Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE – As Jones College students finish the spring semester, administrators are encouraging students to sign up for classes while tuition is “Half Off” for most summer classes. This special summer tuition discount allows students to take classes at half the cost, and it is available for anyone who enrolls in summer classes at Jones College. Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Tessa Flowers, explained that offering half price tuition for the summer term is part of the college’s commitment to serving the community and supporting student success.

“Half price summer tuition is one way Jones is working to reduce financial barriers for our students and make college more affordable for our communities. It creates an opportunity for new students to begin their college journey and for returning students to get back on track or get ahead in their academic careers,” said Flowers.

Jones College’s Summer 2026 schedule includes a variety of online and face-to-face options. The night class session is 10 weeks, running from May 25 through July 31, and features a Hybrid Math Night class. This option is perfect for students who need Intermediate Algebra or College Algebra but need flexibility, with a hybrid format that includes only five class meetings at just two hours each night. Intermediate Algebra meets on Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on May 28, June 11, June 25, July 16, and July 30, while College Algebra meets on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on May 26, June 9, June 23, July 14, and July 28.

Also offered this summer at Jones are two 4-week face-to-face sessions, with the first session running from Tuesday, May 26 through Monday, June 22 and the second from Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 31. Online options include the June session from June 1 through June 26, the July session from June 29 through July 24, and the WWW term from June 1 through July 24. In addition, truck driving courses are offered in two sessions, with session one running from May 26 through June 22 and session two from July 6 through July 31.

In addition to offering summer classes at the main campus in Ellisville, academic and Career & Technical Education options will be offered this summer at the Jasper, Clarke, Wayne, and Greene County Centers. To view the summer course listing visit https://class-search.jcjc.edu/ for any of the summer term options. For Summer Session information, admissions application, summer classes and to find your enrollment services counselor, click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/summer2026/

Jones College is also offering free CEU’s for Mississippi K-12 teachers needing additional endorsements or to renew a current K-12 Educator’s License. The free Jones College four-week courses are offered during the June summer session which begins Tuesday, May 26 through Monday, June 22.  

To be eligible for the no-cost pricing, all participants must complete a Jones College Admissions Application. For a complete listing of the courses available and enrollment information, go to the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/ceu/

For more information to enroll in summer or fall courses, and free CEU’s, contact Enrollment Management at (601) 477-4257, email, enrollmentservices@jcjc.edu, or online at: https://www.jcjc.edu/enrollmentservices/

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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 policies: (ADA/ Section 504) Sarah Jones, Director of Counseling & ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-4070; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and (Title IX) Dr. Brittany Barron, Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College Adult Education instructor, Thalia Jacquita Smith has been selected to represent Mississippi as the 2026 State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow which is a national honor recognizing leaders committed to advancing adult education policy and access. The fellowship, administered by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), is a year-long program designed to develop leaders who advocate adult learners at the state and national levels. Participants engage in policy discussions, leadership training, and grassroots advocacy efforts aimed at increasing visibility and funding for adult education programs. Smith, who has worked in adult education for nearly a decade, said the opportunity is both professionally and personally meaningful.

“Being selected to participate in the State Advocate for Adult Education Fellowship is deeply meaningful because it affirms the importance of the work happening in adult education classrooms every day,” Smith said. “Through this fellowship, I’m able to represent the students and colleagues whose stories deserve to be heard at decision-making tables, but whose voices often get muted.”

For the past two-and-a-half years, Smith has been the adult education instructor at Jones College’s Wayne County Center in Waynesboro. However, her career has focused on non-traditional education pathways, with previous roles in Alabama, Chicago, and a state correctional facility. She said her passion for adult education is rooted in its transformative impact.

“I believe education is not only about earning credentials; it’s about access and agency,” said Smith. “Adult learners are some of the most determined individuals I’ve ever met. Many are overcoming past setbacks while balancing work, family and financial strain, yet they continue to show up.”

Smith also shared that her advocacy is inspired by her family. Her grandmother, Lillie Mae Smith, earned her high school equivalency diploma later in life, creating new opportunities for future generations.

“To now serve as a fellow feels like coming full circle,” she said. “From seeing education transform generations at my family’s kitchen table to sitting at the policy table and helping ensure others have access to that same life-changing opportunity.”

Through the fellowship, Smith will participate in national and regional policy discussions while working alongside a network of advocates dedicated to strengthening adult education systems. The program has grown significantly since its launch in 2021 and now includes representatives from nearly every state. Smith said she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of policy and advocacy strategies to better support her students.

“I want to strengthen my ability to translate classroom realities into compelling data and stories that influence sustainable support for adult education,” she said. “Advocacy is an extension of teaching, and I see this fellowship as expanding my classroom beyond four walls.”

Director of Adult Education at Jones College, Tiffany Culpepper, praised Smith’s impact on both students and colleagues. Culpepper explained that Smith’s encouragement has helped many adult learners achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.

“Jacquita has proven to be an invaluable asset to our adult education team,” Culpepper said. “Collaborative and innovative, she consistently challenges colleagues and students alike to become the best versions of themselves. As a passionate advocate for her students, she not only believes in their potential but empowers them to believe in themselves.”

As part of the fellowship, Smith joins a growing network of more than 200 advocates nationwide who have played a role in shaping adult education funding and policy. Fellows have previously contributed to successful efforts to restore federal funding for adult education programs through coordinated grassroots advocacy. Smith said she plans to use the experience to ensure adult education remains a priority in broader conversations about workforce and community development.

“My goal is to amplify the voices of adult learners and build stronger bridges between educators and policymakers,”

she said. “Adult education should never be an afterthought, it’s essential to economic mobility and community well-being.”

COABE represents 55,000 adult educators that serve the more than 1.5 million adult learners nationwide. Its mission is to inspire educators, so adults succeed and communities thrive with the help of Fellows like Smith.

“This program has been incredibly successful since the launch of cohort one in 2021,” said Sharon Bonney, Chief Executive Officer of COABE, citing the Fellowship’s impressive accomplishments and measurable impact.

Last summer, when adult education funding was temporarily withheld, SAAEFs nationwide, in coordination with COABE, actively engaged with federal legislators to advocate for the field. Their intentional grassroots efforts were instrumental in securing the release of the funding, demonstrating the power of local advocacy to effect national change. Each year, the Fellowship continues to expand, and 2026 will mark the first time nearly every one of the 50 states in the nation will be represented by a State Advocate Fellow.

About COABE

COABE’s mission is to inspire educators so adults succeed and communities thrive. COABE exists to provide leadership, communication, professional development, and advocacy for adult education and literacy practitioners to advance quality services for all adult learners. COABE represents the field of 82,000 adult educators and provides a variety of services, including professional development through annual, state-of-the-art national conferences, more than 50 webinars annually, and a peer-reviewed journal. Learn more at COABE.org.

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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 policies: (ADA/ Section 504) Sarah Jones, Director of Counseling & ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-4070; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and (Title IX) Dr. Brittany Barron, Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE — Jones College Media & Public Relations Director, Teresa McCreery of Ellisville joins 16 individuals selected as finalists for the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards, presented by Sales & Marketing Professionals of Hattiesburg. Finalists will be honored during a black-tie optional seated dinner gala on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The evening will feature live entertainment and recognition of finalists from across the state, along with five distinguished Humanitarian honorees.

“With so many talented professionals across the state, I am truly humbled to be selected as a finalist and would like to thank the person who nominated me. To be honored at the pinnacle of my career, and as I plan for retirement, I’m grateful for the many opportunities to work with the amazing professionals and students throughout my career,” said McCreery.

The Mississippi Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence, professionalism, innovation, and outstanding achievement in sales, marketing, leadership, and community engagement. The event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and community influencers from throughout Mississippi for an evening of statewide celebration.

McCreery was selected as a finalist in the Bud Kirkpatrick Professional Award-Individual Finalist category in recognition of the various roles she’s held over the almost 29 years at Jones College. Leaving TV-News after 10 years as an anchor/reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS and at KTCB-TV in Omaha/Council Bluffs, Iowa, McCreery embarked on a new career path in 1997 as the Director of Media and Public Relations at Jones College. She has assisted with the coordination of JC’s recruiting events, recruiting publications and she has been responsible for the design and implementation of all advertising production and placement, in addition to managing student tours and news event coverage for the college for the first nine years of her career. During the last 20 years, she has filled various roles in Marketing, Public Relations, Recruiting and Alumni Affairs in addition to coordinating the Top of Class recognition program with WDAM-TV.

