Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE – When Jones College’s Theater department had to cancel their spring musical theater production, “Mamma Mia!” because of the Coronavirus, Fine Arts Director and former Broadway performer, Bruce Smith invited a few of his friends from Broadway to pay a “virtual” visit to share their various experiences with Jones students.

“This started as an opportunity to give our students something uplifting in this challenging time, but I think we all agree, ‘Learn from Home’ gives us unique opportunities to bring world-class performers right to our students. They can get insight from anyone in the world that can be beneficial to our students,” said Smith.

His friends included Travis Cloer, who starred for ten years in the lead role as Frankie Valli in the Broadway hit, “Jersey Boys” in New York and when it opened in Las Vegas; Regina LeVert who is starring in “Rock of Ages” in Los Angeles and was in the original cast of “Fame” and other hits; Gaelen Gilliland, the 2019 Best Actress in a Broadway musical for her work in “Next to Normal,” and whose credits include “9 to5” and Wicked,” along with one of her current “Mean Girl” castmates, Fernell Hogan, a 16-year-old rising star who made his Broadway debut in, “The Prom.”

“Guests have often visited the theater department at Jones College,” said JC Theater instructor and Fine Arts Division Chair, Dr. Jennifer Bruton. “However, this virtual class with current Broadway performers was a special treat. This is a great way to keep students engaged and technology allows us to do this in a new way. Drawing on people who are actively pursuing their careers offers a unique perspective for our students.”

The Jones College students jumped in with questions wondering if having a college degree and an agent were important assets on Broadway. Surprising the students, each cast member did not have an agent as they emerged on the scene, but all agreed education is vital, and an agent eventually becomes a necessity.

“It is very important to get an education,” said Regina LeVert. “It’s where I learned to be a performer and where I learned to get the courage to explore in a safe place. You find out more about who you are in college.”

While on the set of, “Jersey Boys,” Cloer said he had weekly voice lessons with his voice coach. Gilliland explained the intense training in college helped to build her confidence. With a performing arts high school degree, Hogan said he continues to learn by auditioning.

“I went to a performing arts high school in Houston,” Hogan shared. “I knew dance was my weakness so I would go to auditions to get experience. That is how I made my debut on Broadway. I was bored my second semester in college as a business major in New York. I could not afford dance classes, but auditions are free. I thought of it as a dance class and had fun.”

Everyone agreed Hogan’s story is rare. Cloer reminded the Jones theater class, “This business is tough, and it takes a tough person to succeed in it and to live in it. My best advice is to know who you are, don’t take things personally and work on your craft as much as you can.”

Freshman Josarah Slover of Laurel said she thought the virtual class was so interesting for several reasons.

“Today’s class definitely made me consider pursuing Broadway. How Fernell got into Broadway was my absolute favorite. What stood out to me the most was when Regina told us that we are enough, and we will always be enough regardless of the circumstances.”

That advice also encouraged broadcast communications major, Kyra Lampley of Petal. Realizing both industries are difficult to succeed in, Lampley was inspired to pursue her dream with more determination after hearing from the Broadway stars.

“Personally, I have always struggled with believing in myself and my potential. They reassured me that everyone struggles with that at some point and it takes time and experience to get better. I can apply the tips they gave me today toward my career because even in broadcast news, there is always something to work on!” said Lampley.

Many members of the cast of “Mamma Mia!” are not majoring in theater or the performing arts. Bruton said important life skills can still be learned by participating in a play, as the Broadway stars confirmed.

“Not everyone who takes Biology goes into a science-related field, but in every subject, there are valuable skills that our students learn; everything from how to be a good colleague and work together toward a common goal to how to manage time, deadlines, and balance school, work, and family. Watching and listening to professionals who are in the midst of successful careers encourages our students to work hard and to set goals. That is a message that all of us need to be reminded of periodically,” said Bruton.

Jones students also learned casting directors may not always choose the most talented person auditioning and many Broadway plays offer eight performances a week. Hogan told students he wished he knew how rigorous the schedule was and how much preparation is needed, daily. Gilliland explained one show hired a physical therapist to help performers maintain strength and avoid injuries.

