Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE – Of the 10 honored alumni during Jones College’s Alumni Recognition Program, sponsored by Howard Industries and held during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter and Ben and Erin Napier were named “Outstanding Alumni of the Year.” The college is recognizing former students for their exceptional service and accomplishments that have brought tremendous honor in their lives and to the college. These three individuals’ lives, and their accomplishments perfectly describe our motto, inspiring greatness, according to Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.

“We just knew you were going to be great,” Smith said about Carter. “I want you to know, because he’s so modest about it all, Dr. Carter developed a life changing treatment of spray on medicines that takes care of third degree burns that is unique and it’s innovative. He travels all over the country and all over the world certifying burn units and giving advice. He truly is a lifesaver and has been recognized with multiple awards for his research and his teaching, while also contributing to regional and national boards and healthcare. His work on advancing burn care technology and disaster preparation reflects his deep commitment to improving patient outcomes and training future professionals in the medical field.”

The graduate of R.H. Watkins High School in Laurel graduated from JCJC in 1997, where his passion for the medical sciences and compassionate approach to human wellness blossomed. Carter continued his education at Mississippi College and completed medical school first in his class at East Tennessee State University before completing a general surgery residency at Wake Forest University. Upon completion of three fellowships, Wake Forest University Research Fellowship in Medical Education, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Surgery Critical Care/Trauma Fellowship, and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Burn Fellowship, he returned to Wake Forest where he practiced for five years before moving to New Orleans and starting the Burn Center at the University Medical Center. He is currently serving as the associate medical director of the burn center, director of surgical education for the department of surgery, and medical director for the Center for Experiential Learning.

“If you’re burned, you look and feel different. Skin is one thing that combines us all and divides us all. When it is altered or injured, it doesn’t function the same and it doesn’t look the same. It makes us feel different about ourselves. So, if I can help somebody change that to where it will function normally and it will look more like what they want it to look like, it helps them be part of the community that they want to be and helps them be the person they want to be. It’s very rewarding. Truthfully, it takes a team. I can’t do the work I do without incredible nurses, therapists and others. I have great partners I work with, and it does require a lot of humility and courage,” said Carter.

While serving on multiple health-related boards regionally and nationally, Carter has been recognized with numerous teaching and research awards including the ABA Moyer Award. He is a national faculty for the ABA Advanced Burn Life Support course and the course director for the Advanced Burn Provider course. In April, Dr. Carter will serve as the youngest President of the American Burn Association.

“Jones had a huge impact not only in mathematics and being able to become a math teacher and teach in Jackson, but also in science, before going into medicine. In fact, I still quote things that I learned from my zoology professor here and when I am on rounds with my students and residents,” shared Carter. “I really have to thank my calculus teacher too. She encouraged me to apply for a scholarship to Mississippi College, they only gave two of them out a year, and fortunately, it helped cover all of my expenses. Also, it was so much easier taking organic chemistry here and being able to ask simple questions and get answers rather than being thrust into a classroom of 100 or 200 people where you really aren’t going to get that personal touch.”

Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were also honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year” accolades for their success on their HGTV show, Home Town and the two spin off shows which inspired the revitalization of home towns across America in addition to being successful entrepreneurs. They have built several thriving businesses in Laurel, including the Laurel Mercantile Company and the Scotsman Co. to name a few.

“We are so honored. We love Jones. This is home for us,” Ben shared with the audience at the Homecoming Alumni Luncheon. “It always will be and we’re so honored. Thank you so, so much.”

Their many business and personal ventures reflect their passion for craftsmanship, community, and beauty, as they collaborated and partnered with their friends on numerous projects.

“In 2023, they also launched a non-profit organization called OSPREY which encourages the delay of social media in children as they researched the impact of social media use during childhood. The couple hopes the delay will allow kids to foster deeper connections and creativity with the world around them,” shared Smith.

Business owners, author and illustrator, and active members of their hometown, Ben and Erin Napier met as part of a yearbook assignment at JC, in 2003. Aspirations of becoming a graphic designer was Erin’s dream via Flagler College in Florida. When she was waitlisted, living in the dorm at Jones College, changed her outlook.

