Ā鶹ֱ²„ names 2026 Tullos Scholar recipients
ELLISVILLE ā Seven, Ā鶹ֱ²„ sophomores were named Tullos Scholars, as well as being members of the student Hall of Fame, including Roderick āTrippā Alexander of Gulfport; Sydney Clearman of Hattiesburg; William āCodyā Daley of Prentiss; Leilani DeBar of Leakesville; Larissa Hubbard of Gulfport; Ridgeland Jones of Laurel and Adam Nix of Ellisville. These students have received the collegeās highest honor for the top JC students, which includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All seven students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.
āThis honor means a lot to me because I have worked extremely hard and this accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it,ā said Ridgeland Jones who has served as the Team Captain for the Menās Tennis Team.
Additionally, Ridgeland Jones is the 2024 and 2025 Single and Menās Doubles Tennis Champion and the 2026 MACCC Menās Tennis Champion/and 2025 Region 23 Menās Tennis Champion. Jones is a member of Bobcat Brigade, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He plans to continue his education at USM and major in Kinesiology and then earn his masterās degree at William Carey University to be a coach and teacher. His parents are Donna and Robin Jones of Laurel.
Tripp Alexander is majoring in exercise science and will transfer to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama to be a pre-medicine major. He is a member of the Menās Soccer Team where he was honored twice as an NJCAA Academic All-American, and twice he earned the MACCC Championship, in addition to being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team. Mark and Christina Alexander are his parents.
āI came to Jones to play soccer, and JC means the world to me. It truly made me a different person and Iām so thankful for that!ā said Alexander. āIt means a lot that a school that poured into me so well would honor me like this!ā
Sydney Clearman is an Oak Grove High School graduate who was active in cheerleading and has continued cheerleading with the Bobcats and earned a national championship in the UCA College Nationals in January. She is also involved in the Bobcat Brigade, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, and PTK. With her biological sciences degree from USM, she hopes to continue her education at UMMC Dental School. Kevin and Selena Clearman are her parents.
āThis honor inspires me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It reminds me that success isnāt just about individual accomplishments, but about the impact you have on others and the legacy you leave behind,ā said Clearman. āJones has grown me and pushed me individually, in relationships with others, and in my relationship with Christ. Even though it wasn’t in my plan to come to Jones, it was in Godās plan, and his way is always better.ā
The 2025 Prentiss Christian High School Valedictorian, William āCodyā Daley has continued making a mark for himself academically at JC. Receiving the Letter āJā Award, and being a member of PTK, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, are just a few of his accomplishments. He also maintains his business and volunteers in nursing homes. The construction management major plans to continue his education at USM. His parents are Teddy and Susan Daley.
āThis award makes all of the early mornings and late nights of studying worth it. I am also reminded of how grateful I am for everyone who has encouraged and helped me along the way,ā said Daley. āBeing here has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my instructors and faculty members. They know me, they care about my success, and theyāve invested time and effort into helping me grow both academically and personally. Choosing Jones is a decision Iāll always value.ā
³¢±š²¹°ģ±š²õ±¹¾±±ō±ō±šās Leilani DeBar is majoring in accounting with plans to become a lawyer at Mississippi State University. She has been an active member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK, Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Non-Traditional Student Organization, while also earning the Letter āJā Award. Dennis and Kelley DeBar are Leilaniās parents.
āIām truly grateful and motivated to keep striving for excellence. I hope to use what I have learned here to make a meaningful difference. Jones helped me develop as a student and a leader, and itās where Iāve built relationships and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation,ā said DeBar.
Just like her basketball career, Larissa Hubbard is one of the top of her class. At Harrison Central High School, she graduated 10th in her class and was on the Varsity basketball team. At Ā鶹ֱ²„, Hubbard has continued to excel academically and athletically as the Team Captain, and she has also earned a spot on the Presidentās List honor roll every semester and is a member of PTK. She earned NJCAA All-Academic Team and All-MACCC Academic Honors, and NJCAA All-Conference second team honors. In addition to being in class and on the court, Hubbard volunteers with young athletes and volunteers at college events. The accounting major from Gulfport plans to continue her athletic career at Lamar University and then work on the marketing team of a major league sports team. Her parents are Byron and Kristie Hubbard.
Adam Nix of Ellisville is a member of the menās golf team, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Homecoming Court. The physics and engineering major, plans to transfer to Mississippi State to major in chemical engineering.
Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a rƩsumƩ with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos of Smith County.
