ELLISVILLE – The 36 graduates of Jones College’s Associate Degree Nursing program entering the nursing profession were challenged to do great things by the program director, Mike Cummings. As these graduates continue to face personal and professional challenges, Cummings encouraged them to rise above and focus on making a difference.
“Do great things. While working at the bedside, do all the things you can to help your patients, continue to have goals, and grow in your career,” said Cummings. “I know this class has worked hard to overcome many obstacles to get here today and they all have unique and impressive stories.”
Class President, Titus Crouch shared with the many friends and family gathered at the Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony, some of the highlights the class encountered over the last five semesters. While overcoming nerves, learning various skills, and earning “check offs,” Crouch said these experiences forged a special bond between his classmates.
“Among these individuals is one common goal and that is to serve and to care for others in need. This is a special class and it is one of unity. Our desire to serve also manifested itself in our desire to serve each other in achieving our goals,” said Crouch.
The hardest part of nursing school, he elaborated, was the difficulty in managing busy schedules, dealing with emotional struggles, being there for friends and making sacrifices to achieve goals came along with learning about medical conditions and medications. In conclusion, Crouch challenged his peers.
“As we embark on our careers in healthcare, I believe that it is our responsibility to make a difference in our field,” said Crouch. “We must press on with the determination to show each patient that we truly care about them and that we want to make a difference in their lives….and I believe that is the heart of this class.”
Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith continued with praises of gratitude for the faculty by being excellent examples for these nurses and for choosing to train the future of the profession. He also shared his appreciation for clinical partners like South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
“We wouldn’t be able to do what we are able to do today without our longstanding clinical partnerships, and we believe these students are worth investing in,” said Smith. “These students also know that they have to have a strong family support about them, and to encourage them. It’s a very tough and frightening program. So, thank you family members for every ounce of extra effort you poured into these nursing graduates.”
Graduates earning additional recognition at the Pinning Ceremony included Titus Crouch of Ellisville, Katie Edwards of Rose Hill, Josephine Evans of Waynesboro, John-Thomas Skyler Reeves of Laurel, Shannon Smith of Carson and Jonnah Walters of Ovett for being inducted into the Associate Degree Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu.
A.D. Nurse graduates May 2025
- Bridgette Boleware, Moselle
- Titus Crouch, Ellisville
- Jordan D’Errico, Hattiesburg
- Katie Edwards, Rose Hill
- Josephine Ariana Evans, Waynesboro
- Briana Frierson, Hattiesburg
- Callie Gable, Taylorsville
- Bailey Garner, Richton
- Andre George, Laurel
- Paula Harvey, Mt Olive
- Kalyn Henry, Waynesboro
- Anne Hudson Hernandez, Hattiesburg
- Lauren Hollington, Laurel
- Leanna Harley Hutto, Laurel
- Andrew James, Moselle
- Madelyn James, Laurel
- Olivia Jenkins, Soso
- Abbigail Ledet, Richton
- Rayleigh Loyd, Florence
- Kacie McGowen, Laurel
- Molly Mize, Sandersville
- Abigail Nichols, Laurel
- Skyler Reeves, Laurel
- Danielle Sims, Laurel
- Brittney Smith, Carson
- Shannon Smith, Carson
- Graycee Strickland, Ellisville
- Andrew Thompson, Laurel
- Caleigh Thompson, Sumrall
- Sophia Tisdale, Ellisville
- Kurstin Tuttle, Lucedale
- Char-Leigh Walters, Richton
- Jonnah Walters, Ovett
- Tremayne Wheaton, Jr., Louin
- Stephanie Williams, Jackson
- Abbie Williamson, Ellisville
*Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society members
