Category: News

ELLISVILLE – Sixteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace over the previous 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. In compliance with the CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, honored faculty and staff gathered on the patio of the President’s house, while all other employees watched the announcement via live stream.

“We wanted to honor and appreciate all of our employees who have worked especially hard this last year as we managed numerous changes, instead of canceling the Employee Appreciation Event,” said Joel Cain, VP of Advancement and Athletics, and Dean of Students. “There are so many employees who deserve recognition, but we had to narrow it down to a smaller group to give big rewards. Hopefully, we will be able to return to our normal celebration with an afternoon of food, fellowship and thanking employees for their service to the college, soon.”

Three individual awards were bestowed upon vital members of the Jones family. The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established five years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Amanda McLeod was selected as the recipient of the 2019, Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. The 2005 JC graduate is currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management. The Ellisville native earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mississippi College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has been employed at Jones for six years and works with the academic counselors, admissions and recruiting personnel.

“Amanda has demonstrated daily, her commitment to her profession and the college. She really stands out and does a fantastic job in managing people,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith as he awarded McLeod a $500 check and plaque.

JC and its cafeteria management company, SODEXO honored Andy (Chia) Wu with the SODEXO Employee Award of Excellence. Wu has been with Sodexo for eight years as the Executive Chef. He has owned his own restaurant and has been the Chef at Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg. He received a $500 cash prize as the SODEXHO Employee of the Year.

English instructor, Rochelle Dahmer was selected to receive the Barbara and Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged independent analytical thinking skills, loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with 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.  Dahmer was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

Additionally, twelve 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.

The finalists for the faculty awards were associate degree nursing instructor, Lauren Bell; health, physical education and recreation instructor, Katie Herrington; fine arts instructor and assistant director of bands, Dr. Lindsey Keay, engineering and design technology-CAD instructor, Karen Kirk and foreign language instructor, Dana Knight. Herrington was chosen for the overall JC Faculty of the Year Award. She has been coaching and teaching for a total of 32 years at Jones.

“It is an honor to have been chosen as the ‘Faculty of the Year.’ Jones has so many talented, intelligent faculty who work tirelessly to help our students be successful. Therefore, I am humbled to have been considered,” said Herrington. “It’s been a blessing to have worked at Jones for 32 years. One of the most rewarding things for me has been to see our students grow and mature while accomplishing goals. I have also worked with so many incredible people who we call the Jones Family.”

The Ellisville resident began coaching at William Carey in 1980, as an assistant women’s basketball coach. One year later, she became head coach.  After earning her Master of Education degree at WCC in 1988, Herrington’s successful, 51-31 record and a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship in 1987-88 helped to launch her career at JC. She served as the women’s basketball coach before coaching the men’s and women’s tennis teams in 1989. After coaching at Jones for 11 years, Herrington returned to the classroom as a full-time health and P.E. teacher. However, she couldn’t stay away from athletics and in 2006, the Smith County native became the first female athletic director at Jones College.

“I hope somehow over those many years, I have made a difference in our students’ lives. I have enjoyed being a small part of our championship athletic programs, in addition to seeing our Fellowship of Christian Athletes grow across our campus. One of the most special events I have enjoyed is the FCA Christmas Party which has grown to bless more than 100 children with Christmas presents,” said Herrington.

During her career at Jones, she also served as Director for Region 23 for 15 years, and as Assistant Director for five years. She received the National Junior College Athletic Association Loyalty Award in 2016, and the Dave “Boo” Ferris Influence Award in 2015 by the FCA. Additionally, Herrington was named the 2008 Faculty of the Year and was named a “Lamplighter” in 2003 and 2006.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Stacey Forbes who works in the bookstore and mailroom, Sonya Graves from payroll, Juanita Morgan from human resources, Hope Taylor from student affairs and Jennifer Wood from financial aid. Admissions counselor, Hope Taylor was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division. The Seminary native moved to Ellisville when she began her education at Jones College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in

Applied Technology from USM in 2019 while also working at Jones. Taylor began her career at JC almost five years ago as the One Card Assistant before becoming the Student Success Center’s administrative assistant and manager of Tutoring Services. As an admissions counselor, Taylor said she enjoys helping students find their pathway to success.

“I love my job because I get to help students. Sometimes it’s tricky financial aid situations that could alter their education and other times it’s something simple. My goal is to help students realize they do not have to be ‘stuck in the box’ they are in and they can break the mold and change their own future,” said Taylor.

 In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police departments division, policeman, Gene Head earned a spot as a finalist along with Ken Lindsay in maintenance. Also nominated were Diasetta Nelson in housekeeping and Randa Carr who works for the campus grounds department. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Doug Messemore from the grounds department.

