Jones College celebrated graduates, family, education and the U.S.A.
ELLISVILLE – As 665 graduates crossed the stage to roaring applause, Jones College celebrated academic achievement, family support and the approaching 250th birthday of the United States during its 98th Commencement Ceremony. These graduates received either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Although rain forced the ceremony indoors, college leaders and graduates embraced the change with optimism and gratitude, turning the day into a memorable celebration of perseverance and patriotism.
“As our country approaches its 250th birthday, we celebrate not only the founding of our nation, but the generation of leaders who have carried our country forward based on its promise,” Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith told the audience. “Leaders who have worn the uniform, answered the call and devoted their lives to something greater than themselves.”
The commencement ceremony featured keynote speaker, Major General Augustus Leon Collins, a retired United States Army Major General and Former Adjutant General of Mississippi, as well as a community college graduate from Booneville. He challenged graduates to believe in themselves, remain adaptable and live lives defined by character and service.
“Things do not always happen as they’re planned, so you always have to have a contingency plan,” Collins said, referring to the weather-related change in ceremony plans. “Those who have contingency plans have a greater level of success than those who don’t.”
Collins repeatedly emphasized the importance of confidence, discipline and perseverance, encouraging graduates to embrace opportunities and trust their abilities.
“I think you ought to believe in yourself,” Collins said. “Prepare yourself, drill yourself and go through it over and over, because when your time comes, you’ll be ready and have the confidence that you can perform.”
He also reminded graduates that their actions and decisions will shape their futures.
“Your character and your reputation will speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself,” Collins said. “Live your life as if somebody just might chisel your name off the plaque of graduates, like they do for U.S. War College alumni who dishonor themselves.”
The ceremony highlighted the college’s patriotic theme with a performance of the National Anthem, by 2026 graduate from Ellisville, Sydney Tisdale and the Alumni Choir performing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” as well as spiritual references with the Concert Choir singing, “Ride on King Jesus” and Jones OnStage performing, “Take Me to the King.” Graduates reflected on both the emotional and historic significance of the day.
“It’s more exciting than stressful,” said graduate Emily Daigle of Seminary, a William Winters Scholar, and Charles Pickering Honors Institute member who majored in English. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it because I was so excited to celebrate our accomplishments with everyone else around me. Today is basically the gateway to everything next.”
Daigle said she plans to continue her education in Germany and hopes to pursue a career in communications. Graduate Jayla Jones of Quitman said commencement represented the reward for years of hard work and preparation.
“It’s just a testimony of all of our hard work and it is preparation for the future for us,” Jones said and she added that the rain brought back memories of her indoor high school graduation. “My high school graduation had to be inside because of the rain too, so it’s kind of like a double whammy,” she said with a laugh.
Jones plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi to study journalism and work in the university’s Roy Howard Community Journalism Center. For non-traditional student Hope Mealer of Petal, graduation symbolized perseverance and setting an example for her children.
“Today means everything to me because it gives my twins somebody to look up to,” Mealer said. “My story is just a testimony from being a single mom playing basketball to making it to the Hall of Fame. It’s just a little part of my story.”
Leakesville’s Leilani DeBar described commencement as the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
“This just means accomplishment,” DeBar said. “Everything that I’ve worked for has led up to this point.”
DeBar, who delivered the invocation during one of the three ceremonies, encouraged graduates to use their education to serve others with kindness and compassion. Following graduation, DeBar will intern in Washington, D.C., for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith before continuing her accounting degree at Mississippi State University with plans to attend law school.
Tripp Alexander of Gulfport reflected on the relationships and opportunities he experienced during his time at Jones as he prepared to walk out on stage.
“This day is an accumulation of a good two years,” Alexander added he will continue his soccer career at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. “I had a great opportunity to come play soccer at a great place. It’s meant the world to me.”
For Hall of Fame graduate, Noah Allen of Columbia, commencement represented both achievement and gratitude.
“This day means so much,” Allen said. “My family and friends supported me through the good times and bad times, and I’m just glad to graduate with my friends. I am looking forward to going to the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology and study coding.”
One of the ceremony’s most celebrated moments happened while honoring Laurel High School’s groundbreaking program called Middle College. Through a partnership with the Laurel School District, 19 high school students simultaneously earned both high school diplomas and associate degrees from Jones College. The fourth class of Middle College graduates included, Amber Burks, Gracelyn Carmichael, Davon Chambers, Eddie Cole, Henry DeJesus, Liliana Garcia, Autumn McGill, Karina Julio, Maitin Lainez, Laila McMillan, Jamari Morrow, Arberney Pollard, Vanessa Reyes, Sydney Ridgeway, Malia Sanders, Dexyia Sullican, Javon Terrell, and Richard Ward. Alex Virgen additionally earned Jones College’s prestigious Hall of Fame academic honor.