“It was just the best experience of my life as a young adult. I liked it better than our time at Ole Miss, which I love Ole Miss, and I appreciate what I learned there. But this is where we had our real college experience and this is where we learned to be grownups,” shared Erin. “What was very frustrating as a transfer to Ole Miss, to be in the advanced BFA program, they didn’t accept transfers. I had to prove myself, show them the work I had done and what I was capable of, and they let me into the program. That speaks to Jones’ university level education. I was so proud.”

Ben shared he learned what he didn’t want to do professionally while at Jones. However, he did want to ensure everyone had fun, which is why he led every Student Government Association Committee from Fall Freeze to Spring Fever. The woodworker, author, entrepreneur and business owner, was also the past president of Laurel’s Main Street America chapter dedicated to promoting the rebirth of their historic downtown district. Both credit JC Yearbook advisor, Rebecca Patrick for their success on many levels.

“Year book is why we met and when I think of us meeting, she’s there like our momma watching. Also, Rebecca Patrick probably had the most influence over my current career of any teacher I ever had,” said Erin. “I recall they had to retake several yearbook photos because I was sitting like a donkey- those were her words. They snapped the picture, and she scolded me. Now we remember that when we take photos for People magazine, for instance.”

The two have been inseparable after meeting and deciding to marry six days later. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, Erin started her career in corporate graphic design before founding her own international stationery company, Lucky Luxe. Now, the couple focuses on their businesses, TV shows and family. Being named, Outstanding Alumni of the Year, the couple said is appreciated because Jones College is very special to them.

“I hope the reason we’re being given this award is because, if anything, all we ever wanted to do was put a very positive spotlight on Mississippi and show the world there’s a different story that pop culture hasn’t covered and that really started at Jones. That’s where we met, so the beginning of this whole worldwide phenomenon that is Home Town really begins at Jones. I really appreciate that y’all.”

Jones College’s Alumni recognition program honored 10 alumni, including “Rising Stars,” Hans Van Houten of Moselle and Sawyer Taylor of Laurel during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024. Additionally, two alumni, John Reynolds Clark, a native of Waynesboro and current Ellisville resident and Dr. Benjamin P. Stevens of Laurel each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter of Laurel and current New Orleans resident, and Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year.” Dr. Larry Guthrie, a native of Bullock County, Alabama and current Watkinsville, Georgia, was recognized as the “Legacy Award” recipient and Michael and Katye Howard of Ellisville received the Distinguished Service Award.

ELLISVILLE – Of the 10 honored alumni during Jones College’s Alumni Recognition Program, sponsored by Howard Industries and held during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024, Michael Howard and his wife, Katye Endom Howard of Ellisville were named “Distinguished Service Award” recipients. This award recognizes people who are friends of the college who embody community service and leadership.

“Michael and Katye Howard have dedicated their lives to community service and leadership. Michael is currently overseeing tremendous growth and innovation at Howard Industries. Katye has made a significant impact in her various philanthropic roles in the community through her service, her love and her devotion to friends, and her various educational and charitable organizations. They’ve also earned numerous awards, including recognition for their humanitarian efforts and community leadership,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith. “Together, they have raised three children who are also making a positive impact in the community. The Howard family has always been very generous and supportive of Jones College, as well as our entire community.”

Katye is a 1992 graduate of JCJC, who continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her undergraduate and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). Michael earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration specializing in Management, from Mississippi College. With over three decades of experience at Howard Industries, he has risen through the ranks to become Chief Executive Officer in 2020, following roles as President and Executive Vice President. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in leading the company’s growth, innovation, and operations.

“We’re very honored, humbled and appreciative,” said Michael. “You know, Jones is very special to our family because Katye’s family and my uncle, her dad (Eddie Endom) and our kids, and Katye all went to Jones. To be recognized for something by Jones is very humbling and we’re very honored and appreciative of that.”

He added, “Jones trained our first fifty employees for us which was so very vital to what we did to get started as a company in 1968. And so, we’re connected, both family and business to Jones in many different ways. From a company and business perspective, it is very professional here. But then, it is also easy to do business here because it’s more like a family.”

Beyond his corporate achievements, Michael is a dedicated community leader, serving on the Jones College Athletic Foundation Board and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association Board of Directors. Her dedication to service is additionally evident through her involvement in numerous organizations. Katye has served on the Fundraising Committee Board for Children’s of Mississippi Hospital, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Jones County Board, the Jones County Schools Parent Advisory Committee, and as President of the St. John’s Day School Parent Committee and May Day Director. The life associate member of the Junior Auxiliary of Laurel was honored with the Golden Crown service award in 2017. Furthermore, she is also an alumna of Phi Mu sorority and currently serves on the Jones College Foundation Board.