Also, during the Jones College Faculty Appreciation virtual program, The JCJC Faculty/Staff Association awarded Lucy Flowers with the Officer of the Year Award. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith honored Flowers with an acrylic plaque and cash award at the Employee Appreciation program for her service as Vice President of the organization.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s 2020 Honor Alumnus, Vicki Hampton, F.N.P. serves the college in her professional role as a South Central Regional Medical Center Family Nurse Practitioner and has been the Director of the Jones College Clinic since 2011. The 1990 JC graduate, Ellisville native and current Petal resident, Hampton also serves the college as the JC COVID-19 Task Force Medical Advisor. For these reasons, along with her numerous contributions to the college and community, Hampton was selected as the 2020 Honor Alumnus said Joel Cain, VP of Advancement and Athletics, and Dean of Students.

“Vicki provides exemplary service to Jones College with her strong leadership characteristics, commitment and influence on our campus community. Her distinguished service is significant and positively impacts our students, faculty and staff. Additionally, she reflects the core values of Jones College and since the pandemic began, she has worked tirelessly to ensure we’re doing everything we can to mitigate the COVID-19 virus,” said Cain.

Because of the CDC and the State Department of Health’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, Hampton will be honored at a private reception at the President’s Home during Homecoming festivities and during the football halftime show on Thursday, November 12. Hampton said she is truly humbled to even be nominated for such an honor.

“I am extremely grateful for this honor,” said Hampton. “My family has a deep love for Jones College, and it will always have a special place in my heart.  My time at Jones provided me with lasting friendships, wonderful memories, and a solid foundation to start my life, and I will forever be grateful.”

While a student at JCJC, Hampton was a member of the Touch of Gold Dance team, A Capella Choir and Concert Choir, and she was selected as a 1988 Freshman Homecoming Maid and 1989 Homecoming Queen. Several months later, the South Jones High School graduate earned the title of Ellisville’s Miss Hospitality. After graduation from Jones, Hampton pursued her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi and worked at Wayne General Hospital. A couple of years later, Hampton said she found herself pursuing another career.

“I was very happy in my career in exercise physiology, but I always knew that God was calling me to be a nurse. I was blessed to be given the opportunity to return to college and pursue nursing, and later advance my career as a Family Nurse Practitioner,” said Hampton. “Becoming a nurse practitioner is one of the best decisions of my life.  It has given me the opportunity to develop relationships with so many wonderful patients, and their families, and it has given me a different perspective about life.  While the work is challenging at times, the rewards outweigh the struggles.”

Hampton began her working relationship at South Central Regional Medical Center in the Critical Care Unit while earning her B.S.N. In 1999, she earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and began working at the Community Medical Center in Lucedale. She returned to SCRMC to work at the Ellisville Medical Park, the Laurel Family Clinic and the Ellisville Pediatric Clinic before returning to her alma mater.

When the pandemic began last March, Hampton knew she would be doing more than just seeing sick students and employees at the JC Clinic. She is responsible for enacting and overseeing procedures to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus on campus.

“Jones College has been pro-active in its’ efforts to mitigate the difficulties that Covid-19 presents,” said Hampton. In healthcare, Covid has been a challenge presenting us with many unique opportunities to best serve our patients. While this time has been difficult for all of us, both professionally and personally, I have full confidence that we will get past this and be stronger because of it.”

All faculty, staff and students who don’t “pass” the required health screening upon entering the college’s facilities are contacted by Hampton. She also offers medical and testing advice based on the information provided during the screening. Every day, Hampton prepares a statistical data report for the COVID-19 Task Force to help determine potential cluster outbreaks, while also keeping in contact with local and state health officials. Hampton’s co-worker at the JC Clinic, Kristen Register, NREMT-P said Hampton is the most selfless and caring person whom she is also honored to call a friend.

“Vicki is an awesome person to work with and for, and she is always willing to go beyond what is needed,” said Register. “She is the best partner to have here in the clinic because she works around the clock to compassionately protect our students and campus community. There is no one I would rather be working with and no one more deserving than Vicki to be recognized as Jones College’s 2020 Honor Alumnus.”

In addition to her busy work schedule, Hampton juggles her duties as a wife to her husband of 27 years, Sandy and as a mother to their four children, Anna Catherine, Emma, Avery and Will. She is the daughter of David and Jeannie Howard of Ellisville. Additionally, Hampton is an active member of Carterville Baptist Church and serves on the Petal High School Ministry Team.

