ELLISVILLE – Jones College held its annual “Retirement Tea” for six of the eight employees who are retiring this year, Chief Billy Chandler, Art instructor-Melanie Eubanks, Horticulture instructor-Wendy Wilkerson, A.D. Nurse instructor-Cindy May, Media & Public Relations Director-Teresa McCreery and Sports Information Director-Shawn Wansley. Also retiring are Fitness Center Director-LaVon Jones and Bookstore Manager-Lisa Sims who were not able to attend the event.
When combined, these employees provided more than 136 years of service to JC with some having additional years of service working at other professional/educational institutions.
During her 31 years at Jones College, Melanie Eubanks has been teaching art and overseeing the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery. Wendy Wilkerson has been teaching horticulture and beautifying the campus for more than 28 years. Also, with more than 28 years of service to the college is Media and Public Relations Director, Teresa McCreery. Shawn Wansley was hired to head up the sports department 18 years ago and 17 years ago, Cindy May began teaching in the Associate Degree Nursing program. Six years ago, Fitness Center Director, LaVon Jones and Bookstore Manager, Lisa Sims joined the Jones College family.
At the annual Retirement Tea, six Jones College employees, pictured left to right, Chief Billy Chandler, Art instructor-Melanie Eubanks, Horticulture instructor-Wendy Wilkerson, A.D. Nurse instructor-Cindy May, Media & Public Relations Director-Teresa McCreery and Sports Information Director-Shawn Wansley, were honored for their years of service. Not pictured are Fitness Center Director-LaVon Jones and Bookstore Manager-Lisa Sims who were not able to attend the event.
ELLISVILLE – A year of hard work, collaboration and commitment to journalism paid off for the Radionian staff, which earned top honors at the 2025 Mississippi Press Foundation Student Media Awards held March 26 in Ridgeland.
The Radionian received first place for General Excellence among all community colleges in Mississippi, the competition’s highest honor, recognizing the overall quality of the publication rather than the work of just one individual.
Unlike individual categories, General Excellence recognizes the overall quality of a newsroom, such as reporting, writing, editing, design and photography.
The Radionian brought home a total of 14 awards, highlighting the strength and consistency of the student-led publication across multiple categories.
The success was driven by strong performances in writing.
Emma Claire Lowe earned first place for Best General News Story for her coverage of the new simulation center, while Sami Jordan placed third for her story on graduation.
In feature writing, Andie Boo Mills received first place for her story on instructor Caleb Smith, and Destiny Velasco earned second place for her feature on BSU Director Frank Porter.
Aubrey Katie Patterson earned first place for Best General Interest Column, further strengthening the Radionian’s performance in opinion writing.
Jackson Vella placed first for Best Sports Column among all colleges, one of the most competitive wins of the event, as the category included entries from both community colleges and universities.
“Winning the best sports column meant a lot, especially since it was among all colleges,” Vella said. “I feel like I really worked for it. Winning that award proved to myself that I am a good writer.”
Photography also played a major role in the Radionian’s success.
Ariel Roberts earned first place for Best General News Photo for “Office Chair Olympics,” while Andrea Castro placed second in the same category.
In sports photography, Landon Joy earned both first and second place for his action shots of men’s soccer player Terin Davis and wide receiver T.K. Keyes.
Emma Brunet led the feature photography category with first place, followed by Sami Jordan in second and James Ellis in third.
While individual awards recognized standout work, the General Excellence award ultimately reflected what the Radionian staff accomplished together as a newsroom.
“Our staff winning General Excellence just proves what we can do,” Vella said. “I came onto this team last fall with no prior journalism experience. Throughout working with this staff, I have been able to grow so much.”
From covering campus events and student life to features and opinion pieces, the publication consistently delivered content that informed and engaged with the Jones College community.
“I would say the staff doesn’t just put together stories, but it helps writers who want to learn be able to grow,” Vella said.
The Spring 2026 Radionian staff includes Kate Atwood of Ellisville; Caitlynn Brady of Myrick; Malachi Davis of Petal; Savanna Edwards of Heidelberg; Nathan Gavin of Bay Springs; Jayla Jones of Quitman; Katie Patterson of Ellisville; Kaylea Rogers of Raleigh; Walker Robinson of Moselle; James Shelton of Hattiesburg; Milo Stroud of Sumrall; Destiny Velasco of Ellisville; Jackson Vella of Mobile, Alabama; Jordyne Cochran of Ellisville; and Caroline Whittington of Sumrall.
“I have some really great students and fantastic editors this year, and it shows,” said Kelly Atwood, the Radionian adviser. “We have had a decades-long reputation as an award-winning publication, and I’m so proud of my students’ work and dedication. The Radionian couldn’t be the success it is without them.”
As the semester comes to a close, the awards reflect not just success but the long hours, teamwork and commitment that define the Radionian newsroom.
Students interested in joining the Radionian staff can contact adviser Kelly Atwood at kelly.atwood@jcjc.edu for more information.
Photo Caption SUBMITTED: Front row, editors Caitlynn Brady of Myrick, Jayla Jones of Quitman, Jackson Vella of Mobile, Alabama, and Savanna Edwards of Heidelberg; middle row, Caroline Whittington of Sumrall, Kathryn Atwood of Ellisville, Jordyne Cochran of Ellisville, Destiny Velasco of Ellisville, Kaylea Rogers of Raleigh, Malachi Davis of Petal; back row, Milo Stroud of Sumrall, James Shelton of Hattiesburg, Aubrey Katie Patterson of Ellisville, Walker Robinson of Moselle, James Ellis of Hattiesburg and Nathan Gavin of Bay Springs.
