Month: December 2025

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program honored graduates during a traditional pinning ceremony, marking the culmination of a demanding academic journey and the beginning of new careers in health care. Family members, faculty and college administrators filled the auditorium as graduates received their nursing pins, symbolizing their entry into the profession. Mike Cummings, Associate Degree Nursing program director, praised the graduates for their perseverance through a rigorous curriculum.

“This is a stressful program, and they have met all the requirements,” Cummings said. “They are successful because they stayed committed to their studies and were flexible as they were exposed to many different nursing experiences.”

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith told graduates and their families that nursing education lies at the heart of the institution’s mission and emphasized the responsibility graduates now carry into their communities.

“There is no greater calling than what you are preparing to do,” Smith emphasized. “In moments of crisis and uncertainty, you will be the guiding hand with the professional knowledge that will help people get through and endure. I would trust every one of these graduates to care for me or my family under any circumstance.”

Class President Tristan Montague of Petal reflected on the shared challenges and growth experienced by the class, balancing humor with gratitude as he addressed classmates and supporters.

“We survived the care plans, the early mornings and the moments of wondering if we could really do this,” Montague shared. “Nursing isn’t just about skills or knowledge. It’s about compassion, advocacy and showing up when it’s hard.”

Among the graduates was Sarah Barham of Ovett, who described the ceremony as the start of a new chapter. At 21, Barham is beginning her first professional career and will start work in the intensive care unit at South Central Regional Medical Center.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Barham said. “Jones is a hard program for a reason, because we’re prepared when we go out into the field. We’re as ready as we can be.”

Brittney Morgan of Clara also celebrated the milestone as a nontraditional student and mother of three children. Over the last five semesters, she has balanced coursework, pregnancy and worked throughout the program.

“It just means a lot to show my kids that you can persevere through anything,” Morgan said. “Just because you have kids or you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It’s doable.”

Standing alongside Morgan was her longtime friend Knija Russell of Waynesboro, who completed the Practical Nursing program with Morgan and will graduate from the nurse-bridge program next year. Russell said watching Morgan’s determination has been inspiring.

“I’m so proud of her,” Russell said. “She’s a great mom, a great nurse and a great friend. I’ve watched her push through so much to get where she is today, and it motivates me as I continue my own journey.”

As graduates took the Florence Nightingale Pledge and received their pins, faculty emphasized that the ceremony represents not an ending, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to patient care, professionalism and service. Jones College’s A.D.N. program was established in 1964 and has produced generations of nurses serving hospitals, clinics and communities throughout the region.

A.D. Nursing Graduates December 2025

1. Kayleigh Ainsworth, Runnelstown
2. Sarah Barham, Ovett
3. Jania Barnes, Mendenhall
4. Carmen Bullock, Ellisville
5. Diamond Bullock, Moselle
6. Taylor Butler, Vancleave
7. John Chauffe, Ocean Springs
8. Heather Conkle, Laurel
9. Chelbie Dorsey, Woodville
10. Rylee Hall, Laurel
11. Julie Harvey, Petal
12. Morgan Hays, Raleigh,
13. Autumn Henderson, Petal
14. Katherine Herrin, Pachuta
15. Lila Hundley, Buckatunna
16. Kaitlyn Hutchinson, Raleigh
17. Jessica Jones, Purvis
18. Sidney McGee, Newton
19. Aubree McMullan, Raleigh
20. Caitlyn Middleton, Raleigh
21. Tristin Montague, Petal
22. Brittney Morgan, Waynesboro
23. Madelyn Morgan, Ellisville
24. Karley Parker, Moselle
25. Jordan Rustin, Laurel
26. Milca Sanchez, Laurel
27. Trista Sims, Stringer
28. Micaiah Sumrall, Quitman
29. Addison Torrey, Waynesboro
30. Daetyn Turner, Laurel
31. Hannah Williams, Petal
32. Savannah Worrell, Oak Grove

ELLISVILLE – Recognizing the hard work, perseverance and dedication required to complete the Practical Nursing program, Jones College faculty and administration honored the 26 graduates of Fall 2025 Practical Nursing class with a Pinning Ceremony. Family members, friends and faculty joined the college leadership to celebrate the graduates as they officially transitioned into the nursing profession. Jones College’s Director of the Practical Nursing program, Amy Myers praised the graduates for their resilience and commitment.

“Our December graduates represent the best characteristics of practical nursing. They are hard-working, compassionate, and committed to caring for their communities,” Myers said. “This class has shown remarkable perseverance. They balanced demanding coursework, clinicals, families, jobs, and some unexpected challenges. They are entering the nursing profession with the resilience our communities depend on.”

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith congratulated the graduates and emphasized the impact their chosen profession will have on others.

“They have embraced one of the noblest careers which makes life better for others,” Smith said. “The comfort, strength and care they are going to give throughout their lives will make the world a better place.”

Zepharah Jones of Jackson challenged the Level 1 Practical Nursing students as she reflected on the challenges of nursing school and the determination it took to succeed.

“Nursing school didn’t break us to hurt us, but to show us the depth of our courage, compassion and calling,” Jones shared. “This achievement is a testament to our faith, hard work, determination and resilience.”

Her classmate, Jaylyn Geddie of Ellisville said completing the program was both difficult and rewarding.

“It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Geddie said. “It was not easy at all, but I had the best teachers who made sure I did what I had to do to graduate. I’m very thankful for them.”

