60 new members inducted in Jones College’s Rho Sigma Chapter-Phi Theta Kappa
ELLISVILLE – Sixty new members of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Jones College were officially inducted into the two-year International Honor Society. Advisors of the honor society opened the spring induction ceremony to include any current member on campus wishing to participate in an in-person ceremony, including those that were inducted virtually in a previous semester. More than 100 members became official members this semester, however only 60 wanted to participate in the open induction ceremony, explained PTK Advisor and Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Eric Shows. More than 300 invitations were sent, and more than 100 students joined and paid dues to date.
“We are always excited to celebrate the academic achievements of our students that allow them to gain membership in PTK. The group of inductees includes students that joined this semester along with others that accepted membership in previous semesters when we were only able to offer a virtual induction ceremony because of COVID-19 restrictions. We are especially glad that all of them got to be recognized in-person, with their family and friends in attendance. All told, we will likely have over 150 new members added to our chapter this semester, which is a great testament to the hard work of our students and faculty members at Jones,” said Shows.
At the Induction Ceremony, JC’s newest PTK members heard from Dean of the Shackouls Honors College at Mississippi State University, Dr. Tommy Anderson who encouraged students to continue participating in the Honors College program at the university or college where they continue their education. Membership into PTK is reserved for freshmen with 15 hours of transferable credits completed at Jones College and are currently enrolled full-time with a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
Jones College students listed below as joining in Spring 2023 are new invitees for the current semester. Those listing Fall 2022 joined in the fall. Students listing other dates joined during COVID-19 semesters when virtual induction ceremonies were held.
Jones College PTK Spring Induction – March 9, 2023 – Attendees
Name Hometown Major Joined
Natalie Grace Abraham Mendenhall Pharmacy Spring 2023
Emily Kaye Ali Ellisville Health sciences Spring 2023
Griffin Lee Bailey Decatur Pre-Physical Therapy Spring 2023
Andrea Marie Booth Sumrall Undecided Spring 2023
Sophia Ann Bowden Ellisville Accounting Spring 2023
Brookelyn Brewer Richton Ultrasound Technician Spring 2023
Davis Brown Ellisville Engineering Spring 2023
Destiny Brown Taylorsville Business Administration Spring 2022
Rayya Nha Lan Cao Petal Law Spring 2023
Bethany Grace Chaney Hickory Ag. Ed. Leadership/Comm Spring 2023
Jaylynn Sierra Conner Waynesboro Journalism Spring 2023
Holly Nicole Craft Raleigh Kinesiology Spring 2022
Titus Andrew Crouch Ellisville Nursing Spring 2023
Bryanna Leigh Davidson Lucedale Art Fall 2022
Lillian Nicole Dixon Smithdale Agriculture Business Spring 2023
Katie Ann Edwards Rose Hill Nursing Spring 2023
Chanel Latreece Evans Magee Psychology Fall 2022
Karlye Kaye Flanagin Brandon Dental Hygiene Spring 2023
Virginia Ann Fortenberry New Hebron Medical Sciences Spring 2022
Meg Gatlin Summit History Spring 2023
Natalie Reshay Graves Laurel Art Spring 2023
Jay Earl Green Terry Journalism Spring 2023
Autumn Henderson Petal Mechanical Engineering Fall 2021
Allen Herrington Heidelberg Business Spring 2023
Gabrielle Elizabeth Hoffman Florence Radiology Spring 2022
Kate Holm Hattiesburg Architecture Spring 2023
Casie Jane Husack Moselle Psychology Spring 2023
Jha’lana Shanta Jackson Petal Early Childhood Education Spring 2023
Anna Rebbecca James Raleigh Biological Sciences Spring 2023
Brice Jordan Johnson Raleigh Art Spring 2023
Kendall Johnson Laurel Biology Spring 2023
Kadin Perry Johnston Waynesboro Physical Therapy Spring 2023
Alexia Jones Hattiesburg Culinary Arts Spring 2023
LaKieundria Kangar Crystal Springs Pharmacy Spring 2023
Julia King Lucedale Hospitality/Tourism Mngt. Spring 2023
Kelsey Chyann Lawrence Ellisville Nursing Spring 2023
Pablo Lopez Waynesboro Finance Spring 2023
Zy’Brayla Mackey Bay Springs Radiology Spring 2023
Makayla Mason Laurel Criminal Justice Spring 2022
Kaitlyn Elaine Massie Ellisville General studies Spring 2023
Jade Kaylen McBride Hattiesburg Veterinarian Medicine Spring 2023
Aubree Brooke McMullan Raleigh Nursing Spring 2023
Hilton Banks McNair Madison Accounting Spring 2023
Renecia Catassia Mosley Waynesboro Paralegal Technology Spring 2023
J’len Noel Pachuta Electro-Mechanical Tech. Fall 2022
Rebecca Danielle Parker Laurel Business Administration Spring 2023
Morgan Helena Prestage Raleigh Nursing Spring 2023
Sommer Janae Ramsey Laurel Nursing Spring 2023
Christopher Floyd Ritz Sumrall Electrical Engineering Fall 2021
Jaycee Jordan Scott Lucedale Psychology Spring 2023
Kena Monique Smith Laurel Music Education Spring 2023
James Matthew Smith Laurel Coaching/Physical Ed. Spring 2023
