Category: Press Release

ELLISVILLE – Most know Mariano Arellano in Hattiesburg as the owner of La Fiesta Brava asking on TV, “How about lunch?” Now the 54-year-old is asking, “How about a career?” After serving thousands over the last 26 years, the impact of COVID-19 forced Arellano to sell his restaurant. With more people staying home, paying the bills became overwhelming.

“I never expected to close my business like I did. I was behind in payments, and I didn’t want to put my house at risk,” said Arellano. “I spent half of my life in the restaurant business and now I feel like I lost a member of my family. I feel like I lost everything. I was very depressed.”

But before the doors closed permanently, a customer suggested Arellano should explore some options through Jones College’s Workforce College. Building things always interested the former restauranteur, so after a few phone calls, he was signed up for the welding program.

“When I got to Jones and started taking welding classes and meeting all the employees here, it seemed like every person opened a different door for me. They really helped me get out of my sadness, my depression. Now, I feel like I’m going in the right direction, thanks to everyone because I don’t know if I would have made it without them,” said Arellano.

While learning a new trade through Workforce College, welding instructor, Tracy Warden inspired Arellano to explore even more options. Arellano earned his High School diploma when he lived in Mexico in 1981, but he knew he would need his American High School Equivalency to continue his education here. In one month, Arellano earned his HSE and the Workforce Welding & Heavy Equipment Certificates. He also plans to begin classes in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration program in August.

“My life has changed 360 degrees,” said Arellano. “In the restaurant business, it seems like there is always equipment in need of repair. I often did some troubleshooting before calling a repairman. I always wanted to do something else, mechanical or build something. Now, it’s become my new career.”

Arellano is currently working at Smith Welding in Ellisville, as part of the crew building a two-story building structure. He also has new goals on his horizon. In fact, with his Certificate in Workforce Welding & Heavy Equipment, along with his High School Equivalency diploma from Jones College, next year, Arellano said he may open another business after he earns his associate degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration. For more information about Jones College’s Workforce College, click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/

ELLISVILLE – About 70 graduates of Jones College’s High School Equivalency program from 2020 and 2021 are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony being held on Thursday, July 22, at 7 p.m. in the Whitehead Advanced Technology Center in Ellisville.

A scholarship will be awarded to the top-scoring student in each of Jones College’s eight-county district. Also, the Jones College Foundation Inc. will bestow the overall top-scoring student with an additional scholarship to Jones College.

HSE graduates will hear from the keynote speaker, Jones County Drug Court Coordinator for the 18^th Circuit Court District of Mississippi, Consuelo W. Walley. She was appointed to that position in August 2018 by Jones County Circuit Court Judge, Dal Williamson.

Walley is a graduate of Jones College, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi College School of Law. Her undergraduate degree and her law degree include the areas of criminal justice, sociology, constitutional law, criminal law, and procedure.

Previously, Walley had been serving as the director of Dying to Live Ministries, Inc. after volunteering with the ministry for almost 10 years. She has also served as curriculum coordinator and instructor for ZAC House Recovery Center and the Waltman House of Hope in Laurel since 2017.

For more information about JC’s Adult Education programs including the High School Equivalency program and the Out of School Youth Grant, contact Wendy Evans, Director of Integrated Pathways at 601-477-2228 or email wendy.evans@jcjc.edu

ELLISVILLE – The first time 35-year-old Joe Johnson graduated from Jones College in 2006, he earned a degree in Automotive Technology. Fifteen years later in August, the Mize resident will not only be graduating with his associate degree from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program but he will also be starting a new business.

“When I started almost a year ago, I knew very little about heating and air conditioning and now I have enough knowledge to fix just about anything. I will be fine-tuning my skills but the knowledge I gained in this program at night is amazing and the teacher, Thomas Johnson is the icing on the cake. When you have a teacher who can teach, get down on your level and make it relatable, that makes all the difference in the world,” said Joe Johnson who is embarking on a new, “cool” career.

