Category: News

ELLISVILLE– Approximately 100 of the 165 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at Jones College over the last year will be participating in a commencement ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at Jones College on Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Besides receiving their HSE diploma, during the ceremony, high scoring students will learn if they are a recipient of a scholarship to continue their education at Jones College.

Retired Army National Guard Colonel Robert “Bart” Bartran will be serving as the keynote speaker at the event. After serving as a military policeman and in civilian law enforcement for the last 36 years, the West Jones High School graduate is leading the charge over a new program at Jones College called, JC CORP or Counterdrug Operational Resources Program. It has been created to play a vital role in the mitigation of the drug epidemic while also enhancing community relations. Additionally, Bartran will be offering advanced training for JC’s criminal justice majors. As the Director of the JC CORP, he will be handling some of the same logistic duties he did as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian.

He attended Jones College and earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Hinds Community College, before completing his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. Bartran earned his Master’s Degree at Liberty University, with a major in Executive Leadership. Before joining the Active Guard and Reserve Programs, he graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Jackson. Over ten years, in his Civilian Law Enforcement career, Bartran served in the Ridgeland and Laurel City police departments and as a Senior Narcotics Agent for the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.

Bartran’s military training includes graduating from Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1995, Military Police Officer Basic Course training and being assigned to the 113th Military Police Company. He was selected as the Battalion Commander for the 112th Military Police Battalion from 2018 until 2021. After returning from being deployed overseas, Bartran served at every echelon in the state from the platoon level all the way up to the State Headquarters Primary/Special Staff and a Brigade Command Equivalent before being appointed as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard in 2021 and Commander of the RCTA. During his career, Bartran is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation. Some of the medals and honors he earned over his career include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governor’s final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025.

ELLISVILLE – Fourteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their workplace accomplishments 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, a brunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.

The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established eight years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Director of Landscape Services, Brian Johnson, was selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Johnson’s “growing” abilities over the 18 years he has served at Jones College. His job includes overseeing the campus landscape department, sports turf department and waste removal. 

“I started working at Jones College 18 years ago in November as the sports turf manager. However, for the last four years, I have served as Director of Landscape Services,” said Johnson. “I have a very ‘hands on’ approach to leading my departments. That style of management seems to work well for the people I manage. I believe leadership is something that takes time for one to develop through many good times and difficult times. For me to receive this award is validation that the style of leadership I provide works. I am honored to be nominated and voted to receive this award.”

English instructor, Asheley Means received the Barbara & Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how the Humanities Division instructor exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged analytical thinking skills, she loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with her 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. Means was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

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.

Finalists for the faculty awards included, Diesel Mechanic & Automotive instructor, Brad Ellzey, Psychology instructor, Kisha Jones, Agriculture Science instructor, Leanne Kilgore, Business & Technology instructor, Kandace Martin and Associate Degree Nursing instructor, Oshaugnessye McCormick. Selected as the Teacher of the Year was Kandace Martin for her dedication to Jones and managing numerous online courses.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year Award was Workforce College Project Lead Developer-Conor Bryant, the Wayne County Center Administrative Assistant-Curley Davis, I.T. Programmer & Analyst-Ethan Morris, and Testing Center Administrator/eLearning Support assistant, Amber Yarnell. Morris 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 department division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Juanita Walters was nominated along with Groundskeeper Caleb Overland and Transportation employee, Adam Holifield with Holifield earning the top prize.

As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexo cafeteria employee, Michelle Keyes was recognized for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: 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 policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, 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 – A new program being offered at Jones College called JC CORP or Counterdrug Operational Resources Program has been created to play a vital role in the mitigation of the drug epidemic while also enhancing community relations and offering advanced training for JC’s criminal justice majors. Retired Army National Guard Colonel Robert “Bart” Bartran’s new job as Director of the JC CORP, includes a continuation of some of his previous job duties as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian. The biggest difference will be his “audience.”

“JC CORP is going to be all-encompassing. We’re offering operational resources for law enforcement, whether it be training or facilities. Also, I’m offering the same education and working with the same professional instructors and contractors,” said Bartran. “The only difference is I am going from training the current law enforcement officers to preparing the future of law enforcement.”

The goal of the JC CORP is to redefine public safety education across Mississippi and position Jones College as a statewide leader in Criminal Justice and Workforce Development through JC CORP. This program is a high impact, forward thinking initiative that combines the power of academic instruction, public safety training, forensic science, and trauma resiliency into one comprehensive program.

“The quest to remain ahead of the competition out there, the enemy or criminals, is to stay in front of them. It requires resources and it’s hard to keep up,” said Bartran. “Jones College has lots of resources that I will be utilizing for training, like the Simulation Lab, to better prepare law enforcement officers to be proactive instead of training from a reactive perspective. We’re tailoring our training and trying to make our law enforcement officers better equipped to prevent tragic events from occurring while instilling another level of discipline and professionalism.”

JC CORP is offering advanced, free training, like nothing in the state. Bartran’s vast police and military experience includes 36 years of serving as a local policeman and sheriff deputy, being deployed overseas, commanding the 112th Military Police Battalion, serving as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard, and Commander of the RCTA. During his career, Bartran is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation. The 1988 West Jones High School graduate also earned countless medals and honors along the way, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governor’s final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025.

“This is so rewarding to be able to share my knowledge and experience. I appreciate Dr. Jesse Smith, the President of Jones College for providing this opportunity and the much needed resources to enhance law enforcement training here,” said Bartran.