Skylar Lynlee Terrell Liberty Radiography Spring 2023
Abbie Thrash Laurel Elementary Education Fall 2022
Amaria Trotter Laurel Psychology Spring 2023
Keylan Dajuan Walker Mount Olive Art Spring 2023
Ashleigh Westbrook Brandon Psychology Spring 2023
Sheridan White Laurel Journalism Spring 2023
Laken Tori Wilson Sandersville Health Related Professions Fall 2022
Jeffery Jaylen Wimbley, Jr. Chatom, AL Engineering Spring 2023
Jones College’s music department hosts, “The Topaz Trio”
ELLISVILLE – The Jones College music department is hosting a concert featuring, “The Topaz Trio” on Wednesday, March 29, at 12:30 p.m. in the Foote Chapel on the Ellisville campus. The Topaz Trio, consists of Dr. Lorraine Duso Kitts on oboe, with Dr. Gail B. Levinsky playing saxophone, and pianist, Dr. Jackie Edwards Henry. Founded in 2019, the trio explores the tonal sounds created by the unique combination of the oboe and saxophone families. To date, The Topaz Trio has performed at international and national conferences, including the International Double Reed Society (IDRS), North Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI), and International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWS). As avid supporters of new music, the ensemble has commissions of new works by Michele Schelle, Stephanie Berg, Paul Dickinson, Karen Griebling, Adam Har-Zvi and Douglas McConnell. The three will also be hosting a Masterclass for students following the free concert.
Edwards and Levinsky are former Mississippi State University professors of music. Dr. Duso-Kitts is currently a professor of double reeds at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Duso-Kitts also plays oboe with the Arkansas and Conway Symphony Orchestras. Additionally, she has performed with the Orquesta Philharmonica de Santa Cruz in Bolivia, Orquesta Sinfonica de Estado de Mexico and Orquesta Sinfonia de Jalapa in Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, her Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music and her DMA from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Levinsky currently serves on the faculty as Professor of Music at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. Her performance credits, commissions and premieres include presentations both nationally and internationally. Dr. Levinsky earned her Master, Artist Certificate and Doctorate degrees from Northwestern University. She has published varied saxophone chapters about teaching saxophone and recently completed a solo CD featuring music of women composers.
Dr. Jackie Edwards Henry is a collaborative pianist, harpsichordist, church musician, group piano specialist and teacher of adults. She has performed nationally and internationally, with her duo partner, Dr. Levinsky since 1994 and with the Topaz Trio since 2019. She was the Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Group Piano at MSU from 1991-2022.
For more information call the JC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4203 or the website online at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/
Jones College’s music department hosts Spring Recital Series
ELLISVILLE – This year, the varied music from the Spring Recital Series will fill the air for four weeks in March and April on the Jones College campus. The musical “feast” featuring musicians from the region and music from around the world, composed centuries ago will be heard on Fridays in the Foote Chapel. The annual Spring Recital Series begins on Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. until 1 p.m., and will continue each Friday through April 21, except for Good Friday/Easter weekend. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information call the JC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4203 or online at https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/
On Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, the Series opens with the Kontra Duo, featuring Daniel Espinoza on saxophone and Kristina Finch on harp for “These Limbs Tell Stories.” The program features a diverse range of styles and influences, including avant-garde, minimalist, and postmodern contemporary classical music for harp and saxophone, featuring works by living composers from around the world! This dynamic duo has been captivating audiences with their energetic and colorful performances for years. Their unique combination of instruments creates a sound that is both vibrant and innovative.
The Friday, March 31, at 12:30 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, features, “Seasons of Love” with soprano, Claire Vangelisti and pianist, Richard Seiler. This program includes songs/arias about all types of love in musical styles from Baroque to Contemporary.
With a voice that has been described as “pure, lovely, vibrant, truthful, and lustrous,” Vangelisti has found success on both national and international stages. Vangelisti’s body of work ranges from performing major soprano roles in the oratorio repertoire, both in the U.S. and in Europe, to leading operatic roles.
