Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Most of the 20 graduates from Jones College’s Practical Nursing summer program returned to campus to participate in the traditional Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony. They joined the 26 Fall graduates at the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony prior to Thanksgiving, at the end of the semester. The CDC’s COVID-19 protocols restricted most gatherings last summer, including graduation ceremonies to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, using a little creativity, Jones College Practical Nursing Director, Teresa McDonald, and Jones administrators found a way to celebrate safely, outside in the Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Football Field.

“Nursing school is hard and as a nurse, you will face many challenges every day when you arrive to work.  These graduates have adapted, adjusted and accepted the challenges and the changes, and they were successful,” said McDonald. “We are especially happy that we can celebrate your accomplishments together today, with those who have supported you through this journey, amidst this pandemic.”

One of the graduates from the inaugural part-time practical nursing program at the Wayne County Center was Kimberly Breland. At 35 years of age, the wife and mother of two children said she knew when the program started in Waynesboro, she wanted to be in class.

“I knew it was going to be a struggle because my husband works out of town; it was all on me to succeed. Then, classes switched to online, and my kids were home and they needed help with their schoolwork, which turned into a fight to get them to study and complete assignments,” said Breland. “Online courses have all the resources and information, but you have to teach yourself which takes determination. In the end, I have learned more than becoming a nurse. It has taught me to lean on others too.”

Breland’s determination exceeded her own expectations. Not only did she succeed, but Breland landed at the top of her class.

“I have always been a helpful and giving person who fell in love with the medical field as a teenager. Graduating from the Jones College practical nursing program is a huge accomplishment for me,” said Breland.

Jacque Fitch of Meridian also faced the challenge of learning online, raising kids, and keeping her job. In addition to commuting to Wayne County, Fitch lost her mother prior to starting classes.

“As I close one chapter in my life with graduation, I am starting another chapter,” said Fitch.  “I want to make a positive impact on my community, support my family and be a good example for my child.  With my passion and a drive to be a part of the healing process, I want to continue my education at Jones and through its partnership with the University of South Alabama, earn my bachelor’s degree in nursing. Hopefully, I can also get my master’s degree and be a Nurse Practitioner.”

Also seizing the opportunity to accomplish her dream of becoming an L.P.N. was 38-year old Candice Ball of Laurel. Initially, she left her career as a dental assistant and office administrator to homeschool her then, 11th-grade daughter. Ball soon recognized it was also the perfect opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream by applying at Jones College.

“I used to dream of applying and I finally did it! I figured it was now or never! Graduating this program means everything to me,” said Ball.  “Of course, nursing school is very challenging, but my classmates became family.  Having an amazing support system at home was also crucial. It’s been a hard journey but definitely worth it!”

During the Pinning Ceremony, Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised the class of 46 new practical nurses. As they take the next step in their lives, he commended the graduates for overcoming the many challenges which will prepare them, unlike any other group.

“There is nothing we do more important at the college than to educate nurses, who are going out into the front lines and making a difference in people’s lives. There will be no other graduates that will be more prepared to make a difference in humanity, than these fine graduates,” said Smith.

The Jones College practical nursing faculty members recognized three groups of students who have excelled in the program. Receiving Academic Excellence Honors were Kimberly Breland of Waynesboro and Jamie Ramsey of New Augusta. Ramsey earned the top academic award for the Full-Time program. Makeshia LeFlore of Waynesboro earned the top Academic Honor for the Night program.

Earning the Rising Star Award for the Full-Time program was Brittani Dozier of Laurel. Night program graduate, Joretta Ellison of Petal, Summer Program graduate, Roantonio Hollins of Hattiesburg, and Wayne County Center graduate, Lakeryia Lacey of Waynesboro were named Rising Stars. They were chosen for their positive attitude and perseverance, which enriched their professionalism and nursing knowledge.

The Florence Nightingale Award was given to students who encompass all the qualities of Florence Nightingale-professionalism, integrity and selflessness towards humanity. Faculty selected Candace Ball of Laurel, for the Wayne County program, Makeshia LeFlore of Waynesboro for the Night program, and Elizabeth Lee of Raleigh for the Full-Time program.