Rainy weather moves Ā鶹ֱ²„ Commencement Ceremony indoors
ELLISVILLE ā&²Ō²ś²õ±č;Ā鶹ֱ²„ officials have changed the location of the 98th Annual Commencement Ceremony from outdoors on the North Lawn of Jones Hall to the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. As a result, the 665 graduates participating in commencement on Friday, May 8, have been divided into three groups for three ceremonies beginning at 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The last ceremony will include the Alumni Choir, Hall of Fame, Tullos Scholars and Middle College graduates.
Check the website /graduation/ for all details related to graduation including the link to watch the ceremonies live. It is important to note that graduates are issued four tickets for general admission. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. and no one will be allowed to enter early. Graduates will receive either an associate in arts degree, associate in applied science degree, associate of science, associate of science and technology, a technical certificate, or a career certificate. Following the ceremony, families and guests will meet their graduates in the C.L. Neill Student Center and Banquet Hall for photos. For questions specifically regarding the 2026 graduation ceremony, please contact Kacie Birdsong at 601-477-4137.
This ceremony will also mark the fourth class of the Middle College Program at Laurel High School with 19 students earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Ā鶹ֱ²„. These students, Amber Burks, Gracelyn Carmichael, Davon Chambers, Eddie Cole, Henry DeJesus, Liliana Garcia, Autumn McGill, Karina Julio, Maitin Lainez, Laila McMillan, Jamari Morrow, Arberney Pollard, Vanessa Reyes, Sydney Ridgeway, Malia Sanders, Dexyia Sullican, Javon Terrell, Alex Virgen, and Richard Ward, finished their high school requirements simultaneously while attending college courses to complete a two-year degree.
The keynote speaker for graduation will be U.S. Army Retired Major General and Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., in Jackson. Major General Augustus L. Collins, U.S. Army Retired, is the Chief Executive Officer of MINACT Inc., which is a leading workforce training, development and management corporation headquartered in Jackson. Prior to being appointed to his current position, he served for more than 35 years in the United States Army and the Army National Guard, including tours as the Director of Mobilization Forces, U.S. Army Forces Command, the Commander of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom and his final position as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. From 2019 until 2025, he served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Mississippi.
Collins initially retired from the Army in 2007 and was appointed as Commissioner, Mississippi Workersā Compensation Commission. However, in January 2012 Governor Bryant requested that he be recalled from military retirement and was appointed as the Adjutant General for the Mississippi National Guard. He served in that position until his retirement in August 2016.
Collins currently serves on the Board of Directors for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Trustmark National Bank, Mississippi Power Company and the Armed Forces Benefits Association. He is a Past President of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and currently serves as the Chairman of the University of Mississippi Foundation. He is a Charter member of the board of directors of Friends of Mississippi Veterans. He previously served on the board of directors of the National Guard Association of the United States and the New Hope Christian School. He is a former member of the Governorās Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports.
The retired general earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Northeast Mississippi Junior College. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi where he earned his Bachelorās Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, his Masterās Degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and his Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Collins has also completed studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School.
A few of his many military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, the Order of Saint George Medallion for excellence in Armor, the Combat Action Badge and the Army Staff Badge.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ & āHome Townā score points with Womenās Basketball facility renovations
ELLISVILLE ā The stars of HGTVās Home Town and Ā鶹ֱ²„ alumni, Ben and Erin Napier, returned to the Ellisville campus over the summer but this time, it was not to transform a building or a home. They were asked to shine a little attention on the Womenās Basketball facilities. Upon completion of the project, and the recent premiere of the episode, it has become obvious that the $75,000 donation to make some crucial changes has scored big points. Not only were the locker room facilities renovated, but the upgrade has also transformed the lives of the team members and coaches, bringing new energy and visibility to the program led by head coach, Trista Magee Whitman. Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith said this remodeling opportunity will be life changing for the athletes.
āThis project was about investing in our student-athletes and showing them that they matter,ā Smith said. āTo have a show with the reach of āHome Townā shine a spotlight on Ā鶹ֱ²„ is incredibly meaningful for our campus and our community, but to also work with alumni, like Ben and Erin, is even more special.ā
This project expanded its mission of restoring old things by highlighting the impact of athletics and education. Coach Magee Whitman said the renovation came at a pivotal time for her program.
