Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE – The Jones College music department is hosting a concert featuring, “The Topaz Trio” on Wednesday, March 29, at 12:30 p.m. in the Foote Chapel on the Ellisville campus. The Topaz Trio, consists of Dr. Lorraine Duso Kitts on oboe, with Dr. Gail B. Levinsky playing saxophone, and pianist, Dr. Jackie Edwards Henry. Founded in 2019, the trio explores the tonal sounds created by the unique combination of the oboe and saxophone families. To date, The Topaz Trio has performed at international and national conferences, including the International Double Reed Society (IDRS), North Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI), and International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWS). As avid supporters of new music, the ensemble has commissions of new works by Michele Schelle, Stephanie Berg, Paul Dickinson, Karen Griebling, Adam Har-Zvi and Douglas McConnell. The three will also be hosting a Masterclass for students following the free concert.

Edwards and Levinsky are former Mississippi State University professors of music. Dr. Duso-Kitts is currently a professor of double reeds at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Duso-Kitts also plays oboe with the Arkansas and Conway Symphony Orchestras. Additionally, she has performed with the Orquesta Philharmonica de Santa Cruz in Bolivia, Orquesta Sinfonica de Estado de Mexico and Orquesta Sinfonia de Jalapa in Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, her Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music and her DMA from the University of Michigan.  

Dr. Levinsky currently serves on the faculty as Professor of Music at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. Her performance credits, commissions and premieres include presentations both nationally and internationally. Dr. Levinsky earned her Master, Artist Certificate and Doctorate degrees from Northwestern University. She has published varied saxophone chapters about teaching saxophone and recently completed a solo CD featuring music of women composers.

Dr. Jackie Edwards Henry is a collaborative pianist, harpsichordist, church musician, group piano specialist and teacher of adults. She has performed nationally and internationally, with her duo partner, Dr. Levinsky since 1994 and with the Topaz Trio since 2019. She was the Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Group Piano at MSU from 1991-2022.

For more information call the JC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4203 or the website online at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or  https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/

ELLISVILLE – This year, the varied music from the Spring Recital Series will fill the air for four weeks in March and April on the Jones College campus. The musical “feast” featuring musicians from the region and music from around the world, composed centuries ago will be heard on Fridays in the Foote Chapel. The annual Spring Recital Series begins on Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. until 1 p.m., and will continue each Friday through April 21, except for Good Friday/Easter weekend. All concerts are free and open to the public.  For more information call the JC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4203 or online at https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/

On Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, the Series opens with the Kontra Duo, featuring Daniel Espinoza on saxophone and Kristina Finch on harp for “These Limbs Tell Stories.”  The program features a diverse range of styles and influences, including avant-garde, minimalist, and postmodern contemporary classical music for harp and saxophone, featuring works by living composers from around the world! This dynamic duo has been captivating audiences with their energetic and colorful performances for years. Their unique combination of instruments creates a sound that is both vibrant and innovative.

The Friday, March 31, at 12:30 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, features, “Seasons of Love” with soprano, Claire Vangelisti and pianist, Richard Seiler. This program includes songs/arias about all types of love in musical styles from Baroque to Contemporary. 

With a voice that has been described as “pure, lovely, vibrant, truthful, and lustrous,” Vangelisti has found success on both national and international stages.  Vangelisti’s body of work ranges from performing major soprano roles in the oratorio repertoire, both in the U.S. and in Europe, to leading operatic roles.

Richard Seiler of Brevard, North Carolina, is Professor/Keyboard Area Coordinator at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. A Fazioli artist, Seiler has taught masterclasses and performed as solo/collaborative pianist in Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and throughout the United States, has soloed with orchestras, and has recorded for Centaur Records and MSR Classics.  Seiler is a co-recipient of the NELAC’s 2006 Artist-of-the-Year Award.

A unique program, “Myths & Legends” will feature Richard Perry on tuba, accompanied by Ellen Elder on piano on Friday, April 14, at 12:30 p.m. in Foote Chapel.  This program features 21st century works by composers David Gillingham and John Stevens, based on mythical and literary characters.

Richard H. Perry is Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he directs the tuba-euphonium ensemble. He has been active as a clinician, performer, and adjudicator throughout the United States, and has appeared as a soloist and featured performer at numerous regional, national, and international conferences.