Practical Nursing faculty member, Jill Burge challenged the new graduates to be like the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale. As they lit their lamps, Burge reminded graduates, “Florence Nightingale cared for the wounded and dying by lamplight. Patients knew when the light approached, so did comfort and mercy. Graduates, as you leave and begin your careers, you too will bring light to the sick, anxious and suffering. Never forget how important you are. We are proud of you. Let your light shine! We faculty members, pass the flame of nursing on to you.”

Practical Nursing Graduates Fall/Summer 2020

Candice Ball, Laurel

Shelena Benamon, Porterville

Jordan Boss, Richton

Stuart Bowman, Petal

Emerald Bradshaw, Raleigh

Kimberly Breland, Waynesboro

Deborah Craig, Waynesboro

Sarah Davis, Seminary

Tania Dean, Ellisville

Laurie Dear, Hickory

Jessica Deese, Waynesboro

Brittani Dozier, Laurel

Ginger Ekes, Laurel

Joretta Ellison, Petal

Raven Evans, Laurel

Jacque Fitch, Meridian

Candice Forrest, Waynesboro

Lauren Fowler, Meridian

Kashareya Funches, Cleveland

Kandy Griggs, Waynesboro

Catalynn “Gabi” Hodge, Laurel

Samantha Holifield, Laurel

Roantonio Hollins, Hattiesburg

Leeanna Hutto, Laurel

Abbigail Johnson, Waynesboro

Lakeryia Lacey, Waynesboro

Karri Lambert, Petal

Kelsie Lawson, Laurel

Makeshia LeFlore, Waynesboro

Tammie Lofton, Waynesboro

Elizabeth Lee, Raleigh

London Magee, Franklinton, LA

Essence McCray, Laurel

Ashley McKenzie-Skipper, Quitman

Jalynn McLain, Waynesboro

Amberlee Miller, Waynesboro

Trina Moore, Lumberton

Katelyn Parker, Ellisville

Jamie Ramsey, New Augusta

Sujeila Rios, Petal

Kassidy Roney, Ellisville

Tatiana Savage, Hattiesburg

Savannah Sumrall, Perkinston

Shakera Thigpen, Shubuta

Christina Welch, Laurel

Kaila Willis, Philadelphia

Latorius Wilson, Waynesboro

ELLISVILLE – While working on research on the Mississippi State Flag this fall with a retired geography professor from the University of Kentucky, Jones College geography and history instructor, Caleb Smith stumbled upon a prize-winning photo opportunity. Driving to work, he passed by the Jones County Courthouse in Ellisville and was inspired by the bare flagpole which had displayed the Mississippi State Flag since the courthouse was built in 1908.

“When I drove past the courthouse in October, I realized that the way the sunlight hit the American flag made for a really good photo,” said Smith. “However, what was more intriguing I thought, was the empty flagpole. My photo and essay depict the Ellisville Courthouse when the state did not have a state flag- a flagpole with no flag.”

Realizing the historical importance of such a rare occasion, Smith decided to submit his photo and essay in the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographer’s contest prior to the November conference. Members of the association voted on their favorite nominated photos and essays on the conference website before the virtual conference. Smith would have to wait until the closing session to learn his entry won the 2020 Southeastern Geographer’s Photo Essay Contest.

“This was the first time I ever submitted a photo for a contest,” said Smith. “An empty state flagpole is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The same old state flag has flown on a pole outside that courthouse and in the offices of that building since it was built. From July until November, there was no official flag for the state, so there was no flag on that pole, which is significant because it is rare, very rare.”

The photo and a longer version of the essay will appear in one of the four, 2021 issues of the Southeastern Geographer, the academic journal that is the foremost authority on geography in the South. The process of creating a commission to propose a new state flag and the eventual public vote to support the new flag will be included in Smith’s updated essay.

“I know we walk past or drive past places like this every day, but we don’t think about the messages that these public places present. As you walk into the courthouse, you walk between these two flagpoles that feature the flags of the U.S. and the State of Mississippi. We go inside and pay taxes, pay fines, register to vote, or attend court cases in a building that has these two poles outside that fly the reminders of where we are, what laws we follow, and where our tax dollars go (The U.S. and the state). I think that’s part of the reason why the entry struck a chord with so many people,” explained Smith.

ELLISVILLE – Observing CDC protocols, 41 Jones College Associate Degree Nursing graduates celebrated their successful completion of the five-semester program with the traditional, Nurses Pinning Ceremony in the Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Football Field. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith noted today’s celebration in the football stadium was an odd place for these nursing graduates, but it is also very appropriate considering their adaptable attitudes have allowed them to be successful.

“If it were easy, we’d all be nurses. You have chosen the most noble profession we can teach at Jones. We are honored you have made it through and are celebrating today. It makes me very proud that the most important thing we do at the college, you have done very well, and we thank you. We know you are going to impact so many lives,” said Smith.

Completing the rigorous but rewarding nursing program was a dream come true after two years of sacrifice, dedication and perseverance for Keira James of Jackson. One of the biggest challenges for James was juggling her responsibilities at home and school.

“Switching to online learning while balancing a life at home with my husband and young toddler was difficult. However, my instructors were so helpful by providing different time slots where we could join lecture conferences at our convenience because so many of us had busy home lives,” said James. “As for working amidst the pandemic, I feel a little more at ease going into a hospital setting with prior education and experience with pandemic protocols and seeing it first-hand. COVID-19 is still concerning, especially as the numbers are back on the rise, but I feel more prepared to help in this pandemic.”

The COVID-19 virus changed these graduates’ normal course of study, and everything else, midway through the A. D. N. program. While it threw a few off-track, for Hannah Lott of Petal, it forced her to find a new way of learning.

“Although online testing didn’t numerically affect my grades, it raised my stress level knowing that I was not able to physically write on a test anymore. We also transitioned into online lectures instead of class lectures, which took a toll on me as well as some of my classmates. However, I believe I adapted very well given the circumstances, and I think the pandemic prepared me for the future and being comfortable with the ‘unknown’ and just learning how to quickly adjust and adapt. In the end, Jones’ nursing instructors and South Central Regional Medical Center provided me with the necessary tools and guidelines needed to help protect myself and others from this virus,”

Being flexible is something graduate, Laura Ellerman of Hattiesburg said she learned as she navigated through the changes the COVID-19 protocols mandated. As both faculty and students worked toward accomplishing mutual goals to attain clinical experience, creative problem solving became more necessary.

“Having evening clinicals is just one example of how we had to be flexible to meet the educational and clinical requirements for this challenging program,” said Ellerman. “The JC A.D. Nursing program not only taught us these abilities, but they also put them in action with us, in real-time.  I will be eternally grateful to the JC COVID-19 Task Force and faculty and SCRMC for diligently and successfully creating, monitoring and maintaining environments that allowed our program to continue to thrive during these trying times.  It was not an easy feat to accomplish!”

Associate Degree Nursing Program Director, Erin Knight, MSN, RN, acknowledged there have been many changes but these graduates have embraced the changes and thrived.  Nurses are well-equipped to best embrace an ever-changing environment.

“The year 2020 has been such a challenge for all of us in so many ways.  We are proud that these students have embraced those challenges and are now able to move out into the workforce.  We know they are ready to take NCLEX-RN and be at the bedside taking care of patients where they will make a difference every day and to every patient they encounter,” said Knight.

At the Pinning Ceremony, five graduates were recognized by Knight for their perfect attendance and dedication. Jasmine Hamilton of McComb, Breanna Helms of Hattiesburg, Harleigh Howell of Ellisville, Madison Odom of Ellisville, and Sarah Sherman of New Hebron.

JC nurse graduates, Brianna Helms, Lori Jones of Hattiesburg, Hannah Lott of Petal, Hannah Smith of Heidelberg, Dalton Sumrall of Moselle and Kaelin Vegas of Columbia were also recognized as the newest members of the Gamma Nu chapter of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society.