“Jones is my second home after going to South Jones High School,” shared Katye. “I’m very blessed to have spent a lot of time on campus as a child. When you finish church on Sundays, this is where you came for lunch. Roast beef and potatoes, and the cafeteria was filled with friendly faces and people, you knew. We would also walk around the track for exercise and in elementary school, and high school I would come here for our cheerleader camp. Lots of good times and memories with Miss Martha and Dr. Terrell Tisdale too.”

Michael’s uncle, and JC football and basketball coach, and athletic director, A.B. Howard first exposed him to the campus during the summer as a youth. He was very influential in all the various roles he had on campus which also impacted the young Howard. In fact, Smith acknowledged Michael’s help in building the soccer complex on campus because of their generosity.

“We appreciate the investment in all of our lives. There’s not a baseball or basketball team, or school club anywhere that they have not helped at some point. That generosity does not go unnoticed,” said Smith.

Jones College’s Alumni recognition program honored 10 alumni, including “Rising Stars,” Hans Van Houten of Moselle and Sawyer Taylor of Laurel during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024. Additionally, two alumni, John Reynolds Clark, a native of Waynesboro and current Ellisville resident and Dr. Benjamin P. Stevens of Laurel each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter of Laurel and current New Orleans resident, and Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year.” Dr. Larry Guthrie, a native of Bullock County, Alabama and current Watkinsville, Georgia, was recognized as the “Legacy Award” recipient and Michael and Katye Howard of Ellisville received the Distinguished Service Award.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded Alumni recognition program honored 10 alumni, including “Rising Stars,” Hans Van Houten of Moselle and Sawyer Taylor of Laurel during Homecoming celebrations on October 19, 2024. Additionally, two alumni, John Reynolds Clark, a native of Waynesboro and current Ellisville resident and Dr. Benjamin P. Stevens of Laurel each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Jeffrey E. Carter of Laurel and current New Orleans resident, and Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel were honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year.” Michael and Katye Howard of Ellisville received the Distinguished Service Award and Dr. Larry Guthrie, a native of Bullock County, Alabama and current Watkinsville, Georgia, was recognized as the “Legacy Award” recipient.

“It gives us great honor and pleasure to recognize these remarkable achievements and the success of our alumni, across a diverse array of fields, who have embodied the values and the excellence that Jones College represents,” President of Jones College, Dr. Jesse Smith said at the Alumni Luncheon during Homecoming festivities. “Their contributions to their communities have led to a lasting legacy for future generations and their accomplishments describe our motto inspiring greatness, perfectly.”

The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of Jones College who has illustrated over the years continued support with consistent contributions as well as someone who has made an impact in their field of study to honor the college. For the last five decades, Dr. Larry D. Guthrie’s pursuit of academic excellence and research in the dairy industry has had a far-reaching impact on the dairy products we enjoy at a reasonable price, Smith acknowledged before an audience of alumni and friends during the Homecoming Alumni Luncheon. His lifetime commitment to the industry and his exceptional service to his community has honored the college, earning the 84-year-old the Legacy Award.

“I won’t even say this (Legacy Award) was a dream come true because I’ve never had this as a dream. Thank you and God bless,” Guthrie shared. “More importantly, I want to give credit where credit is due. Rachel, my wife and my family gave me the liberty to do what God had called me to do. God didn’t reveal it all at one time, and that’s what he does. He gives you a little bit of what you’re able to do with the time, and the confidence to handle those situations. Looking back, you don’t know that at the time either. You just have to trust him and keep plowing on.”

Guthrie’s determination to get an education in Mississippi led him to hitchhike from his hometown in Bullock County Alabama to where he had two cousins who played for Holmes Junior College in the 1950s, but he heard Hinds Junior College may have a football scholarship for him. He was offered a partial scholarship from the football coach, however, when a family friend, and Jones Junior College Board of Trustees member, Shelby Shows heard of the offer, he insisted that he try-out at Jones. After a close call of being cut, Guthrie earned a full-tuition scholarship and what he calls the catalyst to his football success, and offers to McNeese State College, which led to LSU and meeting his wife at JC.