ELLISVILLE – Homecoming on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville will look a little different in this year of COVID-19. Most traditions have been altered or canceled to comply with the health and safety guidelines from the CDC and the Mississippi Department of Health. The Homecoming theme, “Shaping the Future” will be depicted in stationary Homecoming floats placed around the Campus Lake. While the Parade, Reunion Brunch and Alumni Luncheon have been canceled, Jones College students were able to elect a Homecoming Court and Mr. & Miss JC. Homecoming will be celebrated on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. with the football game against Co-Lin Community College.

During the half-time show, Mr. JC, Isaac Burns of Lucedale and Miss JC, Dariyel Johnson of Leakesville will be recognized. Additionally, during halftime, Queen Lakyra Walker of Mount Olive and the entire JC student-elected, 2020 Homecoming Court will be presented. Escorting the ladies will be a family member selected by the student representatives. The following ladies were chosen to represent Jones College during Homecoming festivities.

Queen, Lakyra Walker of Mount Olive is majoring in social work with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. The Jones College sophomore is a graduate of Collins High School where she participated in Beta Club and the PINK Organization. Walker’s college plans include obtaining her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Erisha Duckworth and Cedric Walker are Lakyra’s parents. Escorting Walker will be her father, Cedric Walker.

Karsyn Ulmer is your Student Body Maid. The Laurel resident is majoring in elementary education. She is a member of the Jones College Concert Choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association and Diamond Girls. The West Jones High School graduate was active in FBLA, FCA, First Priority, Show Choir, Best Club and Spanish Club. Ulmer’s future plans include earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi. Her parents are Tommy and Jennifer Ulmer and the late, Marci Ulmer. Escorting Karsyn will be her father, Tommy Ulmer.

 Brinley Bullock is your Sophomore Maid. The Laurel resident is majoring in accounting. At Jones, she is a member of the Bobcat Brigade, the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and she is a Diamond Girl. The West Jones High School graduate was a member of the Lady Mustangs soccer team and Beta Club. Additionally, Bullock was selected for Hall of Fame, graduated with Honors and was a Mississippi Scholar. Bullock’s aspirations include being a CPA after earning her accounting degree at the University of Mississippi. Her parents are Kelly and Martiel Bullock. Escorting Bullock will be her father, Kelly Bullock.

Sophomore Maid, Kyra Lampley is a Laurel native who now calls Petal her home. Lampley is a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage show choir and she is a writer for the student newspaper the Radionian. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and she has been on the President’s and Dean’s List Honor Roll. The Petal High School graduate earned more than 30 trophies and medals from her four years in Speech and Debate and she graduated in the Top 20 of her class while also a member of the Soundsations show choir and Beta Club. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communications from USM, Lampley wants to pursue a career in broadcast journalism working as a TV news anchor for CNN or NBC news. Sean and Angela Thompson are Lampley’s parents. Her escort will be her brother, Kyle Lampley.

Freshman Maid, Jordan Smith lives in Hattiesburg and is majoring in pre-law.  At Oak Grove High School, Smith was the captain of the Warrior’s volleyball team and soccer team, and a track team member. Smith was also on the Debate team, Key Club, Spanish Club and the Political Awareness Club.  The Jones College Lady Bobcat Soccer player’s future plans include earning her bachelor’s degree in law, go to law school and become a human rights attorney and activist. Smith’s parents are Tameikia and Kasey Smith. Escorting Jordan will be her brother, Kaiden Smith.

Keely Skellion is your Freshman Maid from Ellisville and she is majoring in public relations. The 2020 Ellisville Miss Hospitality is a member of the Bobcat Brigade, Concert Choir and the Student Government Association at Jones College. She graduated from South Jones High School Summa Cum Laude, as a Mississippi Scholar and she was in the Top 20 of her class. Also, Skellion was selected to participate in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi in 2016 and 2019. After finishing her degree at Ole Miss, Skellion wants to work as a social media coordinator for a sports organization. Her parents are Jack and Gala Skellion. Keely will be escorted by her father, Jack Skellion.

ELLISVILLE – Forty-six Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their years of service to the college. Administrators and the JC Foundation held a virtual celebration honoring employees for their service in five-year increments.

Honored for having the most service years in 2019, was Dr. Ronald Bishop for completing 30 years of teaching at Jones College. The JCJC and William Carey College alumnus earned a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as an M.A. in philosophy from USM. After working in a couple of churches, Bishop pursued his life’s dream of teaching by starting his career at the Louisiana Correctional Institution in Angie, Louisiana before teaching at William Carey and USM. For more than three decades, Bishop has been teaching philosophy and religion at Jones and has served as the Social Science Division Chair for 10 years and the Dean of the Charles Pickering Honors College for three years.

