Ā鶹ֱ²„ graduation keynote speaker inspires grads to live like a TOPGUN pilot
ELLISVILLE ā At Ā鶹ֱ²„ās 94th Commencement Ceremony held outdoors on the North Lawn of Jones Hall, Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith offered a special thank you to the approximately 660 graduates participating in the ceremony. The collegeās motto, āInspiring Greatnessā is especially fitting for this class because as the president acknowledged publicly, the class of 2022 has inspired administrators, faculty and staff as they persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
āYou were required to adapt in unprecedented circumstances. The level of
success you attained in the midst of this season of uncertainty is remarkable. Your commitment to the classroom, your strong work ethic and your engagement in the Jones community are evidence of the future impact you will have in the world,ā said Smith.
Just like the Ā鶹ֱ²„ Class of 2022, President Smith said the keynote speaker and former TOPGUN Navy pilot, Major Nick Laviano also embodies the collegeās theme. The Ellisville native graduated from Jones County Junior College in 2005 as a student athlete, playing soccer and golf. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Mississippi State University in 2008 and was accepted into the United States Navy Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign in January 2009. A few years later after being designated as a naval aviator, his first operational assignment was in Lemoore, California, attached to the Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) where he flew the FA-18E Super Hornet. While there, he decided to pursue a lifelong dream and apply to the Navy Fighter Weapons School known as TOPGUN.
āThe (TOPGUN) course was three months long and it was extremely demanding. To this day, I still consider graduating TOPGUN as the highlight of my career. I was also lucky enough to remain on staff as a TOPGUN instructor at the conclusion of my class. Over the following three years, I worked with the most talented group of individuals Iād ever met. It was extremely humbling and rewarding,ā said Laviano.
After serving 12 years active duty in the Navy, Major Laviano has recently joined the District of Columbia Air National Guard, flying the F16 while living in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife Alicia and son, Myles. As he was preparing for the JC commencement address, Laviano realized a mantra repeated at TOPGUN would be the best advice he could share with the Class of 2022.
āBe humble, approachable and credible. These three words are how you are expected to act as a student, and more importantly, how you are expected to act as an instructor. If you are not humble, approachable and credible, you will not be an effective instructor. Therefore, you will not be able to pass on the knowledge you gained through your training. I realized, this doesnāt just pertain to the military side of things, but also to everyday life,ā said Laviano.
At some point in our lives, Laviano reasoned, everyone will be a teacher, mentor, advisor, or a consultant and part of the responsibility of having this knowledge is passing it on to future generations.
āIf you are not humble, approachable and credible, people you are expected to train will not seek out your advice and thus break the chain you worked hard to achieve,ā said Laviano.
Considering the stereotype of a fighter pilot, Laviano stressed to the audience, from his experience, the loud, cocky, brash type of people exist. However, he explained, they are usually not the best at what they do.
āThe ones who are consistently sought out for their advice, are the ones who let their actions and reputation speak for themselves.Ā There is a high level of confidence in these people, but that is not the same as cockiness,ā he explained.
Lavianoās definition of humble in a professional sense, is being a professional
with a high standard. He said the leaders he esteemed always held themselves to a higher standard, and he always wanted to meet them with that standard. Laviano urged graduates to be that person who sets the standard with their actions and let their peers be the ones who notice the results.
āTreat others like how you would want to be treatedā¦. You can always find a teachable moment but always pay attention to the type of feedback a particular person responds to best and try to tailor your instruction to help them,ā Laviano advised.
Being credible is like building your brand, the Navy pilot shared. As people
notice how you execute your job with good results, others will want to emulate you.
āEstablish yourself as a credible source and people will naturally seek you out and your advice. In my opinion, there is no greater compliment than others seeking you out based on your expertise,ā Laviano explained. āHowever, as long as it takes to build that credibility, it can be lost in an instant. If you hold yourself to that high standard, youāll be just fine.ā
With Major Lavianoās example of success and words of wisdom, President Smith reminded the class of 2022 the sky is the limit for them too.
āGraduates, I hope you see that your beginning here at Ā鶹ֱ²„ can lead you anywhere in the world. Specifically, from a seat in Calculus Based Physics into the cockpit of Americaās most advanced fighter jets. Literally, the sky is the limit! Beyond that, you can see Major Lavianoās flight plan, that you could also climb into the clouds as a TOPGUN. What could we learn from his life? Heās a great American and JC graduate and he certainly embodies our theme, āInspiring Greatness!āā
Jones graduate, W
yatt Reid of Laurel said he thinks Lavianoās three standards are advice that would help him in his future endeavors. For the next seven years, Reidās plans include getting his accounting degree, become a licensed CPA, and then earn his law degree and tax law certifications.
āMy dream job would be a constitutional law, first amendment, intellectual property lawyer and I would love to represent a college or an individual on a first amendment case,ā said Reid who is headed to MSU to tackle the first part of his goal.
Shaping the Future of Data Science in Mississippi Creates an Innovative Higher Education Partnership
Written by Dr. FinĆ©e Ruffin, Chief Marketing Officer, Ā鶹ֱ²„
ELLISVILLE – The reality of a multi-year worldwide pandemic causes even the most robust businesses and industries to pause and consider the future of work. Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith, was no different. After facing numerous disruptions to business operations, he began to prepare his community college employees for the changing demands created by a new business environment.
At the same time, Dr. Mimmo Parisi, Senior Advisor for Data Science Development & Professor at Mississippi State University, was evaluating the greater need for a holistic digital transformation across the state of Mississippi. Dr. Parisi believes āthat data is the center of our state, national, and world economicsā and that āstep one is establishing a baseline of data literacy across all levels of education and work.ā
The advent of Big Data, simply defined as the exponential increase and availability of data in our world, demands members of the labor force possess literacy and competency in data science. Big data analytics helps organizations harness their data and use it to identify new opportunities and make reasonable decisions that create value for the institution.
Mississippi State University, Mississippiās largest land grant institution, has made an educational investment in Mississippiās digital literacy foundation by creating a twelve-hour Data Science Advanced Certification Program. This program was designed to catalyze digital transformation across the landscape of community college education in Mississippi. āMississippi has one of the strongest community college systems in the nation, and the state will be uniquely positioned as a national leader in data science if this program is fully adopted across the entire Community College system,ā shared Dr. David Shaw, Provost and Executive Vice President at Mississippi State University.
In pursuit of equipping Ā鶹ֱ²„ students with data science literacy, Dr. