ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program honored graduates during a traditional pinning ceremony, marking the culmination of a demanding academic journey and the beginning of new careers in health care. Family members, faculty and college administrators filled the auditorium as graduates received their nursing pins, symbolizing their entry into the profession. Mike Cummings, Associate Degree Nursing program director, praised the graduates for their perseverance through a rigorous curriculum.
“This is a stressful program, and they have met all the requirements,” Cummings said. “They are successful because they stayed committed to their studies and were flexible as they were exposed to many different nursing experiences.”
Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith told graduates and their families that nursing education lies at the heart of the institution’s mission and emphasized the responsibility graduates now carry into their communities.
“There is no greater calling than what you are preparing to do,” Smith emphasized. “In moments of crisis and uncertainty, you will be the guiding hand with the professional knowledge that will help people get through and endure. I would trust every one of these graduates to care for me or my family under any circumstance.”
Class President Tristan Montague of Petal reflected on the shared challenges and growth experienced by the class, balancing humor with gratitude as he addressed classmates and supporters.
“We survived the care plans, the early mornings and the moments of wondering if we could really do this,” Montague shared. “Nursing isn’t just about skills or knowledge. It’s about compassion, advocacy and showing up when it’s hard.”
Among the graduates was Sarah Barham of Ovett, who described the ceremony as the start of a new chapter. At 21, Barham is beginning her first professional career and will start work in the intensive care unit at South Central Regional Medical Center.
“This is a new beginning for me,” Barham said. “Jones is a hard program for a reason, because we’re prepared when we go out into the field. We’re as ready as we can be.”
Brittney Morgan of Clara also celebrated the milestone as a nontraditional student and mother of three children. Over the last five semesters, she has balanced coursework, pregnancy and worked throughout the program.
“It just means a lot to show my kids that you can persevere through anything,” Morgan said. “Just because you have kids or you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It’s doable.”
Standing alongside Morgan was her longtime friend Knija Russell of Waynesboro, who completed the Practical Nursing program with Morgan and will graduate from the nurse-bridge program next year. Russell said watching Morgan’s determination has been inspiring.
“I’m so proud of her,” Russell said. “She’s a great mom, a great nurse and a great friend. I’ve watched her push through so much to get where she is today, and it motivates me as I continue my own journey.”
As graduates took the Florence Nightingale Pledge and received their pins, faculty emphasized that the ceremony represents not an ending, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to patient care, professionalism and service. Jones College’s A.D.N. program was established in 1964 and has produced generations of nurses serving hospitals, clinics and communities throughout the region.
A.D. Nursing Graduates December 2025
- Kayleigh Ainsworth, Runnelstown
- Sarah Barham, Ovett
- Jania Barnes, Mendenhall
- Carmen Bullock, Ellisville
- Diamond Bullock, Moselle
- Taylor Butler, Vancleave
- John Chauffe, Ocean Springs
- Heather Conkle, Laurel
- Chelbie Dorsey, Woodville
- Rylee Hall, Laurel
- Julie Harvey, Petal
- Morgan Hays, Raleigh,
- Autumn Henderson, Petal
- Katherine Herrin, Pachuta
- Lila Hundley, Buckatunna
- Kaitlyn Hutchinson, Raleigh
- Jessica Jones, Purvis
- Sidney McGee, Newton
- Aubree McMullan, Raleigh
- Caitlyn Middleton, Raleigh
- Tristin Montague, Petal
- Brittney Morgan, Waynesboro
- Madelyn Morgan, Ellisville
- Karley Parker, Moselle
- Jordan Rustin, Laurel
- Milca Sanchez, Laurel
- Trista Sims, Stringer
- Micaiah Sumrall, Quitman
- Addison Torrey, Waynesboro
- Daetyn Turner, Laurel
- Hannah Williams, Petal
- Savannah Worrell, Oak Grove