“I have had the pleasure of not only teaching nearly 20,000 students in my career, but I have also had the opportunity to work closely with students as an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors College. Also, Stephanie Green and I started the Philosophy Club at Jones and have enjoyed giving students opportunities for travel and community service,” said Bishop.

“I am happy to have had the chance to help young people learn to think more critically and discover the practical wisdom in the pages of the Bible for three decades.  Ecclesiastes says, ‘It is God’s gift to man, that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his work.’ I have been fortunate for almost 32 years to be able to eat, pay my bills, and have a job that brings me much pleasure and satisfaction. I have not enjoyed every job I have had, but teaching has been an integral part of who I am, and I do not recall ever waking up even one day during those years dreading to go to work.  Even in high school, I considered being a teacher.”

The Rainey Community native has been honored with the Lamplighter Award in 2009, the Mississippi Humanities Council’s Teacher of the Year in 2010, and the 2014 Faculty Recognition Award. In May, Bishop said he will retire from Jones College, but he will continue teaching.

“I would not retire at all, but the time comes when you have to make some prudent decisions about the future as well as make way for younger teachers to have jobs. I look forward to traveling with my wife, Debbie, and spending some extended time in different places around the country, something I cannot do if I have a real job. I plan to continue teaching people to fly at my flight school, Big Dawg Aviation, at the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport and do all I can to make some happy times for my three grandchildren. It is hard to believe my career has come and gone, but it gives me great satisfaction to think that I invested my life in the lives of my students and in the life of this great institution,” said Bishop.

Also honored were six employees for serving the college for 25 years:

Arlena Sullivan-Business instructor;  Bob Stevens-Math instructor; Jeff Keeton-Forestry instructor; Melanie Eubanks-Art instructor;  Dr. Jesse Smith-President of the College and Melinda English-Environmental Safety.

Eight JC employees were recognized for their 20 years of service: Dr. Samuel Jones-Assistant to the President;  Sandi Flynt-Business instructor; Greg Butler-Advanced Technology Center Dean; Mark Easley-Student Affairs; Johnny Worrell-Environmental Safety; Malcolm Rowzee-Transportation and Special Projects; Dusty Holifield-Business instructor and  Deborah Cooley-Practical Nursing instructor.

Celebrating 15 years of employment at JC were Julie Atwood-Instructional Affairs; LeAnne Nixon-Workforce College; Jessica Martin-Business Office Accounting; Dr. Susan Smith-Fine Arts instructor and  Benji Sessums-EMT/Paramedic instructor.

Five JC employees were recognized for their 10 years of service including Ravel Anderson-Environmental Safety; Shelby Hanna-Industrial Services; Eric Shows-Science Division Chair/instructor; Michelle Gaddy-Student Accounts; and Chris Kirtland-Baseball Coach.

After five years of employment at Jones, these 21 employees were honored for their service: Randa Carr-Grounds; Chantra Parker-Health and Human Services; Teresa McDonald-Practical Nursing; Shan Cargile-Maintenance; Steven Zugg-Welding instructor; Dr. Jennifer Bruton-Fine Arts Division Chair; Clint McMullan-Web Administrator; Dr. Lindsey Keay-Assistant Director of Bands; Tamara Parrish-Admissions Counselor; Misty Dickens-Admissions Counselor; Dr. Joel Dunlap-Choral Director; Aaron Huff-Info Technology; Luke Hammonds-Human Resources; Tracey Parker-Pharmacy Technology instructor; Deidre Maddox-Admissions Counselor; Johnathan McEwen-EMT instructor; Eric Williams-EMT instructor; Margaret Pearson-Radiology instructor; Ethan Wimberly-Welding instructor and Doug Messemore-Campus Operations.

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; 25 years-medium acrylic trophy and 30 years-large acrylic trophy.

ELLISVILLE – The May 2020 graduates of Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program received their diplomas, but they came back to get something COVID-19 guidelines did not allow in May. At a small “contactless” ceremony with class members who opted to attend, Jones College administrators and A.D. Nursing faculty welcomed 12 graduates who wanted to participate in a nursing tradition, the Pinning Ceremony. Jones College nurse graduates, Mallory Malone-Richton, Destiny Ponder-Collins, Matthew Brown-Ellisville, Allie Rae Harvey-Hattiesburg, Carter Jones-Ellisville, Nicole Keys-Collins, Mary Caitlin-Lawler-Hattiesburg, Brynden Long-Ellisville, Garrett McAdory-Lucedale, Ashton Roberts-Mt. Olive, Allyson Smith-Hattiesburg and Hannah Williamson-Sumrall also participated in the time-honored lamp lighting ceremony honoring the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale.