Author: Teresa McCreery

(*UPDATED INFORMATION)

*Live performances on the Ellisville campus will be on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 2, at 2:30 p.m. at the M. P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. All guests will be required to take the health screening, physical distance from other guests and wear masks. To live stream the musical theater production the cost is $10 per person or $25 per family watching together. The link to live stream is https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/50954

ELLISVILLE- Live and virtual performances of Jones College’s theatre production, Godspell should allow more people to enjoy theater, safely. After canceling last year’s production of Mamma Mia! because of Covid-19, this spring, the JC Theatre Department is excited to have eight Jones College students performing for a variety of audiences.

Led by Jones College’s Theatre instructor, Dr. Jennifer Bruton, JC students, Peyton Griffin of Ellisville (Jesus), Conner Smith of Ellisville (John the Baptist/Judas), Kambri Pippin of Laurel (Uzo), Erin Biglane of Ellisville (Anna Maria), Jalen Poindexter of Jackson (Telly), Peyton King of Sumrall (Lindsay), Kyra Lampley of Petal (Morgan), and Isaiah Smith of Laurel (George) will perform the 1971 Broadway hit show, Godspell. The popular, rock musical based on the Gospel of Matthew, is the first musical theatre production from composer, Stephen Schwartz who went on to write Wicked, Pippin and Children of Eden. John Michael Tebelek wrote the play as a student at Carnegie-Mellon, which originally cast a troupe of clowns who join up with Jesus Christ teaching various lessons through song and dance. Bruton said the show is deeply rooted in community and inclusiveness which is an important message she wanted to share.

“I felt very strongly that given the events of the past year and the role of theatre in creating a home for students who find common ground with their fellow actors, this was the show for us. It calls for an intimate cast of only 10 and with so many of our students enrolled online this year, we actually only have eight cast members,” said Bruton. “Regardless of your religious stance, everyone can relate to the characters in the Prodigal Son parable, or be inspired by the passage, ‘You are the Light of the World,’ because we all need light, we all need each other and that’s what this show is about.”

JC sophomore Peyton Griffin, starred in numerous musicals and show choir performances at South Jones High School, along with JC freshman, Conner Smith. They are eager to perform together once again but for the first time at Jones College. Playing Jesus’ biggest supporter before portraying the traitor who betrays Jesus, Smith said he likes the challenge of portraying these contrasting characters. Equally excited to portray the larger-than-life lead role of Jesus, Griffin said he welcomed the opportunity especially after the cancellation of last year’s musical, Mamma Mia!

“I had never heard of this show before and thought it would be fun to be a part of something unfamiliar,” said Griffin. “I really wanted the role of Jesus because I knew it would challenge me in many ways.”

Also a veteran of song and stage since elementary school, music major, Erin Biglane said she not only enjoys playing the “kind-hearted” Anna Maria, but she also loves how the writers of Godspell recreated the New Testament’s parables. The lively music she said, really compliments the idea of this musical being a modern take on the Gospel.

“The writers did an excellent job of conveying the Gospel with a modern twist. This is very apparent with the well-known song, ‘Day by Day’ my character sings after she decides to follow Jesus,” said Biglane.

Thrilled to be performing again is Kyra Lampley who sees this as her last production. The sophomore, who is involved in four choral groups on campus and is on staff for the student newspaper, The Radionian, Lampley will be focusing on her major, broadcast communications next year.

“I wanted to be a part of this production because it’s most likely my last chance to live out my childhood dreams of becoming a Broadway actress,” said Lampley. “After canceling the show last year, right before opening night, I am going to leave everything on the stage; I am going to give this my all and enjoy every moment!”

Freshman, Isaiah Smith is new to the Jones College stage but with lots of theatrical experience. His last live role was as Pharoah in the play, Joseph, and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Laurel Christian School. Playing George, the comedian has been a little more enjoyable he admits.

“I like George because of his nature as the screwball comedian of the group.  His song, ‘Light of the World’ is one of the highlights of the musical that I’m excited to be a part of,” said Smith.

To help ensure the show “goes on,” the Theatre department has collaborated with several departments on the Jones College campus. Students in the Music Industry program are assisting with sound and lighting for the show and JC art instructor, Melanie Eubanks has contributed her art to the opening scene. Commercial and residential maintenance instructor, Josh Ishee and his students have assisted with set construction and Jones graduate, A.J. Robinson is serving as a production assistant and rehearsal pianist.

Performances of Godspell at Jones College are Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, May 2, at 2:30 p.m. Jones College faculty, staff and students, will be admitted to the live performance on the Student Center Plaza free of charge with a valid Jones ID. CDC Covid-19 protocols, including wearing masks and social distancing will be required.

The public is invited to the virtual performance with the purchase of a ticket for $10 per person. A link to the virtual performance can be found at,  https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/50954 or on the Facebook page, Jones College Musical Theatre  https://www.facebook.com/JCJCMusicalTheatre. For more information, please contact JC Theater Director, Dr. Jennifer Bruton at 601-477-2675 or at, jennifer.bruton@jcjc.edu.

