Month: November 2023

ELLISVILLE – Three Jones College alumni were honored as Achievement and Excellence Award recipients during Homecoming festivities on October 28, 2023. Laurel’s Dr. Leander Bridges II, former Clara native and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, Ashley Dean, and Richton native and current Petal resident, Austin Smith were recognized as graduates of Jones College having demonstrated professional and personal success that is recognized throughout the community and are 40 years old or younger.

“These alumni are a vital part of their communities, and we expect great things and know they will continue to change the world and touch many lives with their work,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith at the Homecoming Luncheon where these alumni were recognized before hundreds of alumni and their peers.

Dr. Leander Bridges is a graduate of South Jones High School and was a member of the varsity football team, concert choir, Madrigals, Quartet, Beta Club and Student Council. In 2001, Bridges earned an associate degree at Jones College before continuing his education at USM where he earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi while simultaneously studying music. Furthering his education at William Carey University, Bridges earned both Specialist and Doctorate degrees in educational leadership. While serving in public education for more than 18 years, he has led choirs with superior ratings and championships with two residencies at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Additionally, Dr. Bridges serves his community as the Minister of Music at Springhill Baptist Church in Ellisville. The current principal of Oak Park Elementary School shared that it was one of his JC instructors who inspired him to pursue not only music but also education.

“Dr. Mark Taylor. He probably had the greatest influence on my career choice before I got into administration. As a principal, I was a choir director for eight years and had no intentions of when I got to Jones, of ever teaching children. Dr. Taylor literally changed my perspective on all of it. I still converse with him to this day because I consider him a mentor, a friend and an advocate,” said Bridges.

Reflecting on his two years at Jones College, Dr. Bridges continued to share, that being accessible to faculty and administration along with receiving “care and respect from them,” helped to make the transition to college easier and has positively impacted his future.

“Aside from my parents and my faith, Jones probably has had one of the single largest and most profound impacts on my life’s journey because it literally caused me to reevaluate my perspective professionally. It caused me to reevaluate how I dealt with people, dealing with a much larger cross-section of people. I can honestly credit Jones College as helping to shape me into the man I am today.”

He and his wife of 17 years, Tamiko have three children, Leander, III, Lauren Grace, and the late Laina Michelle Bridges.

Also awarded the Achievement and Excellence Award was Ashley Dean who currently lives in Lebanon, Tennessee. She graduated from Jones College in 2004 and continued her education at the University of Mississippi for Women, graduating in 2006. She continued her education at Northwestern University’s Prosthetic Program the following year.

Currently, Dean 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. She specializes in lower limb prosthetics, treating a broad spectrum of patients, cherishing the opportunity to help improve the quality of life of many. As an active member of the Tennessee Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics (TSOP), Dean was the first female President of TSOP. Also, she serves on the East Tennessee State University’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Program Advisory Board, and she is an active member of the Junior League of Nashville, and the MUW Alumni Association.

“I’m a math and science kind of girl, so my Comp-1 teacher was amazing. The amount of knowledge that I learned in that class with Miss Mary Callahan, prepared me so that I can actually write papers! That was very impactful in my life to get that education and to get better at writing and doing papers and research and all that fun stuff,” said Dean.

Also, while at Jones, she was an editor of the yearbook, Lair, Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She said, the yearbook advisor, Rebecca Patrick also played an influential role in her life.

“Miss Patrick is a wonderful lady and I’m glad I got to spend so much time with her. My sophomore year, she became my advisor, even though journalism was not my major. I was going into prosthetics and orthotics, but Miss Patrick knew that and had a plan, so she was there to support me. She also took me on my first flight. We went to Canada for a very interesting yearbook conference. Being involved in that, seeing all the campus life come together and put it in one book that you’ll have for years to come. It’s just so rewarding. It’s been almost 20 years, but Miss Patrick really made a great impact on my life. When I applied for the MBA program at USM, she wrote a letter of recommendation for me. She and I are still in touch, and I can’t say enough great things about her and the experience that I had working with her and the entire yearbook staff at JC,” shared Dean.

With her parents, Robert and Carole Dean of Clara continuing to support her from a distance now, Dean plans to graduate from USM’s MBA program in July of 2024.  

Jones College’s third Achievement and Excellence recipient is Richton native, Austin Smith, who was both a student in 2003, and a faculty member for 10 years at Jones College. Smith only intended to take summer classes at JC when English instructor, Faye Moulds changed his mind.