“Ironically, I have coordinated publicity throughout my career, and I prefer putting others in the spotlight,” said McCreery. “Since I am being honored, I want to thank Jones College for allowing me to share the inspiring stories of so many students and alumni over the years, while also giving me the opportunity to educate and expose my daughter to so many inspiring people over the years while working on campus. It has been a unique education and work opportunity for us both!”

Throughout her career, McCreery has been honored for her writing, photography, publications and event coordination by the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the Pine Belt Chapter of Public Relations Association of Mississippi, in addition to the Mississippi Broadcaster’s Association for projects with WDAM-TV.

The MS Pinnacle Awards Gala serves as the primary fundraiser supporting the Rising Star Student Achievement Awards, which includes a financial award for future leaders pursuing business-related fields. Through this initiative, Sales & Marketing Professionals invest in the continued growth and development of Mississippi’s next generation of business professionals.

Sponsorship opportunities and event tickets are available for those wishing to celebrate the honorees and support this statewide initiative. As a fund under the Pinebelt Foundation, donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To attend the 2026 Mississippi Pinnacle Awards or to become a sponsor, visit: https://www.salesandmarketingprofessionals.org/about-5-1

About Sales & Marketing Professionals

Sales & Marketing Professionals is a nonprofit networking organization dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among sales and marketing professionals throughout Mississippi. The organization provides opportunities for professional development, dynamic programming, and statewide networking events designed to elevate leadership and excellence across industries.

Funds raised through the Mississippi Pinnacle Awards support the Rising Star Student Achievement Awards. The Pinnacle Awards operate as a fund under the Pinebelt Foundation. The awards are funded in part by a grant from Visit Hattiesburg.

ELLISVILLE – The Jones College School of Art, Music and Theater is inviting former choir members to be a part of a special Patriotic Celebration during Graduation on Friday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m.  Alumni will join the Jones College Choir during commencement to sing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday.

“We just want people to sign up,” said Bruce Smith, Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance. “We’re not asking for your dedication for the next month. We want you to come to a couple of rehearsals, a dress rehearsal and the event on May 8th for graduation. This will also be a great opportunity to visit with friends and faculty.”

To celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the establishment of the United States of America, Jones College wanted to combine celebrations because the college holds one commencement ceremony in May.  

“We’re going to do a red, white and blue sort of graduation ceremony. Alumni who sign up on the link https://forms.gle/QAEdvLDRQXkRB6Rq6 which is also provided on the Jones College website, will receive a parts tape. So, all alumni will have to do is listen along and pick up the sheet music or we can mail it to them once they sign up,” said Smith.

The goal is to have 200 singers as we celebrate our graduates, the USA and our past music instructors. Information can also be found on the Jones College School of Art, Music and Performance Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts            If you want more information contact Bruce Smith by phone at 601-477-2248 or by email, bruce.smith@jcjc,edu

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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 (ADA/ Section 504)  Director of ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-4070,  and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Theater Department will bring the classic Broadway musical “Gypsy” to life on April 10–12, featuring a cast of students and young performers from the community in a production that blends music, drama and powerful storytelling. Originally on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy was made into a movie in 1962. This classic Broadway musical has won multiple awards and has been revived many times including a second movie version in 1993 starring Bette Midler.

Jones College performances in the M.P. Bush Auditorium are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 10 & 11, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for lower-level seating and $10 for upper-level seating and can be reserved online at www.jcjc.edu/tickets  Discount codes will also be available for students, employees and through cast promotions on social media. JC employees and students will receive discount codes through campus email.

Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith is directing the production which includes approximately 30 cast and crew members, including six young actors under the age of 12 who help bring the story’s early vaudeville scenes to life.

“This is a story that’s been told for years and years,” Smith said. “It’s got timeless music and a powerful message, and I think audiences will connect with it in a real way.”

Gypsy is based on the memoir of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, who is a determined and often overbearing stage mother. The story follows Rose as she pushes her daughters through the declining world of vaudeville. We see a mother’s relentless ambition and the evolving relationship with her daughters, particularly Louise, who ultimately transforms into the iconic Gypsy Rose Lee.