Jones College’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program instructor, Thomas Johnson said the reason he started the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program night class was for people like Joe Johnson who want to make a career change. Joe Johnson had worked in the automotive business for several years before working as a welder at Deep South. With limited opportunities to move up in the company after nearly 15 years, Joe Johnson began exploring his options.

“The night program is for people like Joe who work all day and yet want to look for another career. This is an excellent option for them,” said Johnson.  “Joe welds all day long at Deep South in Seminary and when he’s done, he drives to Ellisville for my night class which meets Monday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. until about 9:30 p.m. He has never missed a day and he’s a top-quality student who has made the President’s Honor Roll. I am extremely proud of him!”

Since August of 2020, Joe has begun the day at 5:30 a.m. He finishes at about 10 p.m. after welding all day and being in class all night without an issue.

“I knew it would be a struggle coming in two weeks late to the class, but now I’m starting my own business,” said Joe. “I’m not scared because Mr. Johnson gave me the confidence and knowledge I need to work in this business.”

He also credits the support from his wife Chelsie, and their three children ages 10, 12, and 13, for allowing him the time to focus on his new, “cool” career.

“I have my business license and Tax ID number and about five jobs lined up. I know it will be long hours because this is a 24/7 job with high demand,” said Joe. “It was not easy coming back to school, but I promise you it has been the most fruitful thing I’ve ever done in my life as far as education goes, being here at Jones.”

For information about the upcoming Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Program course schedule, visit the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/heating_air/ or call Thomas Johnson at 601-477-4247.

ELLISVILLE – Seventeen 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. Prior to the employee recognition program, a picnic lunch and games were provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.

“Celebrating accomplishments and offering an afternoon of fun and fellowship is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for making Jones great,” said Joel Cain, VP of Advancement and Athletics, and Dean of Students. “We wanted to honor and appreciate all of our employees who have worked especially hard through a challenging year.”

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.  Financial Aid Director, Kari Dedwylder was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. The Ellisville resident has been employed at Jones for six years and works with the Enrollment Management Department.

“Kari was nominated because she goes above and beyond to improve services for students. She has digitized the financial aid and admissions offices creating a more efficient workflow. She also cross-trains the two teams and is always seeking more ways to improve service,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith as he awarded Dedwylder a $500 check and plaque.

English instructor, Amanda Robertson 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.  Robertson was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

Additionally, 15 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 History instructor, Carson Atwood who has worked at Jones for 20 years. Practical Nursing Program Director, Teresa McDonald has taught the Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing courses at Jones College for seven years.  Chris Robinson has been teaching Health and Leadership classes for 20 years while also serving as the Assistant Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the Softball team. Sociology instructor, Stacy Ruth has 28 years of teaching experience at Jones. Workforce Development and Welding instructor, Tracy Warden has been teaching welding, millwright, machining, heavy equipment and NCCER specific industry standards and OSHA safety training for nine years. McDonald was chosen for the overall JC Faculty of the Year Award.

“The faculty awards appreciation is always a special time for employees to come together at Jones College. I was truly honored to receive the award. We are all family and I consider it a privilege to be part of such an amazing family,” said McDonald.

The 1990 Jones College graduate taught the Allied Health and Health Science programs at the Clarke County Career and Technology Center and the Wayne County Vocational-Technical Center before going back to school herself. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2012 and her Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from William Carey University in 2014. The Wayne County resident began her career at Jones College seven years ago working in the Wayne County Center. She has taught in the Healthcare Assistant and Practical Nursing programs in Waynesboro before becoming the Director of Practical Nursing at the main campus in Ellisville in 2014.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year award included Tina Livingston in Student Affairs, Jessica Martin in Accounting, the Wayne County Center’s administrative assistant, Courtney McInnis, Tamara Parrish in Admissions and the Health Clinic EMT, Kristen Register. Livingston 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, two employees in the Maintenance Department were finalists. Jason Bonner and Jimmy Freeman. Campus Policeman, Jared Hutto and Scott Sumrall in Transportation were also finalists with Angela Parker in Housekeeping. Taking the top spot as Employee of the Year was Jason Bonner.  

