was older going back to school, the technology was new to him. Being able to help him out was really awesome.”
He caught on quickly, and his teachers recognized him with the Florence Nightingale Award for the full-time class.
“Going through this difficult challenge, especially as a non-traditional student, it meant a lot. Today means a lot to me. Claire and I both kind of went through this together, and that was special,” shared Rogers.
Waynesboro’s Erin Williams didn’t know what kind of obstacles she would have to overcome to graduate, until after she began the practical nursing program in Waynesboro. The 21-year-old began working as a Certified Nurse Assistant after high school with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. After Christmas, she will be enjoying her first child.
“I found out while I was in nursing school and it was a bit of a challenge,” said Williams. “Nursing school is a challenge itself, but I pushed through. I prayed, and my husband was my biggest supporter, and I got to do this all with my best friend, Nichole Spiars.”
For Spiars, nursing was something she wanted to do but got deterred. She was working at a restaurant full-time and taking some classes when she found out Williams was applying. That’s when she also decided to apply for the Practical Nursing program.
“Graduation is like a weight off my shoulders,” Spiars said. “Erin and I helped each other out the whole time. If I didn’t know something, Erin knew it and if she didn’t know something I knew it.”
Also relieved that one part of her nursing education is complete is Leakesville’s Sade Woullard. The 21-year-old has been working as a C.N.A. at the Greene Health and Rehab Center for the last three years. In five years or less, Woullard plans to become an R.N.
“Right now, I feel like I can breathe and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, that you didn’t think you’d see!” said Woullard. “I want to thank my instructors for pushing me and telling me I have it, whenever I didn’t believe I had it. I’m very grateful for this facility and the program.”
During the Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, the Practical Nursing instructors recognized the students they considered to be Rising Stars, the top Academic Achievers and the students who best represent the characteristics of the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale. In the full-time class, BreAnna Stephens of Mize received the Academic Excellence Award for achieving the highest average and superior academic performance. Heidi Moore of Seminary earned the Academic Excellence Award in the Part-Time Night Class and Jessica Burford of Silas, Alabama was the Wayne County program recipient.
Da’Kyra Payton of Buckatunna from the full-time program, Chrishawn Wright of Laurel from the part-time night program and Justice Kittler of Waynesboro from the Wayne County program each earned the Rising Star Award. These three were considered to have shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting. Their positive attitude and perseverance enriched their professionalism and nursing knowledge.
The Florence Nightingale Award went to John Rogers of Collings from the full-time program, Shevawn McLain of Heidelberg from the part-time night program and Chaseanna Carter of Waynesboro from the Wayne County program. These graduates encompass all the qualities of Florence Nightingale which she implemented into the nursing profession: compassion, dedication and kindness. These students embody the true spirit of nursing.
One of their instructors, Oshaugnessye McCormick, challenged the new nurses to continue to be like Florence and shine their light for all to see.
“Be innovative, critical thinkers, warm and compassionate and most of all, let your light shine,” said McCormick. “I can stand here and say, speaking on behalf of our entire faculty, we are proud of you as our students, but we’re also proud for you to be our colleagues.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony which is a representation of the enlightenment of your mind. The traditional “Lamp Lighting” was inspired by the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale who carried a lamp to find and help wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in 1854.
Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates December 2024
Full-Time Program
- Miranda Adams, Meridian
- Deanna Beasley, New Augusta
- Bree Lynn Boykin, Raleigh
- Akiria Clark, Fayette
- Madison Clark, Magee
- Jasmyne Cooke, Jackson
- Lindsey James, Laurel
- Nartasha Johnson, Detroit, MI
- Myeddie Jones, Laurel (Did not attend Pinning Ceremony)
- Precious Jones, Waynesboro
- Theresa McHenry, Columbia
- Kymmia McKenzie, Prattville
- Jaqueline Mendez, Laurel
- Logan Nicholas, Ellisville
- Ashley Page, Bay Springs
- Zesmon Paige, Collins
- Da’Kyra Payton, Buckatunna
- Aquashus Pope, Collins
- Ferrari Quinn, Jackson
- Inari Reed, Greenwood
- John Rogers, Collins
- Alayna Smith, Laurel
- BreAnna Stephens, Mize
- Alaazhia Sumrall, Petal
- Gabrielle Walley, Moselle
- Cierra Ward, State Line
- Sade Woullard, Greene County
Wayne County Program Graduates
- Jessica Burford, Silas, AL
- Chaseanna Carter, Waynesboro
- Barbara Collier-Thornton, Richton
- Chasity Everett, Wayne County (Did not attend Pinning Ceremony)
- Bria Johnson, State Line
- Justice Kittler, Waynesboro
- Shirkira Mayfield, Waynesboro
- Arijion Powe, Wayne County
- Kendall Rene Prestage, Waynesboro
- Takeria Robinson, Forest
- Nichole Spiars, Waynesboro
- Jasmine Steward, Waynesboro
- Erin Nicole Williams, Waynesboro
- Amber Woods, Waynesboro
Part-Time Night Program
- Teonna Mack, Panola
- Kristina McLain, Richton
- Shevawn McLain, Heidelberg
- Heidi Moore, Seminary
- Tori Mobbs-Roberts, Laurel
- Katie Williamson, Ellisville
- Crishawn Wright, Laurel
Jones College’s “Christmas with the Arts” & Salvation Army Toy Drive brings more smiles
ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s Christmas with the Arts and Salvation Army Toy Drive has been bringing “more smiles” to children over the last 12 years thanks to the generous support of the community. This year, the toy donations were in addition to the price of a ticket to see the annual Jones College Christmas program featuring the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, JC Jazz Band, Touch of Gold and a lady’s quartet.
“We appreciate Jones College, faculty and students and the community members who donate toys because we get to see more smiles as we distribute these toys. Without people assisting the Angel Tree program with their new toy donations, we would not be able to serve 183 families which includes 465 children,” explained Valeria Glover, Salvation Army’s Program Coordinator.
The new unwrapped toys will be distributed on Monday, December 23, to the families who signed up for the program, who have children needing a little Christmas joy. Hopefully, the remaining “‘Angels Tree” names still hanging on the tree in the mall in Laurel will be adopted soon.
“We are so thankful for what the college and community do to help every year with this program. We love doing the ‘most good’ for the community, which serves as a blessing to so many people because of the generosity of others,” said Hilda Sargent, Salvation Army Social Services.
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 about the Angel Tree project, go to https://salvationarmyalm.org/
For more information, call the Jones College of Art, Music and Performance Office at 601-477-4203 or follow Jones College Art, Music and Performance Facebook Page and “X” or Twitter.
Belhaven University & Jones College agreement helps elementary ed transfer students
ELLISVILLE- The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC), which includes Jones College and the 14 community colleges in Mississippi, have signed an agreement with Belhaven University allowing Mississippi community college students a seamless pathway to earning their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education. Effective immediately, the agreement allows students with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from any of the MACC institutions to transfer directly into Belhaven University, where the A.A. degree will fulfill the first two years of the University’s Elementary Teacher Education Preparation Program.
“This articulation agreement represents our steadfast commitment to creating seamless pathways for student success,” said Belhaven University Provost Dr. Audrey Kelleher. “By fostering collaboration between the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges and Belhaven University, we empower students to achieve their educational goals. Together, we are strengthening the bridge to higher education and enriching opportunities for learners across Mississippi.”
The partnership includes a comprehensive transfer and course equivalency guide that guarantees the transferability of applicable credits. MACC students who meet all admission requirements and follow the recommended program of study will be eligible for direct admission to Belhaven University.
One of the agreement’s central goals is to facilitate smooth transitions for students pursuing a teaching career in elementary education. Those completing an A.A. degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher can transfer directly into Belhaven’s Elementary Teacher Education Preparation Program without any loss of credits. This ensures future educators have a streamlined path to entering the workforce prepared and equipped for success.
Belhaven University’s Dean of the School of Education, Dr. David Hand said, “With the ongoing shortage of elementary teachers in Mississippi, this agreement is designed to simplify the transfer process for teacher candidates from community colleges into our Teacher Educator Preparation Program. Our shared goal is to prepare more qualified teachers to help address the critical need for teachers in our state.”
“This agreement underscores our shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting student achievement,” Dr. Audrey Kelleher added. “By working together, we’re making it easier than ever for Mississippi students to reach their academic and professional aspirations.”
