Jones College names Richardson as Clarke County Center Director
ELLISVILLE – Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith and Dean of Workforce College, Jennifer Griffith named JC graduate, Reggie Richardson as the new, Clarke County Center Director in Stonewall. The former Center Director, Jody Buchanan left to work at Mississippi State University.
“I am very excited to be the Clarke County Director because I grew up in Stonewall and I would love to be able to help all of Clarke County as much as possible,” said Richardson. “Growing up there was great! We had an awesome nucleus of people who really cared about the well-being of us kids.”
The former baseball coach and entrepreneur graduated from Enterprise High School in 1995 and came to Jones College on a baseball scholarship, while also earning his associate’s degree. William Carey University recruited Richardson to play baseball for the Crusaders where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Before beginning his coaching career, Richardson played one year of independent baseball in the Texas-Louisiana League.
He began his coaching career at Jones in 2000, helping to recruit the state championship team in 2002. Richardson spent the next year coaching at Southeast Lauderdale High School before earning his master’s degree from the University of West Alabama, while also coaching at East Central Community College. Richardson spent the next couple of years coaching at Pearl River Community College before returning to JC in 2007 to coach through the 2011 season. During this time, Richardson help build the Bobcat baseball team which laid the foundation for a long winning history, and nationally ranked team. In the 2011 season, the Bobcats were the national runner-up in the NJCAA Division 2 World Series.
In addition to coaching, Richardson and his wife, Blair who is a dental hygienist, saw a need in the community and built The Teepee Childcare and Pre-School Center in Ellisville in 2012. He managed the facility for three years before returning to his coaching career at William Carey University and helped the Crusaders to a third-place finish in the NAIA World Series in 2017.
“His experience in education and business management along with his love for Clarke County make him an excellent choice to be the new Clarke County Center Director. His passion for educating others and his desire for economic development will be a huge asset to Jones College and Clarke County,” said Griffith.
Richardson said he realizes the county is still recovering from the closing of Burlington Industries in Stonewall. He hopes to help in that process as the Center Director.
“There are still great people who live in Clarke County who want to be more involved in the development of a thriving community. I hope to be able to help with improving the economic situation as Director of the Center. Additionally, I want to rekindle old friendships and make a lot of new friends while continuing the mission of education.”
The Richardson’s have two children, Cole who is 13 and Jillian who is 10. For more information about classes at the Clarke County Center call the Center at 601-659-0622 or email Reggie Richardson at reggie.richardson@jcjc.edu.
Jones College’s Maroon Typhoon drum majors “dream” about the season
ELLISVILLE – A new wave of Maroon Typhoon student leaders will take the field this year at Jones College. Two freshmen drum majors, Danielle Beech of Ellisville and Graeme Forrest of Richton will lead the 200-member marching band into a new era of musical style.
“The audience will notice we’ll have more instruments, especially brass on the field, and fewer dancers and color guard,” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. “This is also the first time in a long time that we have had just two drum majors, but they are very capable. They are such power-houses.”
Both drum majors are bringing different experiences to the field as they begin their music careers at Jones. Beech spent the last three years leading the large, Band of Braves at South Jones High School. Meanwhile, Forrest was the drum major for just one year of the smaller Richton Rebels’ marching band. They are both ready and thrilled to ride the “Maroon Typhoon” wave of excitement as they near the end of the first week of Band Camp in their new leadership positions.
“I’m more excited than anything but I’m also a little nervous because Jones is a lot bigger program to oversee. However, I’ve wanted to be a part of a larger marching band for so long,” said Forrest who is a music education major. “Danielle is used to this big group and I’m not.”
Beech’s marching band experience is extensive and includes competing and winning numerous trophies at South Jones. Additionally, she was part of the South Jones High School Indoor Marching Team that won its first-ever, Winter Guard International Scholastic Open World Championship in Dayton, Ohio last spring. While Beech may not be very nervous about being a drum major at Jones, she is concerned about juggling her classes and getting good grades to ensure a spot in the nursing program. Burge assured both drum majors, they will have help carrying out their duties.