During the ceremony, faculty members presented three awards recognizing outstanding student achievement. Brittany Perry of Laurel received the Academic Excellence Award for earning the highest scholastic average in the program. Le’Kenya Arrington of Ellisville was honored with the Rising Star Award for her dedication, growth and professionalism. The Florence Nightingale Award, recognizing compassion, integrity and selflessness, was presented to Zoe Clingon of Sandersville.

After receiving their nursing pins, faculty encouraged the new nurses to carry forward the values learned throughout the program and to continue serving their communities with skill, integrity and compassion. The 26 new graduates recited the Practical Nurse’s Pledge and per tradition, the Pinning Ceremony ended by honoring the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale’s compassion, service and care with the Lighting of the Lamps. Nightingale used a lamp during the Crimean War to aid wounded soldiers and thereafter established the nursing profession.

Jones College Practical Nursing Graduates December 2025

1. Le’Kenya Ny-Asia Arrington, Ellisville
2. Kayla Patterson Chapman, Ellisville
3. Zoe Clingon, Sandersville
4. Dyamond Coleman, Waynesboro
5. Makayla Zahara Davis, Laurel
6. Tamya Ja’nae Edison, Collins
7. Jaylyn Geddie, Ellisville
8. Kamya Graves, Heidelberg
9. Kaiden Guy, Petal
10. Brooklyn Holton, Gulfport
11. Elisha Horne, Vossburg
12. Kylee Hughes, Mt. Olive
13. Sha’ Tyre Hunter, Woodville
14. Kivionna Johnson, Prentiss
15. Karlmecia Jones, Southaven
16. Zepharah Jones, Jackson
17. Jasmin Michelle King, Laurel
18. Jamia McCord, Grenada
19. Heidi Odom, Waynesboro
20. Madalynn Grace Owens, Bay Springs
21. Brittany Perry, Laurel
22. Madison Tidwell, Laurel
23. Dylan Walker, Laurel
24. Ethan Walters, Laurel
25. Xandria Alexis Weatherton, Vossburg
26. Jeakayla Wright, Mobile, Alabama

ELLISVILLE – For more than 13 years Jones College’s Christmas with the Arts patrons have generously provided hundreds of new toys for the Salvation Army Toy Drive and this year’s donations will provide an extra bonus for recipients. Thanks to the generous support of the community, Salvation Army Captain Keisha McMullin said these gifts will ensure everyone has a few bonus gifts this year.

“We have 150 Angel Tree families with 390 children receiving at least three gifts. Jones College’s toy drive always ensures we have enough to fill the gap but this year, these donations will allow us to give a little bonus to the kids because everyone was adopted this year!” McMullin shared excitedly.

This year, the toy donations allowed patrons a discount on the price of a ticket to see the annual Jones College Christmas program featuring the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, JC Jazz Band, the Touch of Gold dance team and the small vocal groups Selah and Nova Voce. Additionally, two students, Isaac and Titus Crouch joined piano instructors, Dr. Victoria Johnson and Dr. Theresa Sanchez for piano quartet on four Steinway Grand Pianos.

Salvation Army representatives said they appreciate Jones College, faculty, staff, students and the community members who donate toys. There’s more to smile about when we distribute these toys.

“This is my favorite program of all because I was an Angel Tree recipient, and I know personally how special is to receive from this program,” said McMillian. “Now, I’m helping to ensure others have something to smile about on Christmas morning. We are so thankful for what the college and community do to help every year with this program. We love doing the ‘most good’ for the community, which serves as a blessing to so many people because of the generosity of others.”

The new unwrapped toys will be distributed on Monday, December 22, to the families who signed up for the program, who have children needing a little Christmas joy. Necessities and Christmas gifts are provided for disadvantaged children from infants to age 12, through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Jones, Jasper, Wayne, Clarke, Smith and Simpson counties. For more information about the Angel Tree project, go to https://salvationarmyalm.org/

For more information, call the Jones College of Art, Music and Performance Office at 601-477-4203 or follow Jones College Art, Music and Performance Facebook Page and “X” or Twitter.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College sophomore Art majors heard from William Carey University graduates and current art instructors, Tim Kinard and Elizabeth Owen about their careers and the business of art. The couples’ recent show, “Bound by Fire” featured ceramic sculptures at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the Jones College campus. Even though the couple share a studio at their home and primarily work with ceramics, the end results are very different.

“My work is more colorful and whimsical,” said Owens. “I grew up at my grandmother’s house where she had floral couches, little knick knacks, and colorful quilts which inspired my work.”

Her husband’s work is quite the opposite, and yet they inspire each other’s work at times. Owens shared with the JC students that adding bases to some of her sculptures was inspired by one of her husband’s sculptures. Kinard said some of his wife’s techniques inspired him to improve his work too.

“My sculptures are usually very earthy and traditional with a twist,” said Tim Kinard. “I like making my own clay which tends to be darker to better show off the colors. I also tend to add a face to my pieces or add unusual or unexpected forms in my sculptures.”

The couple shared with students that they had to initially focus on functional-ware or pottery like mugs and bowls before they could really create pieces of art that could not be mass produced. Their art business had to be able to pay the bills before they could really focus on their current artwork.

Owens currently teaches at Itawamba Community College, and her husband Tim Kinard teaches at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Their artwork was on display in November at Jones College. For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Fridays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the Jones College Art Department, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.