Mississippi Community College System Proposes New Performance-Based Workforce Investment Program
Mississippi’s community colleges have proposed a new performance-based workforce investment initiative that would prepare an estimated 5,500 additional workers each year for high-priority careers while tying new state funding directly to workforce outcomes.
The Jobs Promise Performance Program (JPPP), recently approved as part of the Mississippi Association of Community College’s (MACC) legislative agenda for the 2027 session of the Mississippi Legislature, is a new concept in workforce development and performance-based investment. Should the program receive funding by the Legislature, it will allow the State of Mississippi to make targeted investments aimed at equipping an additional 5,500 workers annually with skills required for high-priority occupations, in order to promote economic growth in the state.
As policymakers in Mississippi continue discussing how public education can better serve its stakeholders, such as students, employers and taxpayers, the ongoing debates about accountability and performance-based investments center on a common question: How should public investment be measured by public outcomes?
The Jobs Promise Performance Program suggests one way to do that.
Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director of Accelerate MS said, “Mississippi’s workforce momentum requires us to continually think about how we align education, training, and economic opportunity. Conversations like this are valuable because they keep the focus on preparing more Mississippians for high-demand careers while ensuring public investments deliver meaningful results.”
Instead of just looking into enrollment numbers, the proposed program focuses on successful completion of high-priority workforce programs and producing graduates who are prepared to join Mississippi’s workforce. By tying community college performance to Mississippi’s economic development needs, the initiative provides additional incentive to increase the number of graduates working in occupations that are experiencing shortages.
“Mississippi’s Jobs Promise Performance Program shows our commitment to give our students the tools they need for the current workforce,” said Dr. Ricky G. Ford, president of Northeast Mississippi Community College and chair of the MACC. “By aligning education with workforce demands, we are helping to both improve job prospects for our graduates and facilitate economic development of our communities. It is all about making sure that the process of transitioning from education to workforce becomes smooth and efficient.”
At the recent Mississippi Association of Community College Trustees Conference, Mississippi community college leaders discussed workforce demands in Mississippi. Additionally, it is estimated that the state will need tens of thousands of additional trained workers in the coming years in order to meet workforce demands in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, aerospace, IT and other high growth industries. The Jobs Promise Performance Program was developed in response to these workforce challenges.
“Across Mississippi, there is an important conversation taking place about accountability in public education and the return taxpayers receive on their investment,” said Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, president of East Mississippi Community College and co-chair of the MACC Legislative committee. “The Jobs Promise Performance Program reflects our belief that community colleges should be measured not simply by how many students enroll, but by how many complete high-priority workforce programs and enter careers that strengthen Mississippi’s economy. This proposal demonstrates our willingness to align public investment with measurable results.”
Should the program receive approval from the Mississippi Legislature, it will introduce a new Economic Development Priority as part of the community college funding model and recognize workforce production as the measure of the statewide investment.
“For decades, Mississippi’s community colleges have responded to changes in employer demands by launching training programs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, IT, public safety, construction and many other high-priority industries,” said Dr. Michael Heindl, president at Northwest Mississippi Community College and co-chair of the MACC Legislative committee. “The Jobs Promise Performance Program builds on that tradition by encouraging and incentivizing colleges to produce even more graduates in the industries that are driving Mississippi’s future economy.”
The program will require the investment of $41.5 million in exchange for the preparation of an estimated 5,500 additional workers annually in high-priority sectors, highlighting once again the historic role of the community college system in Mississippi as the primary provider of workforce training.
Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith said, “At Jones College, workforce education is about more than filling available jobs. It is about creating pathways that allow individuals to support their families, advance within their professions, and contribute to the vitality of their communities. The Jobs Promise Performance Program potentially increases a college’s capacity to connect local students with credentials that lead directly to meaningful employment and long-term economic mobility. When we help one student move from the classroom into a rewarding career, the impact extends to that student’s family, the employer, the community, and ultimately the entire state.”
Mr. Kell Smith, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), added: “Our college missions have always been to empower Mississippians through education and training. The Jobs Promise Performance Program continues that mission by rewarding results that matter—more skilled workers, stronger employers and continued economic growth across Mississippi.”
As discussions about the future of public education funding in Mississippi continue, the program demonstrates the community college system’s commitment to performance, partnerships, and delivering value to its stakeholders.
Jones College welcomes Adam Butler as new Dean of Students
ELLISVILLE – Adam Butler is stepping into a new role at Jones College with a familiar perspective and a clear purpose.
A Jones College alumnus whose personal and professional journey has been shaped by the institution, Butler has been named the College’s new Dean of Students. His appointment reflects a passion for serving students and creating an environment where they feel supported, challenged and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
“Jones College has played a significant role in both my personal and professional journey,” Butler said. “As a student, it helped shape who I wanted to be, and throughout my career, it has given me opportunities to grow while investing in the lives of others. Serving as Dean of Students is especially meaningful because I have the opportunity to continue serving an institution that has had such a profound impact on my life.”
As he begins the role, Butler’s focus is simple: build relationships.
He plans to spend time getting to know students and residence life staff while fostering a campus culture where students feel safe, valued and connected. Being present and approachable is a priority, allowing students to know they have someone they can turn to for encouragement, guidance and support throughout their college experience.
For Butler, success isn’t measured solely by diplomas earned but by the personal growth students experience during their time at Jones College.
He hopes graduates leave campus with confidence, strong character, lasting friendships and the skills they’ll need to succeed in whatever path they choose. More importantly, he wants every student to know they belonged and that someone cared about their success.
One of the things Butler looks forward to most is becoming part of each student’s story.
“I’m most excited about getting to know our students and being part of their college journey,” he said. “Every student has a unique story, and I look forward to celebrating their successes, helping them through challenges and watching them grow during their time at Jones College.”
As a new academic year begins, Butler encourages students to embrace every opportunity Jones College has to offer.
“Get involved, build relationships with your classmates and professors, ask questions and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” Butler said. “Your time at Jones College will go by quickly, so make the most of it. Remember that we’re here to support you and want to see you succeed.”
Butler also hopes parents and families know their students will be cared for throughout their college experience.
“Our faculty and staff are committed to providing not only an excellent education but also a supportive environment where students are encouraged, challenged and cared for,” Butler said. “We want to partner with families to help students grow into successful, responsible adults.”
Outside of Jones College, Butler enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, serving on the worship team at his church and working outdoors. He says his faith and family are at the center of his life and continue to shape how he leads, serves and invests in others.
Three Jones College Administrators Receive Department of Defense Patriot Award
ELLISVILLE – Three Jones College administrators have been recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, for their exceptional support of an employee serving in the Mississippi Air National Guard.
Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tessa Flowers, and Vice President of Instruction Rod Tolbert each received the ESGR Patriot Award after being nominated by Capt. Barry Bradshaw, dean of the School of Agricultural and Industrial Services at Jones College and Maintenance Operations Officer with the 172nd Airlift Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard in Jackson.
Bradshaw said the three administrators have supported him throughout his military journey since he joined the Air National Guard in 2018.
“After serving at Jones College for 10 years, I made the decision to join the Air National Guard, and their encouragement and support played an important role in making that possible,” Bradshaw said. “Their flexibility, understanding and willingness to support my military service have allowed me to continue serving both my country and Jones College.”
Before enlisting, Bradshaw met with Smith and Tolbert to discuss the commitment military service would require. Both offered their full support and encouraged his decision. During Bradshaw’s absence for Basic Military Training, Tolbert assumed many of his responsibilities to help ensure the college continued operating smoothly.
When Flowers later became Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Bradshaw said she continued that same level of support by providing the flexibility and understanding needed for him to fulfill his military obligations while continuing to serve the college and its students.
“The support I have received from Dr. Smith, Dr. Flowers and Mr. Tolbert has made it possible for me to successfully balance my responsibilities to both the Air National Guard and Jones College,” Bradshaw said. “I wanted to recognize each of them because they have consistently gone above and beyond to support my service.”
Established in 1972, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense program that promotes cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and members of the National Guard and Reserve. Patriot Award recipients are recognized for demonstrating exceptional support through flexibility during military training and deployments, encouraging military service, assisting employees before and after military leave, and fostering a workplace culture that values both military and civilian service.
Jones College Celebrates Young Writers Through American Hero Essay Contest
ELLISVILLE – Jones College is investing in the next generation of writers, leaders and storytellers through the inaugural Jones College American Hero Essay Contest, an initiative designed to inspire students across the Pine Belt to explore the lives of those who have demonstrated courage, sacrifice and service while strengthening their own writing skills.