“The next thing I know, I registered for classes that fall, and you know, I stayed here for two years, and my focus was pre-med at the time. I intended to go to medical school and anyway, life changed. I met a lot of really good friends while I was here at Jones, and I never thought that I would come back here to teach.” He added, “Thank you to all the faculty that I had while I was here at the college. I’m also appreciative of the students who I was able to teach and inspire to go on to greatness like Kane Edwards and Stephen Billingsley. I’m also appreciative of the administration for what they have done as far as developing this campus.”

While at Jones College, Smith became very involved in Phi Theta Kappa honor society as President, before transferring to Mississippi College, completing his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. 

“I was not a trust fund child, so you know, I needed college to be affordable and my involvement with Phi Theta Kappa, and a decent looking transcript while I was here at Jones, paid dividends whenever it came time for me to go to Mississippi College. I was able to get a little bit of an extra boost with a leadership scholarship and about the only thing that I had to pay for was just the dorms. I would say to any student that comes along, you know performing well in the classroom is important, but also be involved in good quality student organizations and do something; do not just don’t have your name on the list,” said Smith.

He began teaching microbiology and biology in 2009 before taking over the family business. Currently, the commercial beekeeper from Petal co-owns Smith’s Honey Farm LLC, with his father. They have more than 2,000 colonies with the honey sold in many grocery stores, produce markets and retailers throughout Mississippi. He is a certified member and the current president of the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association. Additionally, he is active in the Mississippi Beekeepers Association having served as president and is currently serving as vice-president.

Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of nine alumni and friends of the college during the October 28, Homecoming weekend of activities. “Rising Stars,” Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current resident of Madison, and Laurel’s Alise Mathews and Jermarcus Ross were honored along with Laurel’s Jim Rasberry, the recipient of the “Outstanding Alumni of the Year” award and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh who received the “Legacy Award.” All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded Alumni Recognition Program held during Homecoming celebrations on October 28, 2023, honored nine alumni including Laurel’s Jim Rasberry as the Outstanding Alumni of the Year.

“I have never felt so honored and so appreciated. The team here has been incredible we’re all appreciative of this award,” said Rasberry.

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith shared before an audience of several hundred alumni and friends during the Homecoming Luncheon and Awards Presentation that this award was bestowed upon alumni of Jones College, recognizing the accomplishments and service of former students who have exhibited exceptional service and brought honor to the College.

“One of the qualities that we admire most about Jim is that he sees the true caliber of who we are, what we are, and our community, and how special we really are. He has gone on to be an advocate for revitalizing small-town America and if you look at what’s happened to our community that infectiousness is happening all across small towns in America. We are so proud of what you’re doing, what you have done, and what you continue to do,” said Smith.

Rasberry played golf in the National Junior College Championships in Chautauqua, New York, which was his first trip to New York and outside of Mississippi, while attending Jones College from 2001 until 2003.

“It was the first time I’d ever seen it, and the only time I had seen Niagara Falls. Traveling as part of the Jones Golf team and getting to see more than just what’s going on right here in South Mississippi was a great experience because of what Jones offered and being able to be a part of an organization. It was fun. I finished 19th in the country which wasn’t too bad,” said Rasberry.

Getting to know everyone on campus and building upon the friendships he began then, was one of the biggest surprises and life-changing experiences for the founder of Rasberry Financial Services. JC’s business division chair and accounting teacher, Rick Bedwell was one of the many people Rasberry met who influenced his outlook on life.

“What was great about that accounting class was learning the value of a great attitude because Rick Bedwell has an incredible attitude to this day. Every time he walked into the classroom with a smile on his face and a positive attitude, made me feel like you know what, I can conquer this. I may not feel great about what I’m getting ready to do, but I’m going to make it happen. So, getting that attitude from Rick Bedwell really set the tone for me and I really appreciate it,” shared Rasberry.

After graduating from JC, Rasberry earned a degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He made his mark in the financial world when he founded Raspberry Financial Services in 2001 and established a premier firm in the Southeast. He has since been named a “Leader in Finance” by the Mississippi Business Journal and he has served as a financial advisor for the National Football League Players Association advisor program. Additionally, he is a partner in a historic real estate development firm and partner in the Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman Manufacturing Co., in addition to serving on the board for numerous economic development related organizations over the last decade. His wife Mallorie and he have two daughters, Lucy and Lottie and have called downtown Laurel their home since 2009.  