āOur players put in countless hours on the court, in the classroom and in the community,ā she said. āTo see someone invest in them like this, to create a space they can truly call their own, is emotional. It tells them their hard work is seen and appreciated. Our motto is Building Champions, and this renovation helps us do just that.ā
The improvements enhanced the teamās facilities by creating a more modern and functional environment that supports both training and building a team culture. In addition to a lounge area with a sound system and a nutrition center, athletes now have a private area for evaluating and taping injuries, a sauna and cold plunge bath, and a private dressing area and the ladies have a nice bathroom and vanity area for after the game. Sophomore player Khalee Harrison of Vaughn said the changes really boosted morale.
āIt makes you feel proud,ā Harrison said. āWhen you walk into a space thatās been designed just for you and your team, it gives you a different level of motivation. It makes you want to work even harder because they invested in us and this just feels like home.ā
One of the guests and friend of Coach Magee Whitman, Christy Durham of Laurel toured the new facility prior to the premiere of the Home Town show. She is especially impressed with the renovation but emphasized the broader impact beyond wins and losses.
āThis isnāt just about basketball,ā Durham said. āItās about giving these young women confidence and showing them, they deserve something special. Trista has always poured into her players, and now thatās being poured back into her program.ā
With the episode featuring Ā鶹ֱ²„ continuing to air in the future, campus leaders say the exposure could bring lasting benefits like increased recruitment and hopefully the opportunity for more community engagement. Smith said the renovation aligns with the collegeās mission of supporting students in every aspect of their development.
āAt Jones, we believe in creating opportunities that help students succeed,ā he said. āThis project does exactly that because it elevates our facilities, but more importantly, it elevates our people.ā
Pieces of the past are placed throughout the facility including leftover hardwood from the basketball court that are now part of the accent wall, trophies and a pair of converse tennis shoes. For the coach and her players, the experience will continue to resonate with them for a long time into the future.
āThis is something theyāll remember for the rest of their lives,ā Whitman said. āThis is going to inspire future generations of Bobcat athletes.ā
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Ā鶹ֱ²„ and WDAM-TV honor Top of Class 2026
ELLISVILLE- Ā鶹ֱ²„ was thrilled to be able to host WDAM-TVās annual Top of Class 2026 recognition program with a live, āred-carpetā event. WDAM-TV news/weather personalities Riley Bridges, Trey Howard, Ross McLeod and Evan Miner and along with Ā鶹ֱ²„ executive vice presidents, Dr. Tessa Flowers and Joel Cain were photographed with the areaās valedictorians and salutatorians to commemorate the special event held at Ā鶹ֱ²„. The group of nearly 100 high school students were celebrated with a day of recognition including breakfast, entertainment and inspiring comments from WDAM-TV News Director, Emily Forrester and Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith and three Ā鶹ֱ²„ student leaders.
Each student was recognized and received a special, Top of Class Certificate of Achievement, commemorative T-Shirt and participated in the traditional Hat Toss while the WDAM-TV production crew documented the event to be featured during WDAM-Sunrise at 6:58 a.m., on May 11, through June 12, and on the WDAM-TV webpage.
āWe always look forward to hosting Top of the Class with WDAM-TV because we get to see these bright students reach the pinnacle of their high school academic careers. Plus, we get to learn about how they have already impacted their communities and hear about their future plans which include continuing to do some great things,ā said Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
Check on the WDAM-TV Top of Class website, for a schedule of when each high schoolās Top of Class video will air on WDAM-TV Sunrise News.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ celebrates retiring 2025-2026 employees
ELLISVILLE ā Ā鶹ֱ²„ held its annual āRetirement Teaā for six of the eight employees who are retiring this year, Chief Billy Chandler, Art instructor-Melanie Eubanks, Horticulture instructor-Wendy Wilkerson, A.D. Nurse instructor-Cindy May, Media & Public Relations Director-Teresa McCreery and Sports Information Director-Shawn Wansley. Also retiring are Fitness Center Director-LaVon Jones and Bookstore Manager-Lisa Sims who were not able to attend the event.
When combined, these employees provided more than 136 years of service to JC with some having additional years of service working at other professional/educational institutions.
During her 31 years at Ā鶹ֱ²„, Melanie Eubanks has been teaching art and overseeing the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery. Wendy Wilkerson has been teaching horticulture and beautifying the campus for more than 28 years. Also, with more than 28 years of service to the college is Media and Public Relations Director, Teresa McCreery. Shawn Wansley was hired to head up the sports department 18 years ago and 17 years ago, Cindy May began teaching in the Associate Degree Nursing program. Six years ago, Fitness Center Director, LaVon Jones and Bookstore Manager, Lisa Sims joined the Ā鶹ֱ²„ family.