ELLISVILLE – Each year, the Rho Sigma chapter of Jones College’s Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society takes on a project to assist the college’s administration, as well as the campus and the surrounding community. The College Project group of PTK students, McKay Lee Bray of Leakesville; Matthew Harrison of Laurel, Caleb Harris of Jackson, Garrett Bradshaw of Raleigh and Isaac Burns of Lucedale, led by Curtis Boleware of Seminary, quickly discovered the needs were many with the arrival of the COVID-19 virus.

“After talking with JC faculty and administrators who helped us pinpoint what would have the best impact for the most people, we first focused on the college’s pantry program which helps our students who need food or personal hygiene items. However, when the campus and community responded to our request for items, we were overwhelmed!” said PTK College Project Director, Curtis Boleware.

Some of the contributions from the community began pouring in after Bobcat Pantry Coordinator, Kristen Register spoke to the Ellis Club. The club’s contribution of $500 in food and other items, along with individual donations from JC’s campus grounds crew, allowed PTK to purchase 167 cases of water and other needed items. Colonel Mark Prine, from Camp Shelby, donated 100 cases of drinks and enlisted a platoon from the Youth ChalleNGe program to disseminate the drinks. Additionally, the JC truck driving program’s students volunteered to pick up donations, and the JC horticultural department delivered some donations. Thankfully, the Baptist Student Union has provided the much-needed storage space for donations to help with future needs.

“The JC Bobcat Pantry thanked us throughout the entire process for packing the pantry. They emphasized the impact we were making would be helping students who live in their cars and the others who need a little help,” said Boleware. “We had no idea so many people were dealing with hunger on campus.”

Once the need on campus was met, the PTK students sought the help of the Beta Clubs in all of the South Jones schools to fill each of their pantries. The JC students discovered the protocols implemented to limit the spread of the virus at the elementary, middle and high schools included cutting off water fountains and closing the cafeteria. About 2,600 students from three public schools, Moselle Elementary, South Jones Elementary and South Jones Middle and High School benefited from the donations.

“The public schools in the area were astonished to receive the large amount of donations we had gathered,” said Boleware. “Our PTK members really enjoyed giving back to the community and volunteering at the drop-off booths at the Baptist Student Union and in the football stadium parking lot.”

PTK Advisor, Mark Brown said he is especially proud of this group of students and their determination to succeed. As they overcame each challenge, they were blessed by their efforts of those who donated.

“This group had to overcome the fact there were a lot fewer students on campus and they had to physically distance themselves and follow the sanitizing protocols. Unfortunately, the student director of the College Project, Curtis Boleware came down with the COVID-19 virus, but he still managed to take care of business.”

While preparing for the Pantry Drive, JC students said they didn’t realize the enormity of the problem. However, the impact the drive has made on so many people has been astounding. Surprising the PTK College Project members the most were the reactions from the students and school officials. In fact, one JC PTK member, Lane Douglas of Pearl, was so moved by the whole experience that he donated an entire pallet of water, or 84 cases, to the College Project’s Pantry Drive.

“I have firsthand proof that one person really can make a difference, not by his own hands but by connecting those that need help with those that want to help. Leading this project has helped me grow in several aspects. I look forward to continuing our work next semester!” said Boleware.

Phi Theta Kappa’s College Project team plans to expand their efforts in the spring semester by involving local churches and businesses to ensure that the project continues to grow until the needs in the community are met. Donations of toiletries, canned foods, non-perishable foods like Ramen Noodles, grits and water will be accepted shortly after the spring semester begins and students return to campus, February 1, 2021.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College freshman, Emma Burge is one of 31 Jones College students who received a scholarship from Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association’s Round Up for Education program this year. The Oak Grove High School graduate received the $500 scholarship, funded by the spare change donated by PRVEPA’s more than 51,000 members in the electric power cooperative’s 12-county service area.

“I am grateful for the scholarship money from Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association’s scholarship program. Most of the scholarship is used for school expenses, which is a big help to students during these hard times. My family and I really appreciate this!” said Burge who is pursuing a degree in the music and entertainment industry.

Her family discovered PRVEPA’s scholarship program two years ago when Burge’s brother Max came to Jones. Emma’s father, Dr. Ben Burge said he appreciates the financial assistance. As an educator and the Jones College Director of Bands, Burge knows the value and fully understands the importance scholarships can have in helping students earn a college degree.