ELLISVILLE – Just before graduating from Jones College in May, Matt Burke of Brandon earned a spot in the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. As a member of the back-to-back State Championship Bobcat soccer team, Burke played in the first game of the college’s first appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association II National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas. However, he left Kansas before playing in the second game because he was eager to begin his journey in the medical field.

“I’m from rural Mississippi and have seen the need for medical care first-hand. This program is a great fit for me and I am ecstatic to be accepted,” said Burke. “I am really looking forward to all the information and experience that I will obtain as a Mississippi Rural Physician Scholar and the opportunity to practice in a rural area in the future.”

Burke said while he loves soccer and even served as the captain of his high school team, he has always enjoyed and excelled in science and human anatomy. His personal experience witnessing the hardships that many endure getting good medical care prompted him to be part of the solution. Furthermore, the death of his childhood friend, 17-year-old friend, Ian Cochran, who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer exposed Burke to the reality and hardships of the health care industry and inspired him to be a doctor.

“My aspiration is to serve as a medical professional and try my best to never let any family go through what Ian and his family went through,” said Burke. “Another friend’s mother who is a nurse shared her struggles during the pandemic. Hearing about how the Covid-19 Pandemic affected the medical staff who had to be separated from family and the feeling of hopelessness, has only confirmed my love for medicine and justified my pursuit.”

Burke gained some medical experience job shadowing at the Madison Ridgeland Medical Clinic with Dr. Indira Veerisetty, which also exposed him to the realities of medical care in Mississippi. Additionally, he personally realized the difficulty of getting care when he needed a doctor.

“My mom’s main job was downsized, and we lost medical insurance. We didn’t have any way to pay for the clinic visit which really upset my mom. I began thinking about those who can’t pay for medicine but are in actual danger. My minor cold and sore throat would be better soon but thinking about those who may not recover, made me want to pursue a career in medicine to help change this,” said Burke.

To help pay for college expenses at Jones, Burke worked in the Science Department while also keeping a 3.9 GPA. In his spare time, he volunteered at the Jones County Heart Walk and through the Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, he helped at the annual Blood Drive and Bobcat Pantry Drive. Science Division Chair, instructor and PTK co-advisor, Eric Shows said Matt’s quiet, thoughtful and hardworking traits have served him well in pursuing his goals.

“Matt has a laser-like focus on academic excellence and extracurricular preparation in service of his goals of becoming a doctor. I am elated that his commitment and his efforts are being rewarded. I’m proud as a Jones College faculty member and as a Mississippian to have Matt representing our school and our state as a future medical professional,” said Shows.

Burke’s experiences may have inspired him to pursue being an internal medicine doctor, but he was not sure if he and his family could afford medical school. Receiving the scholarship is very important to Burke because it will relieve the financial burden, but it will also provide a unique training opportunity and mentorship with other physicians in rural Mississippi.

“My mom works two jobs to give my sister and me what we need. Doing well in school and in college has helped me get this far. Medical school would most likely not be an option because the tuition and expenses are high. This scholarship allows me to go to medical school without the crippling debt and saves my family the financial setback,” said Burke.

During medical school, each MRPSP scholar receives $30,000 per year based on available funding. Consistent legislative support of the MRPSP translates to 61 medical students receiving a total of $1,830,000 to support their education this fall. In addition to the legislative support, three privately funded scholarships are also awarded this year from the Madison Charitable Foundation, the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, and the Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi. Other benefits include personalized mentoring from practicing rural physicians and academic support.

Upon completion of medical school, MRPSP scholars must enter a residency program in one of five primary care specialties: family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics, medicine-pediatrics, or obstetrics/gynecology. The MRPSP Scholar must provide four years of service in a clinic-based practice in an approved Mississippi community of 15,000 or fewer population located more than 20 miles from a medically served area.

MRSP provides a means for rural Mississippi students to earn a seat in medical school and to earn a $120,000 medical school scholarship in return for four years of service while learning the art of healing from practicing rural physicians.

For more information, contact MRPSP Associate Director Steven Carter at 601-815-9022, jscarter@umc.edu or http://mrpsp.umc.edu.