“Since the first Laurel High School cohort launched in 2021, these students have shown remarkable determination and achievement. It’s incredible,” Smith said. “When they finish high school, they are already Jones College graduates.”
He also praised the Women’s Tennis Team who just captured the NJCAA Division II National Championship, which is the first time the lady’s tennis team has won the National title for Jones College and it’s the first for Mississippi. Also, the JC Ladies Tennis Team won three individual national titles and three national doubles titles. With lots to celebrate, but before the streamers fell from the ceiling and before ending his commencement speech, Collins urged students to remember the people who helped them succeed and to use their education to serve others.
“None of us achieve greatness alone,” Collins said. “Your family, your teachers and your community helped shape who you are today. Honor them by making a difference wherever life takes you.”
Jones College celebrates largest class of Radiological Technology grads
ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Radiologic Technology program celebrated the accomplishments of the largest class of graduates in recent program history. Sixten students, Eden Alyssa Benoit-Hattiesburg, Jordan D Garcia-Laurel, Abbie Grace Glasscock-Ellisville, Hannah Brooke Graham-Ovett (Raleigh native), Kelbi Ann Herring-Laurel, Katie E Jones-Mount Olive, Kaylee Lauren Jones-Mize, Alexis D Kittrell-Mize, Jayden B Lathem-Sebastopol, Gracie Elizabeth McDill-Sebastopol, Hope Elizabeth Mealer-Petal (Olive Branch native), Taylor Loy Messersmith-Laurel, Kendalen Carol Russell-Stringer, Sydney Paige Sikes-Silas, AL, Ashton Nicole Stockman-Bay Springs and Rachel Cambrea Thrash-Ellisville, each completed the six-semester program according to JC Program Director Mandy Pearson. She credits their excellent performance and dedication to learning and mastering new skills, as well as having new equipment in the JC Hospital Simulation Lab as the reason for their success in the job market.
“These program graduates have put forth great effort to succeed in earning this degree. Their next step is the ARRT national certification examination, and I know they are prepared and will continue their success to become Registered Radiologic Technologists. We cannot wait to see the impactful futures ahead for these graduates as they become Registered Technologists and join the health care workforce!” said Pearson.
Two students earned scholarships and special honors during the completion ceremony. Ashton Stockman of Bay Springs received the Clinical Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student in the graduating class that excels in the clinical setting and goes above and beyond their clinical duties and is voted on by affiliate clinical sites. Stockman also received the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technology scholarship which is awarded to a student that demonstrates good moral character and professionalism in both the classroom and clinical setting, while maintaining a competitive GPA. Both JC instructors, Mandy Pearson and Brittany Barron said Stockman is a dedicated and driven student that demonstrated exceptional patient care skills in the clinical setting.
“I am incredibly thankful to have been a part of the Jones College Radiography Program. Throughout my journey, I had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing mentors who helped shape me into the technologist I am today. Their guidance, support, and encouragement have meant so much to me, and I am truly honored to have been chosen by the clinical instructors and technologists as Clinical Student of the Year,” said Stockman.
Furthermore, Ashton has distinguished herself clinically and academically with impressive scholastic achievement throughout the radiography program, further reflecting her commitment to success in the field. We are extremely proud of what she has accomplished and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the future.
Gracie McDill of Sebastopol was named the program’s, Academic Student of the Year, an award presented to a student who exceeds program graduation requirements while maintaining an outstanding grade point average throughout their college career. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have made her an exceptional representative of the program.
“Faculty members describe Gracie as a student who consistently demonstrates positivity, perseverance, and compassion toward both patients and classmates. Mandy and I proudly congratulate Gracie on these well-deserved accomplishments and look forward to the impact she will make in the radiologic sciences profession,” said Barron.
Additionally, McDill was selected as the recipient of the annual $400 scholarship presented by the Mississippi Radiological Society. This scholarship is awarded to the program’s Outstanding Radiologic Technology student based on high academic achievement, sound moral character, and financial need.
“This scholarship means more to me than just recognition, it represents the hard work, sacrifices, and encouragement that helped me get to this point. I’m incredibly thankful,” said McDill.