“Band kids are the best whether they are a part of a 15-member or 215-member band. All we ask is for them to bring any concerns they have to us and we’ll help them make this a positive experience,” said Burge. “As a part of the direction team leaders, drum majors and band directors work together to make the band the best it can be.”
Fans will have to wait until the first home football game to get a preview of the “Dreams” show, Thursday, September 12, at 7 p.m. when the Bobcats face Hinds. The band will be performing at, A Night with the Bobcats event on Tuesday, August 27, at the Student Center Plaza. Jones College athletes will host a “meet and greet” from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with games and other events available for fans. At 7:30 p.m., the Maroon Typhoon will perform with the cheerleaders and the soccer and football teams will be introduced.
Jones College names Alan Cook as Greene County Center Director
ELLISVILLE – Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith and Dean of Workforce College, Jennifer Griffith named JC graduate, Alan Cook as the new, Greene County Center Director in Leakesville. The former Center Director, Richard Fleming retired July 1, and the Center’s Navigator and dual enrollment coordinator, Menyone Barrow has been the interim director.
“I look forward to opening doors and creating opportunities for all of our local students as the new Greene County Center Director. It is my hope to serve as a bridge between our local school districts and Jones College in an effort to build a strong bond benefitting our students for years to come, regardless of whether they are focused on academics or career and technical education,” said Cook.
Cook graduated from Greene County High School in 2001 and worked in various commercial, residential and industrial construction jobs. From 2008 until 2017, he worked for Universal Services in Leakesville and earned a general studies degree at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2003. Two years ago, Cook returned to Jones College to earn his Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology and has spent the last year as an instructor at MGCCC’s George County Center.
“His industry background and teaching experience at a sister college make him a unique find and a perfect fit for the Greene County Center’s Director position,” said Griffith. “Alan will also be the instructor of the Electrical Technology program that will open in fall 2020 at the Greene County Center.”
Being close to home with family is a benefit Cook said he is enjoying as the new Greene County Center Director. Additionally, he is looking forward to being involved with local school activities and seeing students succeed.
For more information about the Greene County Center’s class offerings in Adult Education, Career and Technical and college credit courses, contact Menyone Barrow at 601-394-4421 or 601-477-4238 or email her at menyone.barrow@jcjc.edu.
Summer Honor Roll at JC announced
ELLISVILLE -Jones College has announced the 2019 summer semester honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.
Jones College Summer Honor Roll 2019 President’s List
Daphne, AL: Lauren Elaine Ledbetter
Forrest Hattiesburg: Mekalyn Nichelle Burnett, Samuel Perry Jarman and Lakeisha Lynette Johnson.
Forrest Petal: Brittney Renee Kitchens and Leah Grace Tharp.
Forrest Poplarville: Kirkland Davis Trahan.
Greene Leakesville: Dustin Phillip Jenkins.
Greene Richton: Nicholas Bailey Hammonds.
Greene State Line: Noah Gil Johnson and Kevin Terrell Leverette
Jasper Bay Springs: Autumn Rivers Mattox and Joseph Andrew Phillips.
Jasper Laurel : Stephanie Guadalupe Cazares-Valdez.
Jefferson Fayette: Keon D Oliver.
Jefferson Davis New Hebron: Jason Marshall Hinton
Jones Ellisville: Jhonna Abuyabor and Hollie Noel Clark.
Jones Laurel: Lindsey Hughes, Kylie Renae Williamson and John Daniel Wooten.
Lamar Purvis: Cayden Blake Soberoski and Kelsey Ann Watts.
Lamar Sumrall: Carrie Mckinley Carley and Huntington David Hanberry.
Lawrence Monticello: Ashley Marie Smith.
Marion Columbia: Kiara Shanice Foxworth.
Perry Richton: Sophia Cathleen Finley.
Walthall Kokomo: Logan Mark Anthony.
Jones College Summer Honor Roll 2019 Dean’s List
Covington Mount Olive: Cory Maurice McDonald.
Covington Seminary: Briana Jannette Ellis.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Iyanna B Parker.
Forrest Richton: Austin Cody McCardle.
