Author: Teresa McCreery

Photos by Dannah Knighton

ELLISVILLE – Seven Jones College sophomores were selected as Tullos Scholars: Daniel Baldwin-Magee, Titus Crouch-Ellisville, Ollie Hammonds-Laurel, Dannah Knighton-Madison, Devin Lucus-Ellisville, Owen Massey-Seminary and Kate Wimberly-Sumrall. This is the college’s highest honor for the top JC students, and it includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All seven students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.

Music Industry Recording Arts major, Daniel Baldwin has already made a name for himself in the music industry with the release of his Christian single, “Instantaneous” last summer. The Magee resident has also been busy as a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Theater Club with the lead role in the spring musical, West Side Story, and as President of the Baptist Student Union. He was voted as Mr. Jones College by his peers and has earned the Letter “J” Award, and Hall of Fame and has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

Additionally, Baldwin leads worship for multiple ministries and regularly serves in summer missions including in Romania and Moldova. His plans after graduation include continuing his education at the University of Mobile to pursue a degree in commercial voice. His parents are Greg and Julie Baldwin.

“Being awarded the Tullos Scholarship from Jones College is a blessing I don’t take lightly,” said Baldwin. “I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and give all the glory to God for His goodness in my life! I am beyond grateful to my parents and teachers for always pushing me to strive for excellence.”

Nursing major from Ellisville, Titus Crouch was recently inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu and is a member of the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. He also served as President of the Associate Degree Nursing graduating class of 2025. While at Jones, Crouch shared his musical talents studying piano under Dr. Theresa Sanchez and performing in the special Christmas with the Arts concert with his brother and Dr. Victoria Johnson.

A few of his honors include being inducted into the Hall of Fame and being nominated for the Gold Key Award for Merit/Honor and Leadership. His future plans include earning his bachelor’s degree and working as a nurse locally, with an end goal of being a nurse practitioner. His parents are Roy and Rachel Crouch.

“I was shocked because I didn’t know at all that I would be getting that honor too,” said Crouch. “All honor and glory to the Lord Jesus because that is His blessing.”

Ollie Hammonds is an accounting major from Laurel who assisted the Bobcats Athletics Sports Information Office while being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK and FBLA. Some of his honors include being a member of the Hall of Fame, earning the Letter “J” Award and being on the President’s List all four semesters. Hammonds’ future plans include attending the University of Mississippi and becoming a CPA with aspirations of working in sports broadcasting. His parents are Luke and Andrea Hammonds.

Madison’s Dannah Knighton is majoring in elementary education and specializing in general science. The Germantown High School graduate made her mark at Jones College as a yearbook photographer and assisted the Student Affairs Office. She has earned honors as a member of the Hall of Fame, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President and part of the nationally distinguished officer team, Letter “J” Award and she has been on the President’s List. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and was selected as the Homecoming Student Body Maid. Knighton volunteers her time as a small group leader at First Baptist Church in Ellisville for the children’s ministry. Her future plans include pursuing an elementary education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi before earning her master’s degree in biology or education administration. Her parents are David and Jill Knighton.

Biology major from Ellisville, Devin Lucus, is pursuing the goal of becoming a veterinarian after earning her degree from Mississippi State University. The JC Hall of Fame recipient is also a member of PTK, FBLA and she was the 2023-2024 manager of the Women’s Soccer National Championship Team. The graduate of South Jones High School earned numerous accolades including the Lindy Callahan Scholarship, Leadership Jones County and Trent Lott Leadership Award, as well as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or higher. Kevin and Sonia Lucus are Devin’s parents.

Owen Massey of Seminary is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University. The Presbyterian Christian High School Valedictorian has earned accolades at Jones College as a member of the Hall of Fame, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and Engineering Society, PTK and FBLA. After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and minor in math and industrial engineering, Massey plans to work for a local electric cooperative or utility company. His parents are Joseph and Amy Massey.

Sumrall resident and civil engineering major, Kate Wimberly has earned honors as a member of the Hall of Fame at JC and has served as the President of the Engineering Society. While at Jones College, Wimberly was a member of PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Her future goal includes earning her bachelors of science degree in civil engineering at MSU. Guy and Virginia Wimberly are Kate’s parents.

Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a résumé with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos.

Gene Tullos came to Jones in 1960 on a basketball scholarship which he said gave him a jumpstart and a great foundation to begin Law School. Endowing scholarships, like the Tullos Scholarship Program was his way of returning the “favor” to the college that provided an excellent foundation for a successful career as an attorney in Smith County.

“As he made the single, largest donation ever at Jones, Gene Tullos said he wanted to recognize outstanding students from various majors who are shining stars, to recognize them and encourage them to feel special,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.  “When Gene established this Scholarship, he explained, because of the encouragement he received at Jones he felt like he could make it and be successful. In fact, Gene was a successful attorney for 50 years, only missing three days of work related to his cancer treatment before he passed away in 2016.”