Richard Seiler of Brevard, North Carolina, is Professor/Keyboard Area Coordinator at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. A Fazioli artist, Seiler has taught masterclasses and performed as solo/collaborative pianist in Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and throughout the United States, has soloed with orchestras, and has recorded for Centaur Records and MSR Classics. Seiler is a co-recipient of the NELAC’s 2006 Artist-of-the-Year Award.
A unique program, “Myths & Legends” will feature Richard Perry on tuba, accompanied by Ellen Elder on piano on Friday, April 14, at 12:30 p.m. in Foote Chapel. This program features 21st century works by composers David Gillingham and John Stevens, based on mythical and literary characters.
Richard H. Perry is Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he directs the tuba-euphonium ensemble. He has been active as a clinician, performer, and adjudicator throughout the United States, and has appeared as a soloist and featured performer at numerous regional, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Ellen Price Elder is Associate Professor of Piano at USM, where she teaches applied piano to graduate and undergraduate piano majors, serves as coordinator of the class piano program, and teaches piano pedagogy. She is an active collaborator with USM faculty, and has performed throughout the United States and South America as soloist, collaborator, and masterclass clinician.
The final musical feast will be served up by a Series regular, The Impromptu Piano Trio with, “The Joy of Tradition” on Friday, April 21, at 12:30 p.m., in the Foote Chapel. The Trio, Borislava Iltcheva on violin, Alexander Russakovsky on cello with Dr. Theresa Sanchez on piano, will perform works from two of the “three B’s” of classical music composers, Beethoven and Brahms.
Borislava Iltcheva started playing the violin at age of five, earning her Bachelor’s degree from the Bulgarian National Academy and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in violin performance from Louisiana State University. Borislava holds prizes from several national and international competitions and has been featured as a soloist with many symphony orchestras. She has performed recitals throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. Ms. Iltcheva is the Concertmaster of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and currently teaches at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Alexander Russakovsky has appeared in numerous solo and chamber music performances in Russia, Israel, Europe and the United States. In the fall of 200,1 Dr. Russakovsky joined the music faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Recently, Dr. Russakovsky has given master classes and recitals in Taiwan, Israel, and Latin America.
Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician. She has performed as soloist with numerous symphony orchestras, and recorded two concerto discs. She has been a faculty member at Jones College since 1995, and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. She currently serves as Music Coordinator for the Hattiesburg Concert Association and FestivalSouth, and is listed on the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Touring Artist Roster.
Jones College’s Music & Theater Departments present, “STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue”
ELLISVILLE – The show will go on at Jones College! Despite renovations to the M.P. Bush Auditorium, Dean of the College of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith, created the unique, compilation of Broadway show hits as director and producer of the show he titled, “STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue.”
“We didn’t want to cancel our spring musical so we decided to do a musical revue,” explained Smith. “We have a lot of students with different talents, so we chose a series of songs about star crossed lovers from different Broadway musicals and created our own musical revue. It has a lot of my personal favorites, which are also fan favorites.”
Because of limited seating on the auditorium backstage, there will only be two performances, Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the general public and free for Jones College employees and students with current Jones College ID. However, Smith stressed, all tickets must be reserved prior to the show.
“There will only be about 250-300 seats available each night. Therefore, reservations must be made by emailing, paula.harrison@jcjc.edu between Monday, March 20, and Friday, March 24. In the email, please share your name and number of tickets needed, and which performance you plan to attend,” said Smith.
The musical revue features a mix of solos, duets, and group numbers with some performances including the theatrical scene prior to the featured song. Smith said there are female duets about being in love with the same man, therapeutic moments where couples are fighting, to a scene from Tina Turner’s musical.
“I can’t think of a more star crossed love than Ike and Tina Turner!” Smith noted. “We’re excited to bring a variety of performances including something never done before at Jones, having the choir featured singing a seven-and-a-half-minute medley of songs from the Westside Story for the finale of the show.”
JC Freshman, KeShon Hicks of Laurel, has enjoyed performing in several shows on the Northeast Jones High School stage. At Jones, he is featured with freshmen Aliyah Watts of Columbia and Eli Carter from Collins, in the song about a love triangle, “Make Me Happy” from The Wild Party. Also, Hicks and RicShawn Fair of Ellisville perform with Abby Nix of Ellisville in her featured solo, “Always True to You in My Fashion” from Kiss Me Kate, before they join the choir for the finale.
“I love to perform for anybody and in any situation. Having everybody, including the choir, come together is just amazing! I love it and I’m excited about how Mr. Smith put this show together,” said Hicks.
Sophomore, Matt Taylor of Richland was in JC’s spring musical last year and sings in all three JC choirs. He shared, being in a musical revue is a new experience for him that he has been enjoying.
“I have a duet with my girlfriend, Mackenzie Lacy called ‘Therapy’ from the Broadway show, Tick Tick Boom, which is about an argument between a couple over little stuff. It’s funny because it’s happened in real life before!” Taylor laughed. “This revue is going to be really good!”
