Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE – The show will go on at Jones College! Despite renovations to the M.P. Bush Auditorium, Dean of the College of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith, created the unique, compilation of Broadway show hits as director and producer of the show he titled, “STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue.” 

“We didn’t want to cancel our spring musical so we decided to do a musical revue,” explained Smith. “We have a lot of students with different talents, so we chose a series of songs about star crossed lovers from different Broadway musicals and created our own musical revue. It has a lot of my personal favorites, which are also fan favorites.”

Because of limited seating on the auditorium backstage, there will only be two performances, Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for the general public and free for Jones College employees and students with current Jones College ID. However, Smith stressed, all tickets must be reserved prior to the show.

“There will only be about 250-300 seats available each night. Therefore, reservations must be made by emailing, paula.harrison@jcjc.edu between Monday, March 20, and Friday, March 24. In the email, please share your name and number of tickets needed, and which performance you plan to attend,” said Smith.

The musical revue features a mix of solos, duets, and group numbers with some performances including the theatrical scene prior to the featured song. Smith said there are female duets about being in love with the same man, therapeutic moments where couples are fighting, to a scene from Tina Turner’s musical.

“I can’t think of a more star crossed love than Ike and Tina Turner!” Smith noted. “We’re excited to bring a variety of performances including something never done before at Jones, having the choir featured singing a seven-and-a-half-minute medley of songs from the Westside Story for the finale of the show.”

JC Freshman, KeShon Hicks of Laurel, has enjoyed performing in several shows on the Northeast Jones High School stage. At Jones, he is featured with freshmen Aliyah Watts of Columbia and Eli Carter from Collins, in the song about a love triangle, “Make Me Happy” from The Wild Party. Also, Hicks and RicShawn Fair of Ellisville perform with Abby Nix of Ellisville in her featured solo, “Always True to You in My Fashion” from Kiss Me Kate, before they join the choir for the finale.

“I love to perform for anybody and in any situation. Having everybody, including the choir, come together is just amazing! I love it and I’m excited about how Mr. Smith put this show together,” said Hicks.

Sophomore, Matt Taylor of Richland was in JC’s spring musical last year and sings in all three JC choirs. He shared, being in a musical revue is a new experience for him that he has been enjoying.

“I have a duet with my girlfriend, Mackenzie Lacy called ‘Therapy’ from the Broadway show, Tick Tick Boom, which is about an argument between a couple over little stuff. It’s funny because it’s happened in real life before!” Taylor laughed. “This revue is going to be really good!”

Veteran of the JC stage, Mackenzie Goleman of Moselle also enjoys being in this smaller production for academic reasons. She sings the solo, “U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D” from the Broadway show, Starlight Express.

“I like doing this show because it has allowed me to focus more on my studies. Last spring, we spent two to three hours every day on the show compared to the six hours or so a week this spring,” said Goleman.

“I think this show is really fun, but it also lets the students explore numerous different musicals and do character studies on so many different characters,” Smith said. “When it’s all said and done, they’ve had more growth than they realize. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”

JC freshman from Ellisville, Susannah Walters and professional choreographer, Brett Barnes choreographed the performances for the cast of about 25 performers. Dr. Victoria Johnson, piano faculty at JC and Michelle Howells will share the keyboard parts throughout the show, with JC guitar faculty, Dr. Michael Boyd also performing. Sound and lighting was designed by Jacob Arnold.

Some of the stories about the star-crossed lovers may take the audience on a journey that is rated “PG,” with various stories including laughter to turmoil and love and death. Check the Jones College Arts, Music, and Performance website and social media pages for details prior to the performance. For more information about the Jones College Arts, Music and Performance department, call 601-477-4203.

Cast of STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue

Karoline Ayers, Laurel

Cayden Bellanger, Franklinton Louisiana

Wesley Carmichael, Ellisville

Eli Carter, Collins

Antarian Chapman, Hebron

Natalie Dewitt, Laurel

Ricshawn Fair, Ellisville

Virginia Fortenberry, New Hebron

Mackenzie Golemon, Moselle

Gracee Green, Laurel

KeShon Hicks, Laurel

Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian

Bri Lee, Ellisville

Abby Nix, Ellisville

Jalen Poindexter, Jackson

Annaleigh Ragsdale, Mize

Nicholas Singleterry, Oak Grove

Isaiah Spradley, Soso

Matthew Taylor, Richland

Abby Thrash, Laurel

Seth Walker, Calhoun

Daygen Warren, Laurel

Aliyah Watts, Columbia

ELLISVILLE – Fifteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace over the previous academic year. The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC President, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the college’s Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program’s Selection Committee. Prior to the employee recognition program, an outdoor lunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.

“Honoring and appreciating all of our employees is the least we can do considering how we all work together for the good of the college, our students and our community. Offering an afternoon of fun and fellowship is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for making Jones great,” said Amie McQueen, Interim VP of Advancement.

The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established six years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. John Howard Robertson, VP of Information Technology was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence.  Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Howard’s ability to overcome an incredible number of obstacles and being the most level-headed leader over the five years he has served at Jones College.