“You have to be stronger than your show; train outside of the show to have the strength and stamina to perform a 2 ½ hour show, sometimes twice a day for eight shows a week,” said Gilliland.

“Audition etiquette” was another concept LeVert emphasized. Initially, she admitted her audition etiquette needed improvement because first impressions are important.

“How you walk in the room speaks volumes before you even say a word. They have an idea of who you are and if they want you. Choose a song that your accompanist can play; make sure it is not in a complicated key signature with lots of flats or sharps and it is a readable copy. Also, be kind and friendly to that accompanist because you will probably see them at future auditions and you want them on your team,” said LeVert.

Additionally, Cloer said the hardest part about being a performer may be the business part. As LeVert mentioned, making connections, and keeping in touch with casting directors and other performers is vital to succeeding. Smith and Bruton said offering the virtual class with Broadway performers was the perfect example of how important business and personal friendships are long into the future.

“I appreciate my friends sharing their life lessons with our students. My hope is that our students will realize that their goals are truly attainable by seeing and getting first-hand experiences from mentors like the ones they met today,” Smith said.

ELLISVILLE- As Jones College students embarked on a new journey off-campus Learning from Home, the Student Affairs Office knew it had to change too. Traditionally, students needing assistance with overcoming obstacles sought help in the Administration’s Student Affairs Office for issues concerning library services and housing or help in coordinating tutoring or counseling. Now, students can find the virtual services by looking for the Student Affairs “class” in the online portal, Canvas.

“We felt it was important to provide students with the services they were used to receiving so we had to adapt and carry Student Affairs into the virtual world,” said Jones College’s Assistant VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Tessa Flowers. “We have also enabled a chat feature where students can ask questions. A student affairs professional is monitoring the chat box from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. Additionally, students can use the provided links to schedule a virtual meeting with someone in our department.”

Director of Counseling, Sarah Jones said students have reached out to her looking for help. However, she said, because of confidentiality, conversations are private.

“Virtual counseling is simple and very accommodating. Students love to be on their mobile devices so this gives them an opportunity to put it to use for a good cause.”

Additionally, Jones said she would be posting useful information in the module on a weekly basis.

“I want all students to know that academic and personal success is still possible on this modified journey. I would encourage students to take it one class, one day and one moment at a time. This will give them confidence in their ability to practice daily self-care,” Jones shared.

Students can schedule an appointment for counseling by logging on to the Student Affairs module on Canvas, then click the counseling button or email Jones directly at sarah.jones@jcjc.edu.

To reach the Office of Student Affairs via email, officeofstudentaffairs@jcjc.edu  For more information regarding Jones College and the Corona Virus updates, visit the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/collegeupdate/

ELLISVILLE- A unique combination of resources and skills has sparked a collaborative effort amongst three Jones College faculty to help the healthcare providers on the “front line” fight the invisible war with the Corona Virus. Electro-Mechanical Technology instructor, Cody Robertson, CAD Engineering Technology instructor, Karen Kirk and EMT-Paramedic instructor and Health Services Division Chair, Benji Sessums have combined their skills and resources with the efforts of others across the world who are taking 3D printers and creating personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.

“People all over the country are realizing they can make these supplies,” said Robertson. “We can’t do it at the speed or as efficiently as a regular manufacturer, but when you crowdsource that kind of manufacturability you can make a significant impact.”

The prototypes the JC team developed is a compilation of files already tested by developers in Billings, Montana, and from others across the U.S. After consulting with local healthcare providers, Robertson and Kirk tweaked and modified their design by adding an adhesive type sealant around the edges of the mask. Other options are also being explored include modifying CPAP masks and designing a face shield to protect the eyes.

“The real question we faced was what type of filter material should be used. We have lots of options because we’ve been experimenting and testing different filters to go into the plastic masks,” said Sessums. “We’ve taken the current masks everyone uses and cut it into squares to make it last longer. We also tested the use of surgical drapes, which has a higher-grade filtration than the N95 filtered masks”

Using the 12, 3D printers in Kirk’s lab, Robertson estimates they can produce at least 30 masks with removable filters each day. Plastic bands and the sealant would be added around the edges, once any fringe materials are removed. Using the 3D printers also allow Kirk and Robertson the option to easily adjust the size of the mask. Most importantly, Robertson said the JC developed masks are better than the CDC’s minimum standard which is a bandana.