For more information about Jones College, visit the webpage, https://www.jcjc.edu/

ELLISVILLE- Jones College was thrilled to be able to host WDAM-TV’s annual Top of Class 2025 recognition program with a live, “red-carpet” event. WDAM-TV news/weather personalities Elle Davis, Trey Howard and Riley Bridges, along with Jones College executive vice presidents, Dr. Tessa Flowers and Dr. Finee’ Ruffin were photographed with the area’s valedictorians and salutatorians to commemorate the special event held at Jones College. The group of nearly 100 high school students were celebrated with a day of recognition including breakfast, entertainment and inspiring comments from WDAM-TV News Director, Emily Forrester, Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith, and Mississippi Senator District 42, and Jones College alumnae, Robin Robinson.

Each student was recognized and received a special, Top of Class Certificate of Achievement, commemorative T-Shirt and participated in the traditional Hat Toss while the WDAM-TV production crew documented the event to be featured during WDAM-Sunrise at 6:58 a.m., on May 12, through June 13, and on the WDAM-TV webpage.

“We always look forward to hosting Top of the Class with WDAM-TV because we get to see these bright students reach the pinnacle of their high school academic careers. Plus, we get to learn about how they have already impacted their communities and hear about their future plans which include continuing to do some great things,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.

Check on the WDAM-TV Top of Class website, https://www.wdam.com/topofclass/ for a schedule of when each high school’s Top of Class video will air on WDAM-TV Sunrise News.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College held its annual “Retirement Tea” for at least four of the employees who are retiring this year, Mary Boleware, Stephanie Johnson, Stacy Ruth and Dr. Patti Smith. When combined, these four instructors provided almost 108 years of service to JC with some having additional years of service working at other professional/educational institutions.

During her 25 years at Jones College, Mary Boleware has served as a Science instructor, Engineering Club Advisor, and JC Alumni Officer, in addition to serving on numerous committees. Stephanie Johnson has taught Psychology classes for the last 28 years while Stacy Ruth has been teaching Sociology classes for the last 32 years. Dr. Patti Smith has been teaching English courses and she has led the Quality Enhancement Plan over the past 23 years.

ELLISVILLE – Forty-four Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their years of service to the college during a special Employee Appreciation program. Administrators and the JC Foundation treated the Jones College faculty and staff to a spring brunch and awards ceremony. JC administrators honored employees for their service at five-year increments, beginning with those who have served at least five years. 

Topping the number of service years was Melinda English from Environmental Services and Art instructor, Melanie Eubanks with 30-years of employment at Jones College.

Four employees have accumulated 25 years of experience working at the college, including Greg Bulter-Workforce College, Amy Hinton-Paralegal instructor, Dustin Holifield-Business Instructor and Amie McQueen, who has served in Student Affairs, Alumni Affairs and Athletics.

There were four employees honored for completing 20 service years of service in 2024 including Julie Atwood-Dean of School of Humanities and Social Science, Jessica Martin-Financial Aid, Dr. Benji Sessums-Emergency Technology Paramedic Program Director and Healthcare Simulation Center Director and Dr. Susan Smith who has served as the Fine Arts Division Chair, director of various vocal ensembles and a music instructor.

Only two employees, Michelle Gaddy-Business Office and Dean of the School of Science and Technology, Eric Shows completed 15 years of service at Jones College.

Eleven employees began serving the college 10 years ago. They are the former Human Resources Director and current Housing Director, Dr. Luke Hammonds; Associate Band Director and music instructor, Dr. Lindsey Keay; Enrollment Counselor, Deidre Maddox; V.P. of Enrollment Management, Amanda McLeod; Cyber Security Manager, Clint McMullan; Maintenance, Doug Messemore; Pharmacy Technology instructor, Tracey Parker; Enrollment Counselor, Tamara Parrish; Radiology instructor, Mandy Pearson; Paramedic instructor, Eric Williams and Welding instructor, Ethan Wimberly.           

More than five years ago, 20 people joined the Jones College family. The honorees include Enrollment Counselor, Stephanie Bey; Greene County Center Director, Alan Cook; Wayne County Center Administrative Assistant, Curley Davis; Enrollment Counselor, Rhonda Emmons; Associate Band Director, Josh Frans; Fitness Center Director, LaVon Jones; Childcare instructor, Brooke Knight; Marketing Project Manager, Allyson Knotts; Assistant A.D. for Sports Information, Kevin Maloney; Music Industry instructor, Matt McGuffie; Business Office, Laurel Musgrove; Enrollment Counselor, Ashtyn Nixon; Head Football Coach, Lytrel Pollard; Jasper County Center Administrative Assistant, Keri Read; Clarke County Center Director, Reggie Richardson; Bookstore Manager, Lisa Sims; Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith; Welding instructor Matthew White; Associate Degree Nursing instructor, Kristina Wilkerson  and Clarke County Center Student Navigator, Jessica Wood.

Each honored employee was given a special item designed for each level of achievement: 5 years-small plaque; 10 years-large plaque; 15 years-clock; 20 years-small acrylic trophy; a medium sized acrylic trophy is given to those with 25 and 30 years and employees with 35 or more years, receive a large plaque. 

ELLISVILLE – Six Jones College Associate Degree Nursing students were inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu, Gamma Mu Chapter at Jones College. These students, Titus Crouch of Ellisville, Katie Edwards of Rose Hill, Josephine Evans of Waynesboro, John-Thomas Skyler Reeves of Laurel, Shannon Smith of Carson and Jonnah Walters of Ovett, 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 2025 graduates will be Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.