“It was very encouraging for me to receive this honor,” said Howard. “As an administrator, I believe my goal is to work alongside others to make things run more smoothly. Jones is a great place to work, and I’m thankful my teammates feel I’ve been of some help to them.”

Speech instructor, John Burks was selected to receive the Barbara and Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member has been teaching at Jones since 2007. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how Burks exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged independent analytical thinking skills, loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. “Buddy” and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundation’s Advisory Board. Burks was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

“I have been teaching at Jones College for 15 years. Jones is a family tradition with my grandmother, mom, uncle, and aunt all attending Jones,” said Burks. “Teaching and working with students is very rewarding. In addition, my colleagues make each day delightful.” 

In the individual employee appreciation honors, 12 individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in, maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250 and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125, and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.

One of the finalists for the faculty awards was Dr. Ben Burge, who has worked at Jones for six years as the Director of Bands. For the past 22 years, he has been a band director for bands in Madison and Pearl River Counties, including Belhaven University. Dr. Shelby Hanna has been employed at Jones for 13 years as the Career Technical Student Services Coordinator and teaches Smart Start Pathway for the CTE programs. Welding instructor, Tommy Freeman has been teaching at Jones College for nine years at the Greene County Center. Thomas Johnson has been teaching the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program for five years. Tim Morris was selected as the Teacher of the Year honor. He has taught English and World Literature at Jones College for the past 10 years. He was also recently selected as the Mississippi Humanities Council, Jones College Teacher of the Year.

“Being recognized for my work in the classroom means the world to me. As an educator, I enjoy working to encourage my students to pursue their dreams, and while seeing their success is very rewarding, I am humbled and overwhelmed to be honored by the College as well. This recognition has allowed me to reflect on my journey to this point in my career, and I look forward to many more years of serving in the field of education,” said Morris.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Stephanie Bey-Enrollment Management, Crystal Nail-Grant Funding, Lisa Sims and Taryn Tyree-Enrollment Management. Candace Geddie, who works in Enrollment Management, was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division.

In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police departments division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Rebecca Covalt was nominated along with Campus Policeman and I.T. specialist, Tony Hales. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Jeffrey Morris who works on the campus grounds.  

As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexho cafeteria employee, Cherylon Crosby was honored for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.

ELLISVILLE – Forty-four Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their years of service to the college during a special Employee Appreciation program. Administrators and the JC Foundation treated the Jones College faculty and staff to a picnic lunch outdoors recently. JC administrators honored employees for their service at five-year increments, beginning with those who have served at least five years. 

Topping the number of service years was Teresa Welch with 30-years working as the administrative assistant for the Humanities and Athletics departments, and currently the Office of the President.

“I have been blessed to be a part of the Jones College family for the last 30 years,” said Welch. “I have made lifelong friendships and memories that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.”

Honored for completing 25 service years in 2022, were six employees. Tucker Beech works in the maintenance department and ensures delivery of every package. Stephanie Johnson enjoys teaching students social science courses. As the Media and Public Relations Director, Teresa McCreery also assists with the alumni, athletic, recruiting, and marketing endeavors and events on campus. Jennifer Powell has served in administration as the Dean of eLearning. She is currently teaching Information Systems Technology courses and serves as an FBLA advisor with business instructor, David Ray, who is also celebrating 25 years of employment at Jones College. Wendy Wilkerson’s work is visible in her floral and landscaping designs on campus and at events, in addition to teaching horticulture.

Seven employees began serving the college 20 years ago. Michael Bradshaw is the Assistant to the President for Facilities Management. April Phillips (not pictured) is the Senior Programmer in the I.T. department and Chris Robinson is the Athletic Director and head softball coach. Faculty members include Tammie Chandler-Associate Degree Nursing (not pictured); Stephanie Jones-Pharmacy Technology; Kerri Pippin-Math and Dr. Patti Smith-English.

More than 15 years ago, 16 people joined the Jones College family. Dr. Finee Ruffin began her journey as a marketing instructor before becoming the Marketing Department Director, Vice President of Marketing and currently, Executive Vice President, Chief Enrollment Management, Information Technology, and Marketing Officer. Gabe Bozeman joined the marketing department as the marketing technical assistant, with the additional duties of graphic designer. He is currently the Bobcat Print Shop Manager. Shawn Wansley was hired as the first Sports Information Director joining the marketing department in 2007.

Barry Bradshaw started his career at Jones as an automotive instructor before becoming the Division Chair and currently the Dean of Agriculture/Industrial Services. The Advanced Technology Center became home to the husband-and-wife team of Webb and Wendy Evans 15 years ago. Webb was promoted from Workforce/Facilities Coordinator to Assistant Dean of Workforce College and now Dean of the Advanced Technology Center. Wendy began as an adjunct math instructor before becoming a full time Adult Education instructor. Additionally, she was promoted to the Director of MIBEST and Workforce Coordinator. She now works as the Director of Integrated Programs as she continues to teach math. Also celebrating at the ATC is Administrative Assistant, Denise Wood.