After graduating from West Jones, Bartran began studying criminal justice at JCJC and earned his Associate’s Degree from Hinds Community College. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and earned his Master’s Degree at Liberty University with a major in Executive Leadership. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Jackson. Additionally, Bartran’s military training includes graduating from Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1995, Military Police Officer Basic Course training and being assigned to the 113th Military Police Company. He was selected as the Battalion Commander for the 112th Military Police Battalion from 2018 until 2021. After returning from being deployed overseas, Bartran served at every echelon in the state from the platoon level all the way up to the State Headquarters Primary/Special Staff and a Brigade Command Equivalent before being appointed as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard in 2021 and Commander of the RCTA.

Furthermore, Bartran will be applying and sharing all of his criminal justice experience with Jones College students as an integral part of the curriculum in the very near future. To learn more about the JC CORP or the new criminal justice courses being offered, contact Bartran by email at bart.bartran@jcjc.edu

by Kelly Atwood, JC Newspaper & Yearbook Advisor

ELLISVILLE – For the fourth year in a row, the Jones College yearbook, the Lair, has won the Gallery of Excellence Award from Walsworth yearbooks.  This exclusive award is given to Walsworth-published yearbooks that have been deemed of the highest caliber from across the nation. Less than 5% of the 5000 schools’ yearbooks that Walsworth publishes are included in the Gallery of Excellence, which features superior examples of coverage, design, photography and copy, and are included in the annual Walsworth publication titled “Possibilities.”

Jones College student publications advisor and journalism instructor, Kelly Atwood, credits the yearbook’s success due to the long hours and dedication that students put into the class.

“Only a fellow yearbook advisor or their families can truly understand just how much work and time goes into a yearbook,” said Atwood. “The annual is only as good as its students and its advisor, and I’m proud to say that I have some outstanding students every year who have helped us succeed to the point that receiving an award for being in the top 5% of yearbooks across the nation is now almost expected.”

The Jones College 2024-2025 yearbook staff included designer Kati Barnard of Mount Olive, writer Chloe Benson of Pulaski, writer Memory Bowen of Mount Olive, copy editor Caitlynn Brady of Laurel, photographer Carlee Carter of Hattiesburg, design editor Angel Deforge of Wiggins, sports photographer Andie Freeman of Petal, photographer Juan Flores of Prentiss, Gaby Moncivais of Laurel, photographer Anna Haden of Laurel, photographer Abbie Grace Herring of Rolling Fork, photographer Hope Houston of Laurel, photography editor Sami Jordan of Ocean Springs, photographer Dannah Knighton of Canton, photographer Trinity Mangum of Florence, writer Pamela Marroquin of Laurel, photographer Reagan McLeod of Waynesboro, writer Kylie Nolan of Laurel, and photographer Ella Thomas of Ellisville.

Atwood is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester for the yearbook, college newspaper and student broadcast. Scholarships are available for qualifying students. For more information, contact her at Kelly.atwood@jcjc.edu

PHOTO OF JONES COLLEGE Yearbook 2024 staff BY KELLY ATWOOD, Jones College yearbook advisor

The Jones College yearbook staff has earned the exclusive Walsworth Gallery of Excellence Award for four years in a row. Staff members pictured are, front row, left to right, Dannah Knighton of Canton, Carlee Carter of Hattiesburg and Trinity Mangum of Florence; second row, Memory Bowen of Mount Olive, Andie Freeman of Petal, Reagan McLeod of Waynesboro, Ella Thomas of Ellisville, Caitlynn Brady of Laurel, Juan Flores of Prentiss, Angel Deforge of Wiggins, Sami Jordan of Ocean Springs, Hope Houston of Laurel, Gaby Moncivais of Laurel, and Anna Haden of Laurel.

ELLISVILLE –Three members of Jones College’s administration were part of the 16th class of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy. Jones College’s Assistant Vice President of Business Affairs and Controller, Lynn Grillo, CPA, Executive Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Christy Holifield, CTP, JM, and Athletic Director, Chris Robinson graduated with about 30 additional members of the MCCLA recently. The MCCLA program provides an internal look at how the Community College system in Mississippi has developed into a world-class educational system. These graduates are the state’s answer to preparing for the leadership needs of the community colleges.

Besides the knowledge gained during the last year from the state’s educational leaders, JC’s graduates said they also appreciate the new network of friendships and discovered this program is an invaluable opportunity for everyone working in the community college system.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the MCCLA program. It was great to see how administrative decisions are made and discussed. This program will help me become a better athletic director as it helps me with decision making, networking and managing personnel,” said Robinson.

All 15 of the state’s community colleges and several universities send at least two candidates to the year-long program where leaders meet for three, two day-long sessions. Participants are also required to read seven books and work with a group on a research project.  College presidents offer their insight, experiences and advice in an open forum to prepare these future educational leaders. The professional development training for leadership roles ensures the continuity of competent leaders for Mississippi’s higher education needs. 

Graduates of MCCLA’s professional and leadership training can earn up to nine-college graduate credits in the Education Leadership program at Mississippi State University, which is also a sponsor of the MCCLA.  Other colleges and universities also accept these credits in their doctoral programs. The Academy was designed and implemented by the Mississippi Community College Foundation with support from the Stennis Institute of Government at MSU as a method of addressing the need for a leadership succession plan.