ELLISVILLE – Fourteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their workplace accomplishments over the previous academic year. The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC President, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the college’s Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program’s Selection Committee. Prior to the employee recognition program, a brunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.
The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established eight years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Director of Landscape Services, Brian Johnson, was selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Johnson’s “growing” abilities over the 18 years he has served at Jones College. His job includes overseeing the campus landscape department, sports turf department and waste removal.
“I started working at Jones College 18 years ago in November as the sports turf manager. However, for the last four years, I have served as Director of Landscape Services,” said Johnson. “I have a very ‘hands on’ approach to leading my departments. That style of management seems to work well for the people I manage. I believe leadership is something that takes time for one to develop through many good times and difficult times. For me to receive this award is validation that the style of leadership I provide works. I am honored to be nominated and voted to receive this award.”
English instructor, Asheley Means received the Barbara & Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how the Humanities Division instructor exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged analytical thinking skills, she loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with her students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. “Buddy” and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy, was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundation’s Advisory Board. Means was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.
In the individual employee appreciation honors, 12 individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250, and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125, and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.
Finalists for the faculty awards included, Diesel Mechanic & Automotive instructor, Brad Ellzey, Psychology instructor, Kisha Jones, Agriculture Science instructor, Leanne Kilgore, Business & Technology instructor, Kandace Martin and Associate Degree Nursing instructor, Oshaugnessye McCormick. Selected as the Teacher of the Year was Kandace Martin for her dedication to Jones and managing numerous online courses.
Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year Award was Workforce College Project Lead Developer-Conor Bryant, the Wayne County Center Administrative Assistant-Curley Davis, I.T. Programmer & Analyst-Ethan Morris, and Testing Center Administrator/eLearning Support assistant, Amber Yarnell. Morris was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division.
In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police department division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Juanita Walters was nominated along with Groundskeeper Caleb Overland and Transportation employee, Adam Holifield with Holifield earning the top prize.
As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexo cafeteria employee, Michelle Keyes was recognized for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.
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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.