Hosted in partnership with the Laurel-Jones County Library and the Laurel Leader-Call, the contest invited elementary, middle and high school students to submit original essays recognizing an American hero who has made a lasting impact on their lives or on the nation’s history. Entries were evaluated on originality, historical accuracy, organization and writing quality.
Jones College awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the first-place winner in the high school division, Annie Byrd, furthering the college’s commitment to making higher education more accessible for outstanding students.
Cutline: Annie Kathryn Byrd (left), first-place winner in the high school division of the inaugural Jones College American Hero Essay Contest, accepts her certificate and a $1,000 Jones College Foundation scholarship from Sabrina Young, executive vice president of advancement at Jones College. Byrd was recognized during the June 24 awards ceremony at the Laurel-Jones County Library for her winning essay highlighting Revolutionary War heroine Deborah Sampson.
“Our mission extends beyond the classroom,” said Sabrina Young, Executive Vice President of Advancement at Jones College. “We want to encourage students to think critically, communicate effectively and recognize the qualities of leadership and service that shape our communities and our country. This contest gave students the opportunity to do exactly that.”
The American Hero Essay Contest reflects Jones College’s ongoing commitment to educational outreach and community partnerships that encourage academic excellence beyond the college campus. By creating opportunities for students to develop their writing and critical thinking skills at an early age, the college hopes to inspire future scholars while strengthening literacy throughout the region.
Georgia Pacific invests in future workforce through continued partnership with Jones College
Representatives from Georgia Pacific joined Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith and Executive Vice President of Advancement Sabrina Young to celebrate the continued growth of the Georgia Pacific Endowed Scholarship.
ELLISVILLE – The path from the classroom to the workforce often begins with strong partnerships, and Georgia Pacific is helping ensure Jones College students have every opportunity to succeed.
Representatives from Georgia Pacific visited Jones College on June 18 to meet with students, tour technical education programs and reaffirm the company’s commitment to workforce development through an expanded investment in the Georgia Pacific Endowed Scholarship.
During the visit, Georgia Pacific announced an additional $1,500 contribution to the scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, bringing the endowment to $25,000. Company representatives also shared their commitment to continue annual contributions while the scholarship corpus grows, ensuring the fund will provide financial assistance to Jones College students for years to come.
The Georgia Pacific Endowed Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in welding, electrical technology, electromechanical technology, automotive technology, mechanical engineering technology, computer-aided design engineering and other technical fields that are critical to Mississippi’s workforce.
Following a welcome presentation, representatives toured Jones College’s Welding Technology, Automotive Technology and Advanced Technology Center programs, where they met with students and faculty and saw firsthand the hands-on training taking place across campus.
Georgia Pacific representatives visited with Jones College Welding Technology students and faculty during a tour highlighting the college’s workforce training programs.
Jones College Vice President of Instruction Rod Tolbert said partnerships with companies like Georgia Pacific play an important role in preparing students for careers in today’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.
“Most of these plants are designed to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Tolbert said. “Inevitably, something is going to break. Welding, electrical work and every aspect of industrial maintenance are critical to keeping those operations running. These trades are only becoming more necessary.”
Tolbert said Jones College works closely with business and industry to ensure students graduate with the skills employers need.
“It’s hard to find the skill sets that industry is built on,” Tolbert said. “Jones College is here to work with companies by making great employees into great skilled laborers.”
During the tour, Welding Technology instructor Ethan Wimberly demonstrated the college’s training facilities and highlighted the hands-on experience students receive before entering the workforce. Automotive Technology instructor Barry Bradshaw showcased the program’s automotive and machine shop labs, while Jennifer Griffith shared information about Jones College’s workforce development programs at the Advanced Technology Center and discussed new initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of local industries.
As Mississippi’s workforce needs continue to grow, partnerships between Jones College and industry leaders like Georgia Pacific help ensure students are equipped with the knowledge, technical skills and real-world experience needed to succeed while providing employers with a pipeline of highly trained professionals.
Georgia Pacific representatives visited with students in Greg Griffith’s Electrical Technology program during a tour of Jones College’s technical education and workforce training programs.