“I don’t want my friends and family members working around the Virus to have to rely upon just a bandana. What we are making is not replacing the mask, but we’re offering a better option for emergencies,” said Robertson, who feels indebted to healthcare providers after surviving pancreatic cancer.

“Jones College not only has the capability to provide something better than the minimum, but we also pride ourselves on giving back to our community. Our healthcare providers are on the frontlines of a war that could very well reach our doors, and I, along with many others, have a duty to help them.”

The three faculty members report their creation is reusable, utilizing much less filter material, which can prolong the effectiveness of the plastic masks from a financial and safety aspect in comparison to the previously stated CDC minimum.

“Most of the area hospitals and service providers are being proactive and are not in a critical supply need today,” said Sessums.  “However, in four or five weeks from now, when supplies are decreasing, they are developing plans now for when they reach that point, to protect their employees. We are ready to answer their calls.”

For the Jones College students who are learning from home, Kirk said she has plans to work this “lesson” into the student’s curriculum.

“I’m going to demonstrate to students what we’ve been doing, talk about the design process and show them a video of the mask printing on the 3D printer. We’ll also discuss other ways the 3D printers can be utilized. Hopefully, this situation will encourage them to think outside the box and discover other productive ways to use the 3D printers to help society,” said Kirk.

The production of the 3D masks at Jones has the potential to save lives and prevent the spread of the Corona Virus as the demand for personal protection increases.

PHOTOS BY: Megan Clark, JC Social Media Coordinator 

ELLISVILLE- As Jones College students embark on a new journey taking all classes online beginning March 30, college administrators are aware some students may need help to overcome some obstacles to finish the semester. Among the top issues specifically being addressed by the college include access to a computer and Internet service.

Executive Vice President CMO, CIO, CEMO, Finee’ Ruffin said, “To understand the challenges and the needs of our students who may need access to the internet or a computer, we’ve asked students to complete the Technology Accessibility Survey, located in the campus portal, Canvas.”

Currently, college officials are working to understand the technology needs that students are facing in this new model of Learn from Home.

“I live in the middle of nowhere!” said sophomore Layne Boykin of Waynesboro. “I have a laptop and Wi-Fi, but the Wi-Fi just doesn’t work well at all. I can’t get a quiz to load.”

Accessing Wi-Fi is a problem for many in South Mississippi. However, before Jones College launched the Learn from Home format, the college’s Internet Technology department went to work finding equipment to increase the availability of Wi-Fi from the campus parking lots for students like Boykin to use.

“If access to the internet is an issue for students, the college is allowing students to access free Wi-Fi from three designated parking lots on the Ellisville campus. The technology department continues to work on plans for additional off-campus sites to come on board with parking lot Wi-Fi in weeks to come. As students prepare to come to campus, we ask that students remain in their cars and come prepared to work on their online courses,” said Ruffin.

Students planning to visit the campus for the use of the Wi-Fi should bring their Jones College parking decal as well as their student ID. Campus Wi-Fi will be accessible to Jones College students for use from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional Wi-Fi access points will be available in more areas on campus and at the County Centers in the upcoming weeks as more equipment becomes available. Additionally, Jones has listed several resources for free or reduced cost for Internet service on the college’s Learn from Home webpage, https://www.jcjc.edu/learn/ Tips are also provided for students using the online portal Canvas on the webpage.  For more information regarding Jones College and the Corona Virus updates, visit the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/collegeupdate/

ELLISVILLE- Once students were dismissed for spring break, the dorms at Jones College were thoroughly cleaned following the CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all residents. Students were allowed to return to campus for scheduled move-out days, by appointment earlier this week (March 23-24) to collect their personal items from the college’s seven residence halls. Over two days, the majority of the 825 students who were living on campus picked up their belongings, wishing they had more time to continue to make memories at the two-year college.