About Belhaven University
Founded in 1883, Belhaven University is a top-ranked Christian liberal arts institution offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. With a mission to prepare students academically and spiritually, Belhaven University is committed to equipping students for meaningful lives of leadership and service.
About the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges
The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges represents the state’s community and junior colleges, serving students across Mississippi with affordable and accessible higher education opportunities. MACC institutions are dedicated to supporting student success and workforce development.
_________________________________________________________
Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.
Jones College exceeds “Day of Giving” goal, again
ELLISVILLE- For the last five years, Jones College Foundation’s Day of Giving event has surpassed its goal with this year being no exception. Thanks to the generosity of the alumni and friends of the two-year college, the $200,000 goal was surpassed before noon on the National Day of Giving event, which is held each Tuesday after Thanksgiving. At the end of the day, $258,727.64 was raised.
“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our Legacy Donors as well as new donors, whose contributions made these milestones possible. It is an honor to witness such selflessness and dedication. These donors are not only leaving a legacy, but they are also leading the way toward excellence. Their generosity is truly inspiring, and it leaves a lasting mark on the future of Jones College,” said an excited Sabrina Young, Jones College Vice President of External Funding and the Executive Director of the Jones College Foundation.
She continued to explain that the Day of Giving supports the college’s Legacy Giving Campaign which is supporting the Napier School of Art and Design, JC Healthcare programs and career and technical education. Providing scholarships in those specific programs will help students overcome obstacles, succeed and transform their lives.
Representatives from the Ellisville High School Class of 1964 announced they were establishing one of the newest scholarships as part of the Day of Giving at Jones College. The original high school was established in 1911, as Jones County Agricultural High School and began offering college courses in 1927. The high school eventually became known as Ellisville High School, and it remained on the current Jones College campus. As schools were later consolidated, South Jones High School was established in 1965.
“One day, no one will remember the high school because it was closed in 1965. We were the next to last graduating class before consolidation,” explained Tommie Lowery. “Everyone in this group of about 20 or so of us decided we’d start this scholarship. We did not do any fundraisers or anything like that. It was just because we want our Ellisville High School to be remembered through the years and that’s what it’s all about.”
Once the scholarship is endowed, which Lowery expects to be soon, Jones College student recipients will get a brief history about Ellisville High School as a way to continue its legacy.
“I hope that students will realize there were lots of footprints that came before them on this campus, and many of us had the most wonderful experience at Ellisville High School. Many of us stayed and attended Jones for two years and I would have been here for more if they would let me stay!” shared Lowery. “We want JC students to know how important we think the college is because we were here before. The college has grown into such a beautiful campus. It was beautiful then, but it’s extremely beautiful now. We want them to know that we care about education. We care about Jones College; we care about them.”
Scholarships are one way to continue a legacy with a far-reaching impact for decades. Young said she is thankful so many friends and alumni of the college have reached out to support the future of education.
“I want to thank all the donors, and the Jones College Foundation Board members who continuously support the Foundation and the College, not only through their leadership but also through their time and contributions,” Young said. “Without their assistance and support we are limited in the ways we can expand and enhance our student’s ability to serve our community in the areas that are highlighted in healthcare and career and technical education, through professional development for faculty members as well as with scholarships,” said Young. “
As a special thank-you, donors participating in the one-day event were entered into a raffle for the Grand Prize, a Jones College custom grill handcrafted by our talented students in Workforce Welding. Additionally, donors could receive one of three gift baskets packed with items from B&R Industrial Supply, Community Bank, Magnolia State Bank, Adam Trest, Shug’s, Lowes, Alexander’s Hardware, The Knight Butcher, and the Scotsman Company.
The “Day of Giving” is an opportunity for anyone to help Jones College continue to offer excellence in education and inspire another generation to share the vision Jones College established in 1911. Tax-deductible donations can be accepted online at any time at the link, https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/day-of-giving/ To keep track of the progress goals are reached, follow us on social media at Facebook-JCJC Alumni and Foundation, Instagram @jc_foundation_alumni/, Facebook-Jones College, and Jones College-Twitter or “X”. For more information contact the Jones College Alumni and Foundation Office at 601-477-4145.