“It’s really about a mother who struggles to love her children outside of the stage,” Smith said. “In the end, it’s about their transformation and how that relationship changes over time.”

Smith said the show was intentionally selected to highlight the talents of lead performer Sydnee Tisdale, a dedicated Jones College music and theater student who has taken on major roles during her time at Jones.

“We always look at who we have in our talent pool,” said Smith. “Sydnee has been a star for us since she arrived, and we wanted to find something where she could truly shine.”

Tisdale, who plays the demanding role of Rose, said stepping into such an iconic character has been both exciting and intimidating.

“It honestly is surreal,” Tisdale said. “I’ve never played a role this big. It’s new territory, but I feel honored that I’ve been given this chance.”

Despite her confidence on stage, Tisdale admitted the role comes with pressure.

“I’m very nervous, very intimidated,” she said. “It’s very lead-heavy, and there’s a lot of responsibility, but I’m going to be prepared.”

One of her favorite moments in the production is the show-stopping finale.

“‘Rose’s Turn’ is probably my favorite,” Tisdale shared. “I get to be very raw and emotional. It’s a really intimate moment with the audience.”

The production will feature a live orchestra and classic songs such as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You,” adding to the authentic Broadway-style experience. While the musical touches on themes of burlesque in its second act, Smith described the show as appropriate for general audiences.

“We don’t perform any actual burlesque,” he said. “We suggest it through costuming and storytelling, but it remains appropriate, around a PG level.”

For Tisdale, the experience goes beyond the stage.

“Being part of the Jones Theatre Department feels like a family,” she said. “It’s very close-knit, and I love being a part of this special group at Jones.”

With a large cast, live music and a story rooted in real-life events, Smith said the production offers something for everyone.

“This is live theater at its best,” he said. “We just want people to come out, support these students and enjoy a great show.”

Gypsy also features JC theater regular, Ella Jolly of Petal, who played Anita in “West Side Story” last spring and was a member of the cast of “Grease.” She plays Rose’s daughter Gypsy in this production. For more information about the Jones College Theater Department or the School of Art, Music and Performance, check out the website at: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/

Cast of Gypsy 3-26

Rose                            Sydnee Tisdale, Ellisville

Louise “Gypsy”         Ella Jolly, Petal

Young Yonkers          Bryce Beard

Tessie                          Bailey Daphne Brooks, Moselle

Tulsa                           Aidan Chisolm, Mize

Ensemble                   Mariah Dawkins, Columbia

Baby June                  Greenly Flowers, Ellisville

Miss Cratchitt           Kyndall Gunderson, Petal

LA                               Zach Hand, Petal

Young Tulsa               Arron Harrison,

Ensemble                   Addy Hodges, Ellisville

Uncle Jocko               Bryce, Jasper, Laurel

Waitress                     Hailey Keys, Collins

Baby Louise               Vaeda Lancaster

Ensemble                   Mila Lancaster

Balloon Girl              Lydia McLeod, Ellisville

Agness            Patricia “Dani” Mitchell, Seminary

Electra                        Gracelyn Summer Knight, Monticello

Mazeppa                    Alexandria Ruth, Laurel

Yonkers                      Peyton Shoemaker, Morton

Young LA                   Scott Shows

Mazeppa                    Josalynn Tisdale, Laurel

Herbie                        Landen-Silas Upton, Hattiesburg

Mr. Goldstone           Brady Warren, Laurel

June                            Chloe White, Laurel

Director: Bruce Smith

Choreographer: Rachel Appleby

Assistant Director: Amanda Robertson

Audio and Lighting Design: Jacob Arnold

Stage Crew:

Kira Alexander, Monticello

Gabriel Murphy, Petal

Antiana Newell, Taylorsville

David Parish, Ellisville

Jacey Posey, Ellisville

Members of the Band

Caitlyn Austin

Matt Barron

Tamiko Bridges

Brandon Domingue

Alex Handley

Michelle Howells

Tom Howells

Spencer Jones

Kyle Matthees

Conner Perkins

Jared Potter

Maddie Prattini