“Leaving Jones so abruptly leaves me feeling disappointed and sad because I didn’t get to finish my full freshman experience as a college student,” said nursing major, Shaderia Fairley of George County. She shared a dorm room with her cousin, Paige Fairley. “I will miss the campus life and hanging out with my friends the most. Because my parents work out of town, the friends I’ve made here at Jones became my family. I will miss being around them the most.”

Even more difficult than making the transition back home to Davison, Michigan for Wilfrid Hufton was leaving behind missed opportunities and friends at Jones.

“I am really going to miss being able to spend time with my friends in the dorms and around campus. The thing I will miss most about Jones is the student community and how close I came to be with all my friends. I will certainly remember the shenanigans with my friends and with ‘Suite G’ and how close we all became to each other,” said the freshman biology major.

Hufton was hoping to play soccer next season at Jones but an injury this year, kept him off the field. His sights are now set on playing for William Carey University.

“Personally, aside from leaving Jones, my family and I have been lucky enough to be relatively unaffected by the Corona Virus. Also, I will always have my memories of how Jones helped give me one of the most exciting years of school in my life and the friendships I made here are certainly ones that I’ll take with me wherever I go after Jones.”

Also not returning to Jones is sophomore, Ty’Rikus Hayes from North Forrest. The biochemistry major said he had hoped to attend the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society conference which was canceled because of the Corona Virus. Additionally, he said he is disappointed he will miss performing in the final band concerts of the year.

“I have worked hard on the music for my last band concert performances but most importantly, I lost the rest of my time with the amazing friends and teachers I probably will not see again after I transfer. The staff at Jones went to great lengths to show how much they cared for me as a person. Jones has felt like a second home, allowing me to break out of my shell so I could grow into an even better individual who is finally ready to make an impact in the community,” said Hayes.

Two sisters and band students were also not ready to say their goodbyes to the Maroon Typhoon and the Indoor Winter Guard performing group. The colorguard performers, Rachel and Annabelle Bryant of Ellisville shared a dorm room and admit to a few squabbles. However, the younger Bryant, Rachel said she is thankful for big sisters’ guidance.

“What I will miss most is being able to spend every day with my sister who next semester will be going to Ole Miss. She showed me everything I needed to know at Jones and guided me through the process. I couldn’t have done it without her, and I’ll miss that the most,” said Rachel Bryant.

Both sisters wished they could perform one last time together, and with their friends in the Winter Guard. Regardless, Annabelle said she treasures her time at Jones.

“This was my last year to spin (flags) since I am not participating in the band at Ole Miss. Even though I won’t be able to spend the last few weeks living on campus with my little sister and friends, I am grateful for the time I did get to spend on campus. What I’ll miss most about Jones is definitely the Maroon Typhoon because it not only allowed me to continue doing what I love for two more years after high school, but it also allowed me to do it with my closest friends, which I am forever thankful for,” said Annabelle Bryant.

Faculty members, like Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge also returned to campus this week to let students pick up instruments and personal belongings left in the Band Hall. In a two-hour period, Burge said 25 students stopped in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Building. While keeping a distance, he snapped a few pictures and reminisced about the short semester and the future.

“I miss my students and our normal!” said Burge. “Our Jazz Band was superb this spring and I’m so disappointed they won’t have the opportunity to perform. I’m confident though, the JC band students are resilient and will be more motivated than ever once they get in rehearsals.”

Preparing for next fall, the Maroon Typhoon will be holding all auditions online, said Burge.

“All spring auditions for dance, guard, feature twirlers, drum majors, and instruments must be submitted online by April 10. Students can also apply for service scholarships to be in the many performing organizations Jones College offers by filling out a form on our Jones College Fine Arts Facebook page or on the JC Fine Arts webpage.”

While learning from home, Jones College students are encouraged to monitor their campus email and the Student Affairs Canvas shell for support.

“Jones is not the same without our students and we look forward to the day that we once again get to welcome our Bobcats back to campus. As Director of Housing, I will be supporting our housing students through the Housing Canvas shell, focusing on their mental well-being and helping them remain focused in the Learn from Home environment,” said Chuck Robertson.

For more information about Jones College and any updates about campus operations go to the website, www.jcjc.edu

Photos by Kelly Atwood, JC Yearbook & Newspaper Advisor & Dr. Ben Burge, JC Director of Bands