At our 2023 Homecoming event, Jones College was proud to honor nine exceptional alumni across four categories. These alumni were celebrated by the college for not only succeeded in their careers but also for making significant contributions to their communities. Join us in applauding these inspiring individuals who embody our legacy of achievement and community engagement.
Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award
Jim Rasberry
Jim Rasberry graduated from Jones College in 2003 with a degree in Business Administration and a notable tenure on the golf team. His academic journey continued at the University of Southern Mississippi. He started his own business, Rasberry Financial Services, in 2002. He is married to Mallorie Rasberry and has two children Charlotte and Lucy.
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Dr. Dewey Garner
Dr. Dewey Garner graduated from Jones College in 1961. He obtained his Pharmacy degree from Ole Miss Pharmacy School in 1964, his Ph.D. in Pharmacy Administration in 1970, and practiced until his retirement in 2009. He has been named to the 1961 Jones County Junior College Hall of Fame as well as the Mississippi Pharmacist Association Hall of Fame. He has been married to his wife, Barbara for sixty years and has two children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Watch Video BioAchievement and Excellence Award
Dr. Leander Bridges, II
Dr. Leander Bridges, II earned his associates degree at Jones College before continuing his education where he earned a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi. He continued his education at William Carey University where he earned both Specialist and Doctorate degrees in educational leadership. Dr. Bridges has led choirs with superior ratings and championships as well as having two residencies at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Currently, Dr. Bridges serves his community as the Minister of Music at Springhill Baptist Church in Ellisville,MS, and serves as the current principal of Oak Park Elementary School.
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Ashley Dean
Ashley Dean graduated from Jones College in 2004 and continued her education at the Mississippi University for Women and then Northwestern University’s Prosthetic Program. Currently, she is a licensed ABC-certified prosthetist and BOC-certified orthotist for Hanger Clinic in Murfreesboro and Estill Springs, TN, with more than 15 years of experience.
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Austin Smith
Austin Smith, a 2003 Jones College graduate, began teaching biology at Jones College in 2009 where he taught for 10 years. Currently, he co-owns Smith’s Honey Farm LLC, with his father. They have more than 2,000 colonies with the honey sold throughout Mississippi. He is a certified member and the current president of the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association and Mississippi Beekeepers Association having served as president and is currently serving as vice-president.
Watch Video BioRising Star Award
Lewis S. Bateman
When Lewis S. Bateman arrived on the Ellisville campus in 2012, the Laurel High School Salutatorian decided to take advantage of the full “Jones College experience.” The smaller classes, personal attention from faculty, and challenging curriculum. He was highly involved with honor and leadership programs and served as Regional President for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Currently, Lewis is the Director of Rehab and Physical Therapy at Oakwood Retirement Community in Brooksville and is a staff Physical Therapist at Noxubee County General Hospital in Macon.
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Mason Irby
Mason Irby's baseball talent led him to Jones College, where he won national championships and received numerous awards. He continued his success at the University of Southern Mississippi, contributing to conference championships and NCAA Tournaments. Currently, Irby is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. He and his wife, Caroline, recently celebrated the birth of their first child, Carsen Olivia.
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Alise Mathews
Alise Mathews began her journey at Jones College as a dual-enrollment student. During this time, she took numerous classes over one year and graduated early from Jones College to pursue a degree in Marketing from Mississippi State University. Alise is the proud owner of two local businesses: Shug's Cookie and Candy Bar and Shug's Boutique. She is also an active member of the Junior Auxiliary of Laurel and the Laurel Main Street Association.
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Jermarcus Ross
Since graduating from Jones College in 2016, Jermarcus Ross has served as the MAIS Cross Country Head Coach and Physical Education Teacher at Laurel Christian High School, and he is the youngest Board Member to serve the “Laurel Leap” event as part of the Laurel Main Street organization. He is the CEO and co-founder of Ross & Co. Investments established in 2021, along with Ross & Co. Athletics which he began in 2019. His company hosts a three-day sports camp for the community’s youth, providing an opportunity to mentor local students and student-athletes.
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