Jones Ellisville: Carrieanne Doolittle Scidmore.
Jones Heidelberg: Corban James Williams.
Jones Laurel: George Adam Carmichael, Aimon Bradley Chisholm, George Jacob Hauenstein, Micah Taylor Martin and Roxanne Twila McDonald.
Jones Moselle: Megan Danielle Grantham.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Tomeka R Posey.
Perry Beaumont: Kaylyn J Bolton and Ja’Lin Kynsi Coaker.
Perry Petal: Reagan Bryanna Verret.
Perry Richton: Heath Knox Harvison and Hunter Cliff Harvison.
Jones College Summer Honor Roll 2019 Faculty List
Citronelle, AL: Reuben Ryedel Feagin.
Clarke Quitman: Joshua Charles Cannon
Covington Collins: Halle Alexis Leggett, Andreona Rachelle McLaurin and Spechelle Russell.
Covington Mt Olive: Courtney Lyntavia Tatum.
Covington Seminary: Chertricia Cormelia Alvarez Joanna and Elizabeth Sandig.
Forrest Hattiesburg: Katie Lynn Denny and Asia Trinette Green.
Forrest Petal: Leah Danielle Cooper, Isabella Marie Jefferson, Allie Danielle Stogner and Corey Adam Strickland.
Greene Leakesville: Ian P Lunsford and James Curtis Mizell II.
Greene State Line: Kenneth Andre Bell and Demeeko Lockhart.
Hinds Byram: Aysia Na’Tori Beacham.
Jasper Bay Springs: Kristen Nicole Agee and Tina Nicole Laster.
Jasper Louin: Brianda Blackwell.
Jasper Soso: Jacob Justin Anderson.
Jasper Stringer: Jana Carol Graham.
Jasper Vossburg: Brittany Patience Fowler.
Jones Ellisville: Kimberley Addlyn Hodges, Raven Semone McCormick, Anna Grace Mills, Sarita Lynn Mills, Beverly Jill Smith and Cathrynn Elizabeth Williams.
Jones Heidelberg: Cheyenne Mackenzie Harris.
Jones Laurel: Koeisha LaSheer Arrington, Tiffany Danyale Barnes, Sarah Rachel Beasley, Dalton Lewis Byrd, Andrea Danyel Cox, Sarah Lauren Hancock, Lillian C’erra Hosey, Christy Lynn Sumrall and Austin Taylor Swindall.
Jones Soso: Emily Renea Busby.
Jones Taylorsville: Mia Lashay Frazier.
Lamar Hattiesburg: Alexus Chanel’ Floyd, Shekeke Arlene Heidelberg, Meredith Louise Monroe, Mayuri Bharat Patel, Emilie McKenzie Stansell and Kimberly Brooks Trosclair.
Lamar Purvis : Kristin D’Ashley Allen and Eartha Marie McGowan.
Lamar Sumrall: Kayla Sue Langston and Matthew Brandon Lott.
Lauderdale Meridian: Atalya Bianca Sears.
Lawrence New Hebron: Tia Marchae Tyler.
Neshoba Philadelphia: Heidi Leanne Eakes.
Perry Richton: Anna Elizabeth Draughn.
Simpson Mendenhall: Jonah Leandre Sterling.
Smith Taylorsville: Kristin Brooke Jones and Andrea Norris.
Wayne Laurel: Summer Nicole Davis.
Wayne Waynesboro: Victoria Michelle Jones, Tyriona Donyae McGrew and Charlsey Claire Roberts.
Jones College’s practical nurse graduates are “family”
ELLISVILLE –Graduates of Jones College’s practical nursing program often feel like family after spending a year in classes and clinicals together and sharing life events. However, recent practical nursing graduate, Anna Grace Mills of Ellisville not only took classes with her mother, but her sister is also a graduate of the same program.
“I remember watching my sister Lakyn Perry graduate from the practical nursing program last summer. That’s when I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps and I knew Jones was one of the best nursing programs in the state,” said Mills.
Perry’s graduation not only inspired Mills to apply for the practical nursing program but it also challenged their 47-year-old mother, Sarita Mills.