Other Jones College alumni honored were recipients of the “Rising Stars,” Award, Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current Madison resident, Alise Mathews of Laurel, and Jermarcus Ross of Laurel. Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Leander Bridges II of Laurel, Ashely Dean of Clara, and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, and Richton native and current Petal Resident, Austin Smith, each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award,” and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh, and current Oxford resident, received the “Legacy Award.” All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Alumni Association and Foundation’s expanded Alumni recognition program during Homecoming celebrations on October 28, 2023, honored “Rising Stars,” Lewis S. Bateman of Laurel and current Starkville resident, Mason Irby of Meridian and current Madison resident, Alise Mathews of Laurel, and Jermarcus Ross of Laurel. Three Jones College alumni, Dr. Leander Bridges II of Laurel, Ashely Dean of Clara, and current Lebanon, Tennessee resident, and Richton native and current Petal Resident, Austin Smith, each received the “Achievement and Excellence Award.” Jim Rasberry of Laurel was honored as “Outstanding Alumni of the Year,” and Dr. Dewey Garner of Raleigh, and current Oxford resident, received the “Legacy Award.”

“We are so happy you are with us at Jones College,” Dr. Jesse Smith, President of Jones College said, greeting hundreds of alumni at the Homecoming Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. “We represent the past, present, and future. It is such a pleasure to have all of our honored alumni back on campus as we gather to celebrate your accomplishments and the lasting impact you have left on your communities. You are the embodiment of our school’s legacy, and we are proud to call you our own, as part of the JC family.”

The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of Jones College who has illustrated over the years continued support and has made consistent contributions to honor the College, like Dr. Dewey Garner. The retired pharmacist and pharmacy professor at the University of Mississippi and the University of Houston, graduated from JCJC in 1960, taking 18 hours every quarter. At the end of his freshman year, he said he was still undecided on a major until he won the Chemistry Award.

“I’ve figured all this is general and it will transfer…and I said well, I got this chemistry award so I must have some talent here,” Garner quipped. “But I don’t want to be working with test tubes and beakers for the rest of my life. I read pharmacy was a very people-oriented profession, but I’ve never been in a pharmacy in my life other than to sit at the fountain before the movie in Raleigh. I wound up coming to Ole Miss because it’s the oldest pharmacy school in the state. I had only been on this campus one time in my life to see a football game.”

Upon graduation from Ole Miss, Dr. Garner practiced pharmacy for 2 ½ years in New Albany, when the Dean of the Pharmacy School convinced him to return for graduate school in 1966. He joined the faculty at the University of Houston after graduation in 1970 for a year, before joining the faculty at the University of Mississippi. Garner retired in 2009, as professor emeritus of pharmacy administration and research professor emeritus in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences after serving 38 years on the faculty with 14 of those years as the chair of the department of pharmacy administration.

He served the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, the oldest and largest professional pharmacy fraternity in the world, in nearly every national office and as a member of almost every national committee. He wrote a book in 1993 on the fraternity’s history. The fraternity recognized him for his extraordinary service to the pharmacy profession with the A. Richard Bliss Grand Council Citation of Appreciation in 2009. Professor Garner served as faculty adviser to the Beta Rho Chapter of Kappa Psi at Ole Miss, and the student chapter of the National Association of Community Pharmacists.

The School of Pharmacy selected him as “Alumnus of the Year for 2009-2010, and the Mississippi Pharmacists Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2009. He served on the Mississippi Medicaid Commission’s Drug Advisory Committee from 1971 to 1985 and was one of three pharmacists appointed to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s State’s Pharmaceutical Transition Commission.

Of all his awards and honors over his lifetime, Garner shared, the Legacy Award from Jones College is the most treasured.

“Those lifetime awards are for different constituencies, but this one is a little overwhelming because when it said Legacy from Jones College, it goes back further than any of those others. I mean, it was 64years ago that I entered JCJC as a freshman,” said Garner, who met his wife Barbara of 60 years during his sophomore year at JCJC, thanks to his cousin.  The couple has two children, two grandchildren, and one, great-grandchild.

All the honored alumni were recognized with a medallion during half-time of the football game before recognizing the Homecoming Court.

ELLISVILLE – Hundreds of Jones County Junior College alumni gathered recently for Jones College’s Homecoming Luncheon which honored several alumni for various accomplishments. During that event, the Alumni Association of Phi Theta Kappa’s International Honor Society, Rho Sigma Chapter bestowed a unique award to one of its members, a 1970 JCJC graduate from Clara, Sara Smith Landrum. She was the first of the recently formed Alumni Chapter of PTK at Jones College to receive the honor of, “PTK Alumnus of the Year.”