“I was playing football and was able to maintain a ‘B’ average. I wasn’t an ‘A’ student, but the quality education and foundation right here at Jones Junior College prepared me for McNeese and McNeese followed through and prepared me for Auburn University, and Auburn University prepared me for LSU, and LSU prepared me for the world. I’ve also been to several countries to share my experience. I’ve been blessed, because if it had not been for Jones Junior College, we wouldn’t be having this meeting today,” explained Guthrie.

He began his education in 1957 at Jones Junior College on a football scholarship which earned him a football scholarship at McNeese State University. In 1960, he married Rachel Todd which he met at Jones. Guthrie graduated from McNeese in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Business. He began his graduate work at Auburn University, as a research assistant in the Dairy Science Department. After earning his master’s degree in Dairy Cattle Nutrition, the couple moved to Baton Rouge to join the LSU Dairy Science Department as a Research Associate and to earn his Ph.D. During his career, he pioneered the establishment of safe limits for feeding whole cottonseed to high-producing dairy cows with his research being published in the Journal of American Dairy Science, which led to more modifications in the dairy industry. Additionally, Dr. Guthrie collaborated with various international organizations including the U.S. Feeds Grains Council, Rockefeller Foundation and the U.S.D.A.

In 1997, he was awarded with several prestigious awards including the Agri Laval Dairy Extension Award. Upon retiring in 1999 from the University of Georgia, Guthrie was promoted to the rare title of, Professor Emeritus.

One of his most cherished recognitions happened after his retirement in 2005, when the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show’s Catalog was dedicated to him for his work in initiating the Dairy Heifer Show for 4H and FFA Youth. Furthermore, he was named “Honoree of the Year” in 2022, for his contributions to all 19 commodities the Georgia Farm Bureau represents.

ELLISVILLE – Several hundred superheroes, princesses and ghouls came out to have fun at the annual Jones College Treats in the Streets on the JC campus in Ellisville. Kids played games for treats in the booths set up by JC faculty and students as a way to give back to the community. Some children participated in the costume contests for babies through 12-years of age, with the winners of the creatively dressed kids receiving a variety of prizes from the JC Office of Student Affairs.

Jones College students who dressed and impressed the judges, received prizes for their efforts. The top four winners of the Costume Contest for JC students included judges giving an Honorable Mention to Quitman’s Da’Quasha Burnett for her costume, “Baby Oil.” Nathan Bower of Moselle earned third place for his likeness of the character Glenn Powell from the movie Twister. Second place went to the farmer and his animals with Parks Burt of Enterprise as the farmer with Callee Knotts of Soso, Lawsyn Rogers of Waynesboro, and Jennifer Diaz of Lucedale as chickens and a cow. First prize was awarded to Chaz Welborn of Ellisville for his costume, “Mr. Steam Punk Nobleman.”

Treats in the Streets is an annual, free, community event hosted by the Jones College with various student organizations, academic and technical divisions, and athletes setting up games and offering candy gifts.  

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s 2024 blood drive efforts earned the top three awards of all higher education institutions by the blood service, Vitalant for collecting the most units of blood during the year. At the Blood Drive Coordinator & Milestone Donors Awards Luncheon held in Hattiesburg recently, Jones College’s three donation sites, the Student Union & Thoms P.E. Building coordinated by Dr. Benji Sessums, the Industrial Services Center coordinated by Brad Harrison, and the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs coordinated by Lisa Hammons collected a total of 179 units of blood during two blood drives at each site. The college earned first, second and third place plaques of appreciation at the banquet, however, Harrison said this was actually like winning an Olympic Gold Medal.

“To me, this is like winning the Olympics or the Super Bowl because giving blood saves lives,” said Harrison. “Nothing else could be more important than helping your fellow man and it is rewarding to be able to help so many people by providing a service every fall and spring.”

Vitalant Account Manager, Michelle Anderson-Jones said Jones College is the only college in the state that has a tremendous number of donors who regularly give.

“Jones College is a life changing institution,” said Anderson-Jones. “They always find a way to take care of our community by not only providing excellent educational and vocational opportunities but by also fostering a generation of lifelong blood donors, year after year!”

Over the last 20 years, Jones College has hosted 173 blood drives and has collected 14,169 units of blood.