Veteran of the JC stage, Mackenzie Goleman of Moselle also enjoys being in this smaller production for academic reasons. She sings the solo, “U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D” from the Broadway show, Starlight Express.
“I like doing this show because it has allowed me to focus more on my studies. Last spring, we spent two to three hours every day on the show compared to the six hours or so a week this spring,” said Goleman.
“I think this show is really fun, but it also lets the students explore numerous different musicals and do character studies on so many different characters,” Smith said. “When it’s all said and done, they’ve had more growth than they realize. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”
JC freshman from Ellisville, Susannah Walters and professional choreographer, Brett Barnes choreographed the performances for the cast of about 25 performers. Dr. Victoria Johnson, piano faculty at JC and Michelle Howells will share the keyboard parts throughout the show, with JC guitar faculty, Dr. Michael Boyd also performing. Sound and lighting was designed by Jacob Arnold.
Some of the stories about the star-crossed lovers may take the audience on a journey that is rated “PG,” with various stories including laughter to turmoil and love and death. Check the Jones College Arts, Music, and Performance website and social media pages for details prior to the performance. For more information about the Jones College Arts, Music and Performance department, call 601-477-4203.
Cast of STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue
Karoline Ayers, Laurel
Cayden Bellanger, Franklinton Louisiana
Wesley Carmichael, Ellisville
Eli Carter, Collins
Antarian Chapman, Hebron
Natalie Dewitt, Laurel
Ricshawn Fair, Ellisville
Virginia Fortenberry, New Hebron
Mackenzie Golemon, Moselle
Gracee Green, Laurel
KeShon Hicks, Laurel
Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian
Bri Lee, Ellisville
Abby Nix, Ellisville
Jalen Poindexter, Jackson
Annaleigh Ragsdale, Mize
Nicholas Singleterry, Oak Grove
Isaiah Spradley, Soso
Matthew Taylor, Richland
Abby Thrash, Laurel
Seth Walker, Calhoun
Daygen Warren, Laurel
Aliyah Watts, Columbia
Jones College faculty and staff accomplishments honored
ELLISVILLE – Fifteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace 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, an outdoor lunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.
“Honoring and appreciating all of our employees is the least we can do considering how we all work together for the good of the college, our students and our community. Offering an afternoon of fun and fellowship is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for making Jones great,” said Amie McQueen, Interim VP of Advancement.
The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established six years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. John Howard Robertson, VP of Information Technology was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Howard’s ability to overcome an incredible number of obstacles and being the most level-headed leader over the five years he has served at Jones College.
“It was very encouraging for me to receive this honor,” said Howard. “As an administrator, I believe my goal is to work alongside others to make things run more smoothly. Jones is a great place to work, and I’m thankful my teammates feel I’ve been of some help to them.”
Speech instructor, John Burks was selected to receive the Barbara and Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member has been teaching at Jones since 2007. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how Burks exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged independent analytical thinking skills, loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with 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. Burks was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.
“I have been teaching at Jones College for 15 years. Jones is a family tradition with my grandmother, mom, uncle, and aunt all attending Jones,” said Burks. “Teaching and working with students is very rewarding. In addition, my colleagues make each day delightful.”
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.
One of the finalists for the faculty awards was Dr. Ben Burge, who has worked at Jones for six years as the Director of Bands. For the past 22 years, he has been a band director for bands in Madison and Pearl River Counties, including Belhaven University. Dr. Shelby Hanna has been employed at Jones for 13 years as the Career Technical Student Services Coordinator and teaches Smart Start Pathway for the CTE programs. Welding instructor, Tommy Freeman has been teaching at Jones College for nine years at the Greene County Center. Thomas Johnson has been teaching the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program for five years. Tim Morris was selected as the Teacher of the Year honor. He has taught English and World Literature at Jones College for the past 10 years. He was also recently selected as the Mississippi Humanities Council, Jones College Teacher of the Year.
“Being recognized for my work in the classroom means the world to me. As an educator, I enjoy working to encourage my students to pursue their dreams, and while seeing their success is very rewarding, I am humbled and overwhelmed to be honored by the College as well. This recognition has allowed me to reflect on my journey to this point in my career, and I look forward to many more years of serving in the field of education,” said Morris.
Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Stephanie Bey-Enrollment Management, Crystal Nail-Grant Funding, Lisa Sims and Taryn Tyree-Enrollment Management. Candace Geddie, who works in Enrollment Management, 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 departments division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Rebecca Covalt was nominated along with Campus Policeman and I.T. specialist, Tony Hales. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Jeffrey Morris who works on the campus grounds.
As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexho cafeteria employee, Cherylon Crosby was honored for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.