“As a parent with two college-aged children, I sincerely appreciate the financial opportunities that this organization provides. It greatly helped my family get both students off to college,” said Burge. “I also know first-hand, as an educator, scholarships go a long way in helping students achieve their educational goals.”

This year, a total of 175 community college students received a $500 scholarship because of PRVEPA’s generous members. At Pearl River Community College, 107 students received the financial assistance and 27 students from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College were eligible for the scholarship. An additional 10 students are attending four other state community colleges with PRVEPA scholarships.

“The purpose of electric cooperatives has always been to make life better in the areas they serve,” said PRVEPA’s General Manager, Randy Wallace. “Our Round Up for Education program is an example of how cooperatives can improve the lives of their members through education which is vital to improving the future for all of us in south Mississippi.”

For the last eight years, the electric power cooperative’s members have been offering up their spare change to collect more than $1.6 million, which is deposited in an account overseen by the PineBelt Foundation. Ten percent of each year’s funds are set aside in an endowed fund for future use.  The remaining money is divided equally between the number of eligible applicants. Over the last eight years, 1,651 students have been helped from the spare change from members of PRVEPA, with a total of 319 Jones College students benefitting from the benevolence of PRVEPA’s members.

“I hope our members are able to see the effects this program can have, helping more than 1,600 community college students begin their college careers,” said Wallace. “We are thrilled with the results and know that members’ participation in the program will have a positive impact for years to come.”

Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith is very grateful for PRVEPA’s desire to invest in the students living in their service area and believing in them to succeed.

“We’re very thankful for their vision and I’m very thankful their members believe in this scholarship program as well. It is obvious their support will help our state continue to grow,” said Smith. “Anytime a civic club or organization invests in its people, like the PRVEPA Round Up for Education scholarship program, the whole community benefits.”

Scholarships are available to members, their spouses or dependent children who are enrolled as freshmen each fall, and who participate in the Round Up for Education program. Members round up their bill to the nearest dollar each month. The Round Up for Education funds collected after August 1, go towards next year’s scholarships. Students can apply for the scholarship beginning in November of each year.

Jones College Students  Hometown           High School

Nyla Zarai Abram              Foxworth                    West Marion

Ashely Brooke Allee        Purvis                          Presbyterian Christian School

Cameron Aultman            Sumrall                        Sumrall

Emma Burge                        Oak Grove                  Oak Grove

Chandler Burns                   Hattiesburg                 Shaw HS

Sullivan Clark                        Sumrall                        Sumrall

Hunter Scott Courtney    Bassfield                     Columbia Academy

Bryce Crawford                    Hattiesburg                 Oak Grove

Teel Garcia                              Hattiesburg                 FCAHS

Johni Graham                         Hattiesburg                 Oak Grove

Justice Hanberry                 Sumrall                        Sumrall

Halle Hendrix                        Purvis                          Purvis HS

Kyle Herring                           Hattiesburg                 Columbia Academy

Coleman Kendrick               Purvis                          FCAHS

Tytan Lee                                Lumberton                  Sacred Heart HS

Tyler Lowe                              Purvis                          Purvis HS

Mackenzie Mauldin            Sumrall                        Sumrall

Jaclyn  Mordica                    Hattiesburg                 FCAHS

William Purser                      Hattiesburg                 Oak Grove

Conner Rayburn                   Purvis                          FCAHS

Taylor  Ready                          Hattiesburg                 Sumrall

Ethan Robertson                    Kokomo                      West Marion

Jacob Rogers                           Brooklyn                     FCAHS

Kealy Smith                              Hattiesburg                 Oak Grove

Rebecca Speights                  Silver Creek                GED

Abigail Swilley                          Hattiesburg                 Oak Grove

Colby Thompson                     Columbia                     Columbia Academy

Laka Till                                       Seminary                     Seminary

Benson Trussell                       Hattiesburg                 Sumrall

Hannah West                             Purvis                          Oak Grove

Nathan Whitworth                   Hattiesburg                 FCAHS