Dr. Ellen Price Elder is Associate Professor of Piano at USM, where she teaches applied piano to graduate and undergraduate piano majors, serves as coordinator of the class piano program, and teaches piano pedagogy. She is an active collaborator with USM faculty, and has performed throughout the United States and South America as soloist, collaborator, and masterclass clinician. 

The final musical feast will be served up by a Series regular, The Impromptu Piano Trio with, “The Joy of Tradition” on Friday, April 21, at 12:30 p.m., in the Foote Chapel. The Trio, Borislava Iltcheva on violin, Alexander Russakovsky on cello with Dr. Theresa Sanchez on piano, will perform works from two of the “three B’s” of classical music composers, Beethoven and Brahms.

Borislava Iltcheva started playing the violin at age of five, earning her Bachelor’s degree from the Bulgarian National Academy and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in violin performance from Louisiana State University. Borislava holds prizes from several national and international competitions and has been featured as a soloist with many symphony orchestras.  She has performed recitals throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. Ms. Iltcheva is the Concertmaster of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and currently teaches at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Alexander Russakovsky has appeared in numerous solo and chamber music performances in Russia, Israel, Europe and the United States. In the fall of 200,1 Dr. Russakovsky joined the music faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Recently, Dr. Russakovsky has given master classes and recitals in Taiwan, Israel, and Latin America.

Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician.  She has performed as soloist with numerous symphony orchestras, and recorded two concerto discs.  She has been a faculty member at Jones College since 1995, and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. She currently serves as Music Coordinator for the Hattiesburg Concert Association and FestivalSouth, and is listed on the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Touring Artist Roster.

ELLISVILLE – The show will go on at Jones College! Despite renovations to the M.P. Bush Auditorium, Dean of the College of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith, created the unique, compilation of Broadway show hits as director and producer of the show he titled, “STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue.” 

“We didn’t want to cancel our spring musical so we decided to do a musical revue,” explained Smith. “We have a lot of students with different talents, so we chose a series of songs about star crossed lovers from different Broadway musicals and created our own musical revue. It has a lot of my personal favorites, which are also fan favorites.”

Because of limited seating on the auditorium backstage, there will only be two performances, Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for the general public and free for Jones College employees and students with current Jones College ID. However, Smith stressed, all tickets must be reserved prior to the show.

“There will only be about 250-300 seats available each night. Therefore, reservations must be made by emailing, paula.harrison@jcjc.edu between Monday, March 20, and Friday, March 24. In the email, please share your name and number of tickets needed, and which performance you plan to attend,” said Smith.

The musical revue features a mix of solos, duets, and group numbers with some performances including the theatrical scene prior to the featured song. Smith said there are female duets about being in love with the same man, therapeutic moments where couples are fighting, to a scene from Tina Turner’s musical.

“I can’t think of a more star crossed love than Ike and Tina Turner!” Smith noted. “We’re excited to bring a variety of performances including something never done before at Jones, having the choir featured singing a seven-and-a-half-minute medley of songs from the Westside Story for the finale of the show.”

JC Freshman, KeShon Hicks of Laurel, has enjoyed performing in several shows on the Northeast Jones High School stage. At Jones, he is featured with freshmen Aliyah Watts of Columbia and Eli Carter from Collins, in the song about a love triangle, “Make Me Happy” from The Wild Party. Also, Hicks and RicShawn Fair of Ellisville perform with Abby Nix of Ellisville in her featured solo, “Always True to You in My Fashion” from Kiss Me Kate, before they join the choir for the finale.

“I love to perform for anybody and in any situation. Having everybody, including the choir, come together is just amazing! I love it and I’m excited about how Mr. Smith put this show together,” said Hicks.

Sophomore, Matt Taylor of Richland was in JC’s spring musical last year and sings in all three JC choirs. He shared, being in a musical revue is a new experience for him that he has been enjoying.

“I have a duet with my girlfriend, Mackenzie Lacy called ‘Therapy’ from the Broadway show, Tick Tick Boom, which is about an argument between a couple over little stuff. It’s funny because it’s happened in real life before!” Taylor laughed. “This revue is going to be really good!”

Veteran of the JC stage, Mackenzie Goleman of Moselle also enjoys being in this smaller production for academic reasons. She sings the solo, “U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D” from the Broadway show, Starlight Express.

“I like doing this show because it has allowed me to focus more on my studies. Last spring, we spent two to three hours every day on the show compared to the six hours or so a week this spring,” said Goleman.