Cast of Godspell

Jesus: Peyton Griffin, Ellisville

John the Baptist/Judas: Conner Smith, Ellisville

Uzo: Kambri Pippin, Laurel

Anna Maria: Erin Biglane, Ellisville

Telly: Jalen Poindexter, Jackson

Lindsay: Peyton King, Sumrall

Morgan: Kyra Lampley, Petal

George: Isaiah Smith, Laurel

ELLISVILLE- Jones College’s new, Online Workforce College (OWC) has the potential to make the Ellisville institution and the state of Mississippi the workforce training hub for the world. The virtual workforce training developed at Jones is customizable to the business or individual’s needs. It also provides proof of industry-required skills, beyond a high school or college degree. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith said the OWC is making higher education and workforce training accessible to more people.

“Higher education has to be accessible to everyone because we all need some level of growth or training. Jones can now provide that accessibility for the individual learner and help make our employers more competitive in a global market,” said Smith.

The developer of this unique delivery method of virtual workforce training, Jones College’s Director of Online Workforce College, Dr. Michael Trest said the goal is to bridge the skills gap, by utilizing technology in a cost-effective manner.

“We have 700 different courses in our catalog including employability skills, team building, health and safety and technical competencies. JC’s Online Workforce training is the only entity in the state that can offer OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 online certification. The OWC courses are self-paced and available 24/7 with every course taking about an hour to complete, for only $10,” said Trest.

All of the workforce training courses are aligned with industry standards, by companies who are leaders in their field. J C’s Online Workforce College coordinators work with local businesses to customize training needs for each business or individual. President and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, Scott Waller, IOM, said he’s excited about the impact the OWC will have on individuals, businesses and the state’s economy.

“The key for us in Mississippi is to make sure we’re creating opportunities for citizens to learn more skills and the specific skills needed by the companies we have here in the state. We also need to meet the needs of the workforce and create the type of environment from an economic perspective, that allows us to grow jobs, per capita income and really create a successful workforce throughout the state,” said Waller.

Company leaders can access each employee’s training progress and success throughout the process. After each course, a digital badge is earned, displaying the competencies successfully completed, which can also be shared like a digital resume’. Trest said the OWC works for individuals or companies with training needs for one person to 1,000 people in 20 different states, with the ability to train everyone.

“We want the OWC to help you reach your goals, monitor success and training progress,” said Trest to the business and industry representatives at the launch of the OWC. “Now, business and industry employees don’t have to travel to access quality training. A small investment provides access to world-class training at your fingertips,” said Trest.

The state’s 15 community colleges are part of the catalyst that will help change the face of workforce training. A newly created community college consortium will be instrumental in providing OWC training for each community college’s business partners,” said Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board, Dr. Angela Mayfield.

“Jones College has done something no one else has ever done before and that is to expand the workforce training toolbox to include online, skills-based training. I am impressed!” said Mayfield. “The partnerships across the state, longtime relationships, coupled with their skills and innovative spirit has resulted in the development of this Online Workforce College. Mississippi companies have another tool designed for them, according to their specifications to be more successful.”

Ultimately, the customizable training through short courses will help close the skills gap between what employers need and the skills citizens have, earning individuals’ credentials that could lead to promotions with the enhanced skills, better safety practices and college degrees. Current content areas include Industrial Training, Manufacturing, Logistics, Employability, Soft-Skills, Workplace Safety, Basic Technology, Networking, IT Security, Coding, and Adult Education, and more. For more information click on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/owc/

ELLISVILLE–Civil rights activist, James Meredith will be speaking to Jones College students in the Charles Pickering Honors Institute on Monday, April 12, at 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Ellisville campus. His speech will focus on the topic, “To Our Future: Toward a New Day for Mississippi.” This event is open to the public, but there will be limited seating. The 88-year-old, Meredith will be joined by retired, U.S. Federal Judge, Charles Pickering for this discussion. COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks and social distancing will be enforced.

“I believe this is a momentous event, one that we’ve been working on for three years. Our students and all in attendance will certainly hear from a courageous man,” said Dr. Ronald Bishop, JC Honors College Dean and Social Science instructor.

Kosciusko native, James Meredith is nationally renowned for being the first African American student to attend the University of Mississippi in 1962. Enrolling at the all-white university happened at a pivotal time in the civil rights movement. Initially, state officials refused to follow the U.S. Supreme Court order to integrate the school and blocked Meredith’s entrance. Campus riots ensued killing two people before Meredith was admitted to the university under the protection of federal marshals.

Meredith served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years, 1951 until 1960, before attending the all-black school, Jackson State College in 1960 until 1962. His repeated applications to the University of Mississippi were denied solely on the basis of his race, according to the verdict of his 1961–62 court battle. He won the case on appeal with the legal assistance of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In the fall of 1962, as mob violence seemed imminent, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy called in federal protection so that Meredith could register for classes. Meredith’s tenure at the University of Mississippi was brief; he graduated in 1963.

ELLISVILLE– Jones College’s Pharmacy Technology Program is now accepting applications for the fall 2021 semester, with a priority deadline of May 1, 2021.  Applications can be downloaded from the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/pharmacy/ or by calling the department at 601-477-4230.

The JC Pharmacy Technology curriculum is a two-year program which combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience to prepare students for employment and advancement in the pharmacy field. Admission requirements for the program include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum score of 17 on the ACT, and a background check. The student will obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree after successfully completing the program and will be eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy requires technicians to register with the board.  The focus of the JC program is for students to earn an associate degree in Pharmacy Technology and to prepare for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. JC has maintained a successful passing rate for the exam.

The Pharmacy Technology program at Jones is designed to train a technician to work in each type of pharmacy setting and to proficiently perform each task. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4-percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment projections data for pharmacy technicians, 2019-2029 is 437,600. 

The population is aging, and older people typically use more prescription medicines than younger people. Higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, among all age groups also will lead to increased demand for prescription medications. Advances in pharmaceutical research will allow for more prescription medications to be used to fight diseases. In addition, pharmacy technicians will be needed to take on a greater role in pharmacy operations because pharmacists are increasingly performing more patient care activities, such as giving flu and vaccine shots. Technicians will need to perform tasks—such as collecting patient information, preparing more types of medications, and verifying the work of other technicians—that were previously done by pharmacists.

Students will learn pharmacology, pharmaceutical compounding, dosage calculations, pharmacy management, pharmacy law, therapeutic classification of drugs, drug use and abuse, trade and generic nomenclature, medical transcription abbreviations, and healthcare devices utilization. Through classroom and laboratory instruction, students will learn methods of drug preparation, packaging and distribution, and the function and services provided by retail and hospital pharmacies.  The technician will be prepared to transcribe physician orders, prepare, dispense, and deliver orders, prepare admixtures of intravenous solutions, maintain inventory control, replenish pharmaceutical supplies, maintain patient records, and communicate effectively with patients, other healthcare providers, and third-party insurance agencies.  Practical experience in community clinical and retail settings will enhance the learning experience.

Graduates of this program will have the skills necessary for employment as technicians under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist.  They will be qualified to assist and support pharmacists in providing health care and medications to patients in retail settings, hospitals, home health care, nursing homes clinics, nuclear medicine settings, and compounding pharmacies. Non-traditional employers will also include medical insurance companies, drug wholesale companies, medical computer software vendors, and drug manufacturers.

For more information call 601-477-4230, or email Tracey Parker at: tracey.parker@jcjc.edu or Stephanie Jones at: stephanie.jones@jcjc.edu or visit the website at: http://www.jcjc.edu/programs/pharmacy/index.php. Program applications can be found at: http://www.jcjc.edu/programs/pharmacy/docs/application.pdf.

ELLISVILLE-Four Jones College art students earned top honors at the Mississippi Community College’s Annual Art Show and Competition. Art instructor, Melanie Eubanks said she is especially proud of these students this year.

“I couldn’t be happier for and prouder of these Jones College art students who won awards at the Mississippi Community College Annual Show. During any semester, winning these awards is impressive, but they did it during a pandemic. All the artwork submitted for competition was made in the past year. They have got a lot of grit!” said Eubanks.

Mount Olive’s Josie Russell won Best of Show honors with her ceramic piece of art, “Anxiety,” a white rabbit.

“Getting the Best of Show ribbon means a lot to me because I’ve been doing art since I was little, and this is the biggest prize I’ve won!” said Russell. She admitted, “I haven’t worked in ceramics before coming to Jones College; I’ve been focused on graphic design. So, I was really surprised I won.”

Russell added that she was surprised to win the overall Best in Show ribbon considering there were entries from hundreds of community college students which were interesting and there were some outstanding realistic paintings.

“I was inspired to create the rabbit as part of an assignment, aspects of the self. I love animals and details and that’s how this piece came about,” said Russell.  She hopes to continue to use her art skills to help the family Christmas Tree Farm, Making Memories after finishing her education.

Also exploring her artistic skills was third place winner in the Drawing category, Brittney Sanderson. The Ellisville resident said she usually focuses on being detailed in her designs. However, she took a different approach to the winning charcoal drawing, “Woman.”

“This piece was very expressionistic which I’m usually a little more detail-oriented in my art,” said Sanderson. “It was outside my comfort level, but it was fun. When I won, I was surprised because it wasn’t one of my more detailed pieces.”

Taking third place in 3-D Design was Sandersville’s, Hannah Mattison. Her artwork, “Defying Gravity” was partly inspired by her teacher, Mark Brown.

“Initially I was going to make it a teardrop but he suggested the opposite, fire. I added feathers to add to the look. Art is subjective, so I was a little surprised my entry won but winning was the highlight of my week!” said Mattison.

Additionally, Jones College sophomore, Jacquelyn Smith of Richton earned second-place honors for her printmaking artwork, “Wooded Path.”  For more information about the Jones College Art program, check out the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/