“The activities and projects I participated in while in PTK broadened my knowledge of working with others of academic excellence,” said Landrum. “When current PTK Advisor at Jones College, Mark Brown expressed his desire to contact former members and to learn about the early days of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, I knew that I could help him, thanks to information that I had noted in my 1968-69 and 1969-70 yearbooks, The Lair.

Brown described Landrum’s work as invaluable. Building the JC database is just one of the many reasons she earned the first honor bestowed to an alumnus of the recently formed Alumni chapter of PTK at Jones College.

“She has been integral in helping us contact past members from that time. The Phi Theta Kappa International Office maintains a database going decades into the past but much of the information is outdated. Most of the PTK members before 2000, do not have email addresses. Ms. Landrum has been instrumental in providing contact information for numerous past members and helped us develop our database at JC.” explained Brown. “Sara has continually been supportive of our efforts to develop a Jones College Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association.”

Returning to the Ellisville campus for Homecoming recently was an eye-opening event for “Sara from Clara,” as she is affectionately known to many.

“Homecoming weekend was thrilling, walking on a completely different campus compared to my memories of 53 years ago. I’ve always considered my two years at Jones to be the happiest time of my educational career.”

The Wayne County native earned the title of Valedictorian of the Clara High School class of 1968. Living in the Strengthford Community allowed Sara to live at home and take the Jones County Junior College bus to Ellisville. She shared, “JCJC was a gift to the community. I could ride the JCJC bus that originated in Clara, just like my older brother Al Smith (1967), and my siblings, Dan Smith (1975), and Syble Smith Courtney (1979).”

While at JCJC, Sara continued to earn accolades as she actively engaged in academics and related organizations on campus. She joined the first chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at Jones College, serving as the first secretary of PTK. Coming from a family that encouraged, promoted, and even pushed education, it’s not a surprise she thrived and earned many honors and leadership opportunities. In addition to her PTK responsibilities, Landrum also served as President of the National Student Education Association and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Mississippi Student Education Association. She was named to the “Hall of Fame” in the JCJC Yearbook for Academic Excellence. She also received the Letter “J” Award for maintaining Honor Roll and President’s Lists and she was the recipient of the Robert H. McFarland Scholarship. Landrum was also honored for having the highest average of all the female JCJC students graduating in 1970.

While serving on NSEA, Sara was inspired by the NSEA advisor and her biology teacher, Shelby Price to major in biology. She continued her education at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee where she was a member of the academic honors organization, Alpha Chi. She graduated summa cum laude in 1972 and returned to Clara to teach biology and chemistry at Clara High School.

Landrum began her education as a first grader at Strengthford School before it consolidated to become Clara School in 1957. Much to her dismay, there was never a reunion until it became a “burning desire in her heart” to organize the first Strengthford School Reunion in 2004, which brought 329 people from nine states to the gathering. Landrum spearheaded the reunions which were held every year except in 2020, when Covid canceled everything.

“Having a teacher’s heart is all about helping others. I find that the Strengthford School Reunions are fulfilling to me because old friends have reunited after many years of being apart. The happiness and joy in their faces brings me great satisfaction.”

Her husband of 53 years, Albert Landrum also graduated from Clara as did their daughter, Melody. Their two grandsons are currently at Clara Elementary School. In her spare time, Sara serves as the pianist/organist, Bible School teacher, and Sunday School teacher at Clara Church of God.

Jones College will hold its annual Most Beautiful Pageant on Wednesday, November 8, at 7 p.m. in the M.B. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. Thirty-two contestants will vie for Most Beautiful, Top 10, Top 5, Best Essay, and Most Photogenic. There will also be a People’s Choice award for the contestant with the most votes from the audience. Each vote costs $1. General admission is $8, with admission for Jones College students with proper I.D., and K-12 student admission only $2. For more information, contact Emily Sullivan at 601-477-4030.

Photo by JC student, Marlee Brewer:Top Five: The Top Five contestants recognized at the Most Beautiful Pageant held last spring are pictured left to right, Amberlyn Holifield of Leakesville, third alternate; Taylor Garretson of Leakesville, first alternate; Summer Boyd of Laurel (Most Beautiful), Halle Myrick of Petal, second alternate; and Kailee Pipkins of Richton.