Also earning honors from JC students were the clinical staff whom the students voted on as their favorite. Jeri Douglas, R.T.(R)(CT)(M) at Wayne General Hospital was chosen as the Radiographer of the Year. And the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award went to Ashley Bradford, R.T.(R) at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Jones College Radiography Class of 2026
Eden Alyssa Benoit Hattiesburg
Jordan D Garcia Laurel
Abbie Grace Glasscock Ellisville
Hannah Brooke Graham Ovett (Raleigh native)
Kelbi Ann Herring Laurel
Katie E Jones Mount Olive
Kaylee Lauren Jones Mize
Alexis D Kittrell Mize
Jayden B Lathem Sebastopol
Gracie Elizabeth McDill Sebastopol
Hope Elizabeth Mealer Petal (Olive Branch native)
Taylor Loy Messersmith Laurel
Kendalen Carol Russell Stringer
Sydney Paige Sikes Silas, AL
Ashton Nicole Stockman Bay Springs
Rachel Cambrea Thrash Ellisville
Jones College students earn Gold Key honors
ELLISVILLE – Six Jones College students were selected by their peers for the special recognition to be named Gold Key recipients. Two students, Chrishon Ellis of Panola and Callee Knotts of Soso received the Merit Gold Key Award. At Jones, Knotts served as the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was selected as to the All-State Academic Team. Also, the agricultural communications major was a member of Bobcat Brigade Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Jones College Livestock Show Team.
Ellis is also majoring in agricultural science and served as the Vice President for Mississippi FFA State Association. At JC, he was a member of Bobcat Brigade, FBLA, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Student Government Association and FCA. Additionally, both Ellis and Knotts were selected for Hall of Fame honors.
Leadership Gold Key Awards were given to Alexis McQueen of Laurel and Noah Allen of Columbia. McQueen is majoring in communications and was involved in Bobcat Brigade and was voted the 2025 Homecoming Queen. The Northeast Jones High School graduate is a leader at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church’s Youth Group.
Allen is an IST-Web and Programming major who has been involved in Bobcat Brigade, Phi Theta Kappa and volunteered for Heal the Land Service and the Words of Prayer Services for the elderly.
The female Athletic Gold Key Award went to Sydney Clearman who is majoring in biological sciences. In addition to being a member of the National Championship Bobcat Cheerleading squad, she is a member of Bobcat Brigade, PTK, FCA and Temple Baptist Church Ministry Leadership Team.
Ridgeland Jones is the Team Captain for the Men’s Tennis Team, the 2024 and 2025 Single and Men’s Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Men’s Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Men’s Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and is majoring in Kinesiology. Both Clearman and Jones are members of the Hall of Fame and were named Tullos Scholars.
Jones College names 2026 Tullos Scholar recipients
ELLISVILLE – Seven, Jones College sophomores were named Tullos Scholars, as well as being members of the student Hall of Fame, including Roderick “Tripp” Alexander of Gulfport; Sydney Clearman of Hattiesburg; William “Cody” Daley of Prentiss; Leilani DeBar of Leakesville; Larissa Hubbard of Gulfport; Ridgeland Jones of Laurel and Adam Nix of Ellisville. These students have received the college’s highest honor for the top JC students, which includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All seven students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.
“This honor means a lot to me because I have worked extremely hard and this accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it,” said Ridgeland Jones who has served as the Team Captain for the Men’s Tennis Team.
Additionally, Ridgeland Jones is the 2024 and 2025 Single and Men’s Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Men’s Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Men’s Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He plans to continue his education at USM and major in Kinesiology and then earn his master’s degree at William Carey University to be a coach and teacher. His parents are Donna and Robin Jones of Laurel.
Tripp Alexander is majoring in exercise science and will transfer to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama to be a pre-medicine major. He is a member of the Men’s Soccer Team where he was honored twice as an NJCAA Academic All-American, and twice he earned the MACCC Championship, in addition to being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team. Mark and Christina Alexander are his parents.
“I came to Jones to play soccer, and JC means the world to me. It truly made me a different person and I’m so thankful for that!” said Alexander. “It means a lot that a school that poured into me so well would honor me like this!”
Sydney Clearman is an Oak Grove High School graduate who was active in cheerleading and has continued cheerleading with the Bobcats and earned a national championship in the UCA College Nationals in January. She is also involved in the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and PTK. With her biological sciences degree from USM, she hopes to continue her education at UMMC Dental School. Kevin and Selena Clearman are her parents.
“This honor inspires me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It reminds me that success isn’t just about individual accomplishments, but about the impact you have on others and the legacy you leave behind,” said Clearman. “Jones has grown me and pushed me individually, in relationships with others, and in my relationship with Christ. Even though it wasn’t in my plan to come to Jones, it was in God’s plan, and his way is always better.”