Jo Anna Newcomb began her career as the Administrative Assistant of the Instructional Affairs Office. In 2012, she accepted the position as the Alumni Coordinator for the Jones College Foundation Office and is currently serving as the Alumni/Scholarship Coordinator. Faculty members include John Burks-Humanities; Jeremiah Estes-Biology, Margaret James-Math and Deborah Rowell-Child Care Lab instructor. Additionally, Stacy Forbes supports the college in the bookstore mailroom. Paula Harrison keeps the Fine Arts Department in “tune” with her skills ensuring every event runs harmoniously. The grounds and athletic fields are vibrant because of Brian Johnson’s skills and Marva Ransom keeps several buildings on campus clean and safe.

Celebrating 10 years of employment at JC are five people: Menyone Barrow-Greene County Navigator; Shan Cargile-AC/Refrigeration instructor; Katelyn Hutchison-Humanities Administrative Assistant; Josh Ishee-Commercial Maintenance instructor and Daryll McDonald-Wayne County Center Director (not pictured).

Nine JC employees were recognized for their five years of service including Jason Bonner-Maintenance (not pictured); Tori Brook-Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach; Amelia Cowart-A.D. Nursing instructor (not pictured); Angela Dyess-Jasper County Health Care Assistant instructor; Candace Geddie-Enrollment Management; Thomas Johnson-AC/Refrigeration instructor; Melinda Miller-Butler-Biology instructor; Tasha Reynolds-Biology instructor and Amy Townsend-A.D. Nursing (not pictured).

Each honored employee was given a special item designed for each level of achievement: 5 years-small plaque; 10 years-large plaque; 15 years-clock; 20 years-small acrylic trophy; 25 years-medium acrylic trophy and 30 years-large acrylic trophy. 

ELLISVILLE – Jones College is offering free courses for educators to earn required, Continuing Education Units. Any Mississippi K-12 grade employee needing CEU’s to renew their K-12 Educator’s License, or earn additional endorsements, are eligible for one, free Jones College course. The eight-week courses are offered March 13, through May 5, 2023, at Jones College include the following:

BAD 2523 Personal Financial Management 4.5 CEU’s

BIO 2924 Microbiology 7.5 CEU’s

BOT 1623 Medical Terminology II 4.5 CEU’s

FCS 1113 Social and Professional Development 4.5 CEU’s

HPR 1213 Personal and Community Health 4.5 CEU’s

HPR 1313 Introduction to Kinesiology/Health, Physical Education, and Recreation 4.5 CEU’s

HPR 1593 Health Concepts of Physical Activity, Wellness and Nutrition 4.5 CEU’s

MUS 1113 Music Appreciation 4.5 CEU’s

PSY 1513 General Psychology 4.5 CEU’s

SWK 1113 Social Work: A Helping Profession 4.5 CEU’s

To be eligible for the no-cost CEU’s, all participants must complete a Jones College admission application at

www.jcjc.edu/apply  Transcripts will be required and must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to the start of the class. Click on the website Free CEU Courses (jcjc.edu) for more information.

ELLISVILLE- Eight of the thirteen Jones College students that competed in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State competition in Columbus, Mississippi over the weekend, came home as winners. The eight JC students placed first, second, or third in their competitive events, to qualify for national competition in June, in Atlanta, Georgia. During the three-day conference, each student competed in two business-related events. The events ranged from Fundamentals of Accounting and Macroeconomics to Programming Concepts and Public Speaking.

“Eight of the students will be going to the four-day national conference and competition in Atlanta,” said Jones College’s FBLA Advisor, David Ray.  “After taking a two-year club hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are excited to be back competing on the state and national level again!”

Carter Bales of Stringer landed in first place in the Client Service category. Taylorsville’s Destiny Brown earned first place in Foundations of Accounting and first place in Business Presentation. Elizabeth Blair of Waynesboro, along with Blane Graham of Stringer, and James “Austin” Stringer of Taylorsville, placed first in the Website Design team event. Graham also took home first place in Programming Concepts. Laurel’s Alondra Abad received second place in Organizational Behavior & Leadership and second place in Sales Presentation. Hattiesburg’s Robert “Mikey” Bryant placed second in Impromptu Speaking. Earning third place were Ni’riyah Bell of Laurel-Sales Presentation; Picayune native, Deshodrick Jefferson-Human Resource Management; Ethan Hammons of Raleigh-Computer Concepts; Logan Ingram of Morton-Help Desk and Jackson Jenkins of Stringer-Job Interview.

Photo Cutline: Jones College’s FBLA club members are headed to the national competition after winning nine categories in the state competition. Pictured in the front row, left to right are Robert Bryant of Hattiesburg, Alondra Abad of Laurel, Ni’riyah Bell of Laurel and Blane Graham of Stringer. Pictured in the second row, left to right is Carter Bales of Stringer, Ethan Hammons of Raleigh, Faith Collins of Heidelberg, Logan Ingram of Morton, James Stringer of Taylorsville, Elizabeth Blair of Waynesboro, Destiny Brown of Taylorsville, Deshodrick Jefferson of Picayune, and Jackson Jenkins of Stringer.