“I think this show is really fun, but it also lets the students explore numerous different musicals and do character studies on so many different characters,” Smith said. “When it’s all said and done, they’ve had more growth than they realize. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”

JC freshman from Ellisville, Susannah Walters and professional choreographer, Brett Barnes choreographed the performances for the cast of about 25 performers. Dr. Victoria Johnson, piano faculty at JC and Michelle Howells will share the keyboard parts throughout the show, with JC guitar faculty, Dr. Michael Boyd also performing. Sound and lighting was designed by Jacob Arnold.

Some of the stories about the star-crossed lovers may take the audience on a journey that is rated “PG,” with various stories including laughter to turmoil and love and death. Check the Jones College Arts, Music, and Performance website and social media pages for details prior to the performance. For more information about the Jones College Arts, Music and Performance department, call 601-477-4203.

Cast of STARCROSSED: A Musical Revue

Karoline Ayers, Laurel

Cayden Bellanger, Franklinton Louisiana

Wesley Carmichael, Ellisville

Eli Carter, Collins

Antarian Chapman, Hebron

Natalie Dewitt, Laurel

Ricshawn Fair, Ellisville

Virginia Fortenberry, New Hebron

Mackenzie Golemon, Moselle

Gracee Green, Laurel

KeShon Hicks, Laurel

Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian

Bri Lee, Ellisville

Abby Nix, Ellisville

Jalen Poindexter, Jackson

Annaleigh Ragsdale, Mize

Nicholas Singleterry, Oak Grove

Isaiah Spradley, Soso

Matthew Taylor, Richland

Abby Thrash, Laurel

Seth Walker, Calhoun

Daygen Warren, Laurel

Aliyah Watts, Columbia

ELLISVILLE – Fifteen Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their accomplishments in the workplace 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, an outdoor lunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.

“Honoring and appreciating all of our employees is the least we can do considering how we all work together for the good of the college, our students and our community. Offering an afternoon of fun and fellowship is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for making Jones great,” said Amie McQueen, Interim VP of Advancement.

The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established six years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. John Howard Robertson, VP of Information Technology was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence.  Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Howard’s ability to overcome an incredible number of obstacles and being the most level-headed leader over the five years he has served at Jones College.

“It was very encouraging for me to receive this honor,” said Howard. “As an administrator, I believe my goal is to work alongside others to make things run more smoothly. Jones is a great place to work, and I’m thankful my teammates feel I’ve been of some help to them.”

Speech instructor, John Burks was selected to receive the Barbara and Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The Humanities Division faculty member has been teaching at Jones since 2007. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how Burks 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. Burks was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

“I have been teaching at Jones College for 15 years. Jones is a family tradition with my grandmother, mom, uncle, and aunt all attending Jones,” said Burks. “Teaching and working with students is very rewarding. In addition, my colleagues make each day delightful.” 

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.

One of the finalists for the faculty awards was Dr. Ben Burge, who has worked at Jones for six years as the Director of Bands. For the past 22 years, he has been a band director for bands in Madison and Pearl River Counties, including Belhaven University. Dr. Shelby Hanna has been employed at Jones for 13 years as the Career Technical Student Services Coordinator and teaches Smart Start Pathway for the CTE programs. Welding instructor, Tommy Freeman has been teaching at Jones College for nine years at the Greene County Center. Thomas Johnson has been teaching the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program for five years. Tim Morris was selected as the Teacher of the Year honor. He has taught English and World Literature at Jones College for the past 10 years. He was also recently selected as the Mississippi Humanities Council, Jones College Teacher of the Year.

“Being recognized for my work in the classroom means the world to me. As an educator, I enjoy working to encourage my students to pursue their dreams, and while seeing their success is very rewarding, I am humbled and overwhelmed to be honored by the College as well. This recognition has allowed me to reflect on my journey to this point in my career, and I look forward to many more years of serving in the field of education,” said Morris.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Stephanie Bey-Enrollment Management, Crystal Nail-Grant Funding, Lisa Sims and Taryn Tyree-Enrollment Management. Candace Geddie, who works in Enrollment Management, 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 departments division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Rebecca Covalt was nominated along with Campus Policeman and I.T. specialist, Tony Hales. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Jeffrey Morris who works on the campus grounds.  

As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexho cafeteria employee, Cherylon Crosby was honored for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.