The 2025 Prentiss Christian High School Valedictorian, William “Cody” Daley has continued making a mark for himself academically at JC. Receiving the Letter “J” Award, and being a member of PTK, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, are just a few of his accomplishments. He also maintains his business and volunteers in nursing homes. The construction management major plans to continue his education at USM. His parents are Teddy and Susan Daley.
“This award makes all of the early mornings and late nights of studying worth it. I am also reminded of how grateful I am for everyone who has encouraged and helped me along the way,” said Daley. “Being here has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my instructors and faculty members. They know me, they care about my success, and they’ve invested time and effort into helping me grow both academically and personally. Choosing Jones is a decision I’ll always value.”
Leakesville’s Leilani DeBar is majoring in accounting with plans to become a lawyer at Mississippi State University. She has been an active member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK, Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Non-Traditional Student Organization, while also earning the Letter “J” Award. Dennis and Kelley DeBar are Leilani’s parents.
“I’m truly grateful and motivated to keep striving for excellence. I hope to use what I have learned here to make a meaningful difference. Jones helped me develop as a student and a leader, and it’s where I’ve built relationships and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation,” said DeBar.
Just like her basketball career, Larissa Hubbard is one of the top of her class. At Harrison Central High School, she graduated 10th in her class and was on the Varsity basketball team. At Jones College, Hubbard has continued to excel academically and athletically as the Team Captain, and she has also earned a spot on the President’s List honor roll every semester and is a member of PTK. She earned NJCAA All-Academic Team and All-MACCC Academic Honors, and NJCAA All-Conference second team honors. In addition to being in class and on the court, Hubbard volunteers with young athletes and volunteers at college events. The accounting major from Gulfport plans to continue her athletic career at Lamar University and then work on the marketing team of a major league sports team. Her parents are Byron and Kristie Hubbard.
Adam Nix of Ellisville is a member of the men’s golf team, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Homecoming Court. The physics and engineering major, plans to transfer to Mississippi State to major in chemical engineering.
Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a résumé with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos of Smith County.
Rainy weather moves Jones College Commencement Ceremony indoors
ELLISVILLE – Jones College officials have changed the location of the 98th Annual Commencement Ceremony from outdoors on the North Lawn of Jones Hall to the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. As a result, the 665 graduates participating in commencement on Friday, May 8, have been divided into three groups for three ceremonies beginning at 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The last ceremony will include the Alumni Choir, Hall of Fame, Tullos Scholars and Middle College graduates.
Check the website https://www.jcjc.edu/graduation/ for all details related to graduation including the link to watch the ceremonies live. It is important to note that graduates are issued four tickets for general admission. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. and no one will be allowed to enter early. Graduates will receive either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Following the ceremony, families and guests will meet their graduates in the C.L. Neill Student Center and Banquet Hall for photos. For questions specifically regarding the 2026 graduation ceremony, please contact Kacie Birdsong at 601-477-4137.
This ceremony will also mark the fourth class of the Middle College Program at Laurel High School with 19 students earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Jones College. These students, Amber Burks, Gracelyn Carmichael, Davon Chambers, Eddie Cole, Henry DeJesus, Liliana Garcia, Autumn McGill, Karina Julio, Maitin Lainez, Laila McMillan, Jamari Morrow, Arberney Pollard, Vanessa Reyes, Sydney Ridgeway, Malia Sanders, Dexyia Sullican, Javon Terrell, Alex Virgen, and Richard Ward, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.
The keynote speaker for graduation will be U.S. Army Retired Major General and Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., in Jackson. Major General Augustus L. Collins, U.S. Army Retired, is the Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., which is a leading workforce training, development and management corporation headquartered in Jackson. Prior to being appointed to his current position, he served for more than 35 years in the United States Army and the Army National Guard, including tours as the Director of Mobilization Forces, U.S. Army Forces Command, the Commander of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom and his final position as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. From 2019 until 2025, he served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Mississippi.
Collins initially retired from the Army in 2007 and was appointed as Commissioner, Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. However, in January 2012 Governor Bryant requested that he be recalled from military retirement and was appointed as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. He served in that position until his retirement in August 2016.
Collins currently serves on the Board of Directors for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Trustmark National Bank, Mississippi Power Company and the Armed Forces Benefits Association. He is a Past President of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the University of Mississippi Foundation. He is a Charter member of the board of directors of Friends of Mississippi Veterans. He previously served on the board of directors of the National Guard Association of the United States and the New Hope Christian School. He is a former member of the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports.
The retired general earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Northeast Mississippi Junior College. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and his Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Collins has also completed studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School.
A few of his many military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, the Order of Saint George Medallion for excellence in Armor, the Combat Action Badge and the Army Staff Badge.