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ELLISVILLE – Soccer is just as much a part of 19-year-old Acacia Rodriguez’s life as breathing. The Clinton resident can’t remember a time when she wasn’t playing the game or kicking a ball. Soccer is also the key to opening the door for her to play for Lady Bobcat Soccer Head Coach, Dolores Deasley, which was not on her radar.

“My goal was to go to the University of West Florida where my high school coach played soccer. Coach Dolores reached out to me my senior year of high school and told me why she thought a JUCO would be right for me,” said Rodriguez. “I knew Coach Dolores was an international player and played for her country of Ireland. She has participated in top-level soccer and I want to do just that. Coach Dolores has the experience and knowledge to get me to the next level.”

The sophomore is well on her way to the “next level.” Rodriguez not only helped the Lady Bobcat Soccer team to a 14-3 record during the 2021 spring season, but she also helped the Bobcats qualify for its first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Evans, Georgia. Her work paid off by being named to the NJCAA Division II All-Tournament Team and the All-MACCC First Team for the season. Rodriguez soon realized Jones College could equally prepare her to be just as successful transferring to the university and discovering other opportunities.

“I came to this campus with an open mind and a willingness to succeed and Jones has provided nothing but opportunities for me to do so,” said Rodriguez, who is majoring in Sports Management with a goal of playing soccer in Hawaii.

Rodriguez’s success on the soccer field should give Jones College students an idea of her ability to multi-task and use her time wisely. When she decided to run for the office of President of the Student Government Association, she knew it would be challenging to juggle her roles as a student-athlete and keep her 4.0 GPA. Rodriguez said she did not originally plan on leading the largest student organization on campus, but she knew she would be capable of organizing and accomplishing different projects for Jones and the community.

“I was a bit shocked that I won the election as Student Government Association President,” Rodriguez confessed. “I signed up for the ballot because I thought it would give me the opportunity to put myself out there. I am very excited, however for the chance to represent the student body and bring some exciting new projects and ideas to the college.”

A few projects the new SGA President wants to incorporate include more healthy living activities like bike races, walk-a-thons, and marathons around the city of Ellisville.

“I also want to bring back the social environment lost because of Covid-19. I would like to orchestrate different activities that would bring students and teachers out of their classrooms and dorms and socialize again,” she said.

Rodriguez was first introduced to Student Council in junior high school. Getting involved in huge projects around the community, allowed her to get to know more people. When she came to Jones College, she knew she wanted to get involved in campus activities on a larger scale. Rodriguez offers this advice for anyone not sure of the best way to succeed in college and life.

“Get out there! Everyone is friendly and ready to accept you with open arms. There is always a way to become involved! Another big thing that helps, treat everyone you meet with respect and that respect will be reciprocated.”

ELLISVILLE –Jones College sophomore associate degree nursing students, Jamie Boleware-Collins, Hannah Bynum-Mendenhall, Anthony Daniels-Hattiesburg, Alyssa Mobbs-Hattiesburg, Callie Shows-Ellisville and Jeshaiah Stephens-Ellisville were inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu.  Requirements for induction into the Nursing Honor Society include having a “B” average in all nursing courses with no repeats, completing a capstone project prior to graduation and demonstrating conduct on campus and in clinical areas which reflect integrity and professionalism.

“The Jones nursing faculty were vital to our success. They nurtured us like our mothers while pushing us towards being the best nurses,” said Anthony Daniels.

Family, friends and students gathered for the induction ceremony to recognize the achievements of the five students.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College held its annual “Retirement Tea” for 12 employees who retired in 2020 and the eight employees who are retiring this year. When combined, these 20 employees provided 459.5 years of service to JC, with some having additional years of service working at other educational institutions.

This year’s retirees include Ronald Bishop who has taught Social Science courses and served as the Division Chair for the department over his 32 years at Jones College. Lee Graham served in the Alumni and Foundation Office as Assistant Vice President for 18 years. For the last 15 years, Juanita Jefcoat worked for Workforce College as a Test Administrator at the Advanced Technology Center. Jeff Keeton has taught Forestry Technology for more than 26 years and served as Division Chair. Erin Knight also served the college for more than 26 years as Associate Degree Nursing Division Chair and instructor. Sonja McCaskill leaves Jones College after five years of teaching in the Social Science department. Tim Rayner is retiring after spending 28 years as a math instructor. Cheryl Windam has spent the last 25 years serving the college as an English instructor and Humanities Division Chair.

Retiring last May after 25 years, was Patricia Brownlee who worked in the Campus Housing department. Social Science instructor, Jacqueline Canizaro retired after 12 years. Joseph Davis served the college for 35 years as a Social Science and athletic trainer/instructor. After retiring as Athletic Director, Katie Herrington is also retiring as a physical education instructor after 32 years. Tim Ishee retired from teaching Agriculture Science after 34 years. Stan Lewis leaves Jones College with more than 17 years as an Electrical Technology instructor along with Randy Purdum, who spent 25 years also teaching Electrical Technology. Marilyn Long retired from the Duplicating Office after 22 years. David Lowery taught English courses for 18 years. After 29 years, Milton Newell retired from the Maintenance Department. Emily Phillips leaves the Associate Degree Nursing division as an instructor for 14 years. Winnie Walters ended her career as an instructor in Adult Education after 20 years.

Picture Cutline 20 and 21 retirees group – Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith and employees gathered to congratulate retiring employees from 2020 and 2021. These employees have served in various roles at the college and were honored at the annual Jones Retirement Tea. Pictured left to right seated are, Winnie Walters, Emily Phillips, Lee Graham, Erin Knight, Katie Herrington, Cheryl Windham, Jaqueline Canizaro, Sonja McCaskill and Marilyn Long.  Pictured standing in the back, left to right are Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith, Randy Purdum, David Lowery, Stan Lewis, Jeff Keeton, Joseph Davis, Milton Newell, Tim Rayner, Tim Ishee, and Ronald Bishop.

 

ELLISVILLE –Jones College will resume normal operations at all campuses on Thursday, February 18, 2021. However, everyone should use caution in their travels to and from the main campus in Ellisville and the County Centers. Additionally, students should contact their instructors for any additional assistance if they are unable to travel to campus.

If any further updates or additional changes to campus operations are needed, they will be communicated through campus email, local media outlets, social media, and on the Jones College website.

ELLISVILLE – On the first day of the June summer session at Jones College, students and faculty were adhering to the CDC guidelines by wearing masks and keeping their distance. Everyone was screened upon entering campus at five different locations.

Two nursing majors, Rebekah Walters of Laurel and Andrew Wu of Hattiesburg were amongst the first Jones College students back on campus today. They started their day at 7:30 a.m.with Anatomy & Physiology.

Waynesboro residents, Hunter Grimes (top of truck) and Kaleb Brewer (right) began their first day of the June summer session in Jones College’s light-duty diesel repair program.

Welding instructor at Jones College, Billy Clark (left) gives tips to Alana Jolly of Clinton as she works on her A.W.S. national welding certification this summer.

Dr. Matthew Burnham began the first day of the June summer session at Jones College with his students in the Principles of Biology class.

Several Jones College students began the first day of the June summer session at Jones College in Dr. Corey Jones’ math class.