ELLISVILLE – Forty-four Jones College faculty and staff members were recently honored for their years of service to the college during a special Employee Appreciation program. Administrators and the JC Foundation treated the Jones College faculty and staff to a picnic lunch outdoors recently. JC administrators honored employees for their service at five-year increments, beginning with those who have served at least five years. 

Topping the number of service years was Teresa Welch with 30-years working as the administrative assistant for the Humanities and Athletics departments, and currently the Office of the President.

“I have been blessed to be a part of the Jones College family for the last 30 years,” said Welch. “I have made lifelong friendships and memories that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.”

Honored for completing 25 service years in 2022, were six employees. Tucker Beech works in the maintenance department and ensures delivery of every package. Stephanie Johnson enjoys teaching students social science courses. As the Media and Public Relations Director, Teresa McCreery also assists with the alumni, athletic, recruiting, and marketing endeavors and events on campus. Jennifer Powell has served in administration as the Dean of eLearning. She is currently teaching Information Systems Technology courses and serves as an FBLA advisor with business instructor, David Ray, who is also celebrating 25 years of employment at Jones College. Wendy Wilkerson’s work is visible in her floral and landscaping designs on campus and at events, in addition to teaching horticulture.

Seven employees began serving the college 20 years ago. Michael Bradshaw is the Assistant to the President for Facilities Management. April Phillips (not pictured) is the Senior Programmer in the I.T. department and Chris Robinson is the Athletic Director and head softball coach. Faculty members include Tammie Chandler-Associate Degree Nursing (not pictured); Stephanie Jones-Pharmacy Technology; Kerri Pippin-Math and Dr. Patti Smith-English.

More than 15 years ago, 16 people joined the Jones College family. Dr. Finee Ruffin began her journey as a marketing instructor before becoming the Marketing Department Director, Vice President of Marketing and currently, Executive Vice President, Chief Enrollment Management, Information Technology, and Marketing Officer. Gabe Bozeman joined the marketing department as the marketing technical assistant, with the additional duties of graphic designer. He is currently the Bobcat Print Shop Manager. Shawn Wansley was hired as the first Sports Information Director joining the marketing department in 2007.

Barry Bradshaw started his career at Jones as an automotive instructor before becoming the Division Chair and currently the Dean of Agriculture/Industrial Services. The Advanced Technology Center became home to the husband-and-wife team of Webb and Wendy Evans 15 years ago. Webb was promoted from Workforce/Facilities Coordinator to Assistant Dean of Workforce College and now Dean of the Advanced Technology Center. Wendy began as an adjunct math instructor before becoming a full time Adult Education instructor. Additionally, she was promoted to the Director of MIBEST and Workforce Coordinator. She now works as the Director of Integrated Programs as she continues to teach math. Also celebrating at the ATC is Administrative Assistant, Denise Wood.

Jo Anna Newcomb began her career as the Administrative Assistant of the Instructional Affairs Office. In 2012, she accepted the position as the Alumni Coordinator for the Jones College Foundation Office and is currently serving as the Alumni/Scholarship Coordinator. Faculty members include John Burks-Humanities; Jeremiah Estes-Biology, Margaret James-Math and Deborah Rowell-Child Care Lab instructor. Additionally, Stacy Forbes supports the college in the bookstore mailroom. Paula Harrison keeps the Fine Arts Department in “tune” with her skills ensuring every event runs harmoniously. The grounds and athletic fields are vibrant because of Brian Johnson’s skills and Marva Ransom keeps several buildings on campus clean and safe.

Celebrating 10 years of employment at JC are five people: Menyone Barrow-Greene County Navigator; Shan Cargile-AC/Refrigeration instructor; Katelyn Hutchison-Humanities Administrative Assistant; Josh Ishee-Commercial Maintenance instructor and Daryll McDonald-Wayne County Center Director (not pictured).

Nine JC employees were recognized for their five years of service including Jason Bonner-Maintenance (not pictured); Tori Brook-Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach; Amelia Cowart-A.D. Nursing instructor (not pictured); Angela Dyess-Jasper County Health Care Assistant instructor; Candace Geddie-Enrollment Management; Thomas Johnson-AC/Refrigeration instructor; Melinda Miller-Butler-Biology instructor; Tasha Reynolds-Biology instructor and Amy Townsend-A.D. Nursing (not pictured).

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.