ELLISVILLE – Ten Jones College Associate Degree Nursing students were inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Gamma Mu Chapter at Jones College. These students, Hannah Brady-Madison, Caylen Corley-Richton, Britton Dunnam-Richton, Camdyn Goddard-Soso, Karli Hall-Mt. Olive, Jacob Harris-Raleigh, Brinna Kate Moss-Laurel, Alan Nitsche-Collins, Gracie Parker-Bay Springs and Abby Shows-Richton, were honored by the JC A.D. Nursing faculty, family and friends during a special induction ceremony recognizing their achievements.
Requirements for induction into the Nursing Honor Society include having a “B” average in all nursing courses with no repeats, complete a capstone project prior to graduation and demonstrate conduct on campus and in clinical areas which reflect integrity and professionalism. Membership in Alpha Delta Nu provides recognition for academic excellence, potential for scholarships to continue education, and is a quality addition to students’ professional portfolio. Danielle Matthews and Allyson Turner are advisors for this chapter. The graduation/pinning ceremony for all of the A.D. Nursing program’s spring 2026 graduates will be Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium.
TenJones College Associate Degree Nursing students were recently inducted into the Associate Degree Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu at a ceremony with A.D. Nursing faculty, family and friends and are pictured left to right in the front row, Gracie Parker-Bay Springs, Brinna Kate Moss-Laurel, Karli Hall-Mt. Olive and Camdyn Goddard-Soso. Pictured in the back row, left to right are Abby Shows-Richton, Jacob Harris-Raleigh, Hannah Brady-Madison, Britton Dunnam-Richton, Caylen Corley-Richton, and Alan Nitsche-Collins.
ELLISVILLE – Jones College officials are planning to hold the 98th Annual Commencement Ceremony outdoors on the North Lawn of Jones Hall for the almost 700 students who are eligible to graduate. Of the 695 students that have completed requirements during the summer/fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, 665 graduates have opted to participate in the Friday, May 8, ceremony which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The keynote speaker for graduation will be U.S. Army Retired Major General and Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., in Jackson. Additionally, the college is celebrating the 250th birthday of the nation with a special patriotic performance from the alumni joining the Jones Concert Choir.
This ceremony will also mark the fourth class of the Middle College Program at Laurel High School with 19 students earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Jones College. These students, Amber Burks, Gracelyn Carmichael, Davon Chambers, Eddie Cole, Henry DeJesus, Liliana Garcia, Autumn McGill, Karina Julio, Maitin Lainez, Laila McMillan, Jamari Morrow, Arberney Pollard, Vanessa Reyes, Sydney Ridgeway, Malia Sanders, Dexyia Sullican, Javon Terrell, Alex Virgen, and Richard Ward, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.
Friends and family are welcome to support graduates by attending the commencement ceremony with seating on a first-come-first-serve basis. Graduates will receive either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. To watch the ceremony live, check the website:http://www.jcjc.edu/ For questions specifically regarding the 2026 graduation ceremony, please contact Kacie Birdsong at 601-477-4137.
Major General Augustus L. Collins, U.S. Army Retired, is the Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., which is a leading workforce training, development and management corporation headquartered in Jackson. Prior to being appointed to his current position, he served for more than 35 years in the United States Army and the Army National Guard, including tours as the Director of Mobilization Forces, U.S. Army Forces Command, the Commander of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom and his final position as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. From 2019 until 2025, he served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Mississippi.
Collins initially retired from the Army in 2007 and was appointed as Commissioner, Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. However, in January 2012 Governor Bryant requested that he be recalled from military retirement and was appointed as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. He served in that position until his retirement in August 2016.
Collins currently serves on the Board of Directors for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Trustmark National Bank, Mississippi Power Company and the Armed Forces Benefits Association. He is a Past President of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the University of Mississippi Foundation. He is a Charter member of the board of directors of Friends of Mississippi Veterans. He previously served on the board of directors of the National Guard Association of the United States and the New Hope Christian School. He is a former member of the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports.
The retired general earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Northeast Mississippi Junior College. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and his Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Collins has also completed studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School.
A few of his many military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, the Order of Saint George Medallion for excellence in Armor, the Combat Action Badge and the Army Staff Badge.
ELLISVILLE – Four Jones College sophomore art majors, Gracie Allgood-Laurel, Juliet Tisdale-Ellisville, Kennedy Watts-Ellisville and Sarah Wilkerson-Olive Branch currently have several pieces of their artwork on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville, through April. Jones College Art instructor, Melanie Eubanks said this year’s show features samples of the students’ work from the classes which include drawing and design to ceramics and painting. We cover all the bases. displaying their work in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery at Jones College as their last project before graduation.
Four Jones College sophomore art majors, pictured left to right in front, Sarah Wilkerson-Olive Branch and Gracie Allgood-Laurel, with Juliet Tisdale-Ellisville and Kennedy Watts-Ellisville pictured standing on the back row, currently have several pieces of their artwork on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville, through April for the Sophomore Art Show.
“It’s good for the students to see their progression and get a taste of an artist’s life by planning for their sophomore art exhibition,” said Eubanks. “The Art Exhibition class is a required course for art students, but it also gives them the opportunity to show off their work and learn what pieces might be best to display.”
Additionally, Kennedy Watts earned a 3rd place ribbon for her painting, “Pride & Joy” at the Mississippi Community College Art Instructors Association annual competition.
Kennedy Watts paintings in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery 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.