“I remember sitting in the audience beaming about my daughters and then realized a challenge was in front of me,” said Sarita who always wanted to be a nurse. For six years, the former Jones College employee watched nursing students pass by her desk daily and was now ready to accept her wisdom.
“I always told my daughters to never give up on their dreams and that it’s never too late. When I saw them going for their dreams, I was encouraged to take my own advice,” said Sarita.
Anna Grace began classes last August as her mother applied for the next class beginning in January. As a result, mom and daughter ended up in a couple of classes together.
“It was really special,” said Sarita. “Our relationship has grown tremendously through our time together with late-night studying, riding to classes and clinicals together and supporting each other through the tough times. I never thought I would be going to class with my daughter!”
Together, along with the class of 31 graduates, mom and daughter studied, cried, and pushed each other towards their goals. Watching her mother step out and pursue her dreams was inspiring to Anna Grace.
“To see my mom at her age reaching for her dreams and striving to be the best version of herself is truly humbling. My time with my mom at Jones has come to an end but I can’t wait to see her walk across the stage and light the lamp,” said the new practical nurse graduate.
At the commencement ceremony, Practical Nursing Director, Teresa McDonald’s graduation challenge encouraged students to continue their education. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith noted the nursing profession is not easy and students are successful with a good support system of family and friends.
“If it was easy, we’d all be nurses,” said Smith. “Life is hard. Learning to be a nurse, a caregiver is very difficult because there is so much you must learn for your profession. Friends and family, thank you for supporting them because you played a big part in their success.”
Andreaona McLaurin of Petal received her practical nursing pin from program director, Teresa McDonald with instructor Jill Burge, Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith and Career & Technical Dean, Rod Tolbert.
Anna Grace will be counting on that support system again as she continues in the associate degree nursing program at Jones. She hopes to join the nursing ranks of the family including her sister Lakeyn Perry, her cousin Harleigh Mills, who is currently in the nursing program and her cousin, Abby Williams who is also attending classes at Jones.
Acknowledging their success and the support of many, three graduates were honored for the special gifts that were revealed during the program’s year of classes and clinical experiences. Kelsey Watts of New
Braunfels, Texas earned the Academic Excellence Award for her continuous dedication and exceptional growth. The Rising Star Award was given to Laurel’s Dalton Byrd for his positive attitude and perseverance which has enriched his professionalism and nursing knowledge. Jill Smith of Laurel earned the 
Florence Nightingale Award for professionalism, integrity and selflessness for humanity, all qualities the founder of nursing possessed and were implemented into the nursing profession.
For more information about Jones College’s County Center in Waynesboro’s part-time, day program and the Ellisville campus’ part-time night program, contact Teresa McDonald on the JC campus in Ellisville at 601-477-4102 or email at teresa.mcdonald@jcjc.edu. The application deadline for January’s full-time program is October 1st.
Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates July 31, 2019
Kristen Agee, Bay Springs
Skylar Ainsworth, Ellisville
Koeisha Arrington, Laurel
Sarah Beasley, Laurel
Emily Busby, Soso
Dalton Byrd, Laurel
Hollie Clark, Ellisville
Leah Cooper, Petal
Jerrika Davis, Waynesboro
Anna Draughn, Runnelstown
Alexus Floyd Hattiesburg
Brittany Fowler, Vossburg
Jana Graham, Stringer
Tajma Hall, Braxton
Lillian Hosey, Laurel
Lakeisha Johnson, Hattiesburg
Kristin Jones, Taylorsville
Colby Mason, Lucedale
Raven McCormick, Ellisville
Eartha McGowan, Petal
Tyriona McGrew, Waynesboro
Andreona McLaurin, Petal
Anna Mills, Ellisville
Shannon Nicholson, Taylorsville
Alexis Richardson, Cleveland
Ashley Smith, Monticello
Beverly Smith, Laurel
Allie Stogner, Petal
Courtney Tatum, Mount Olive
Rosella Taylor, Ludlow Scott County
Kelsey Watts, New Braunfels, TX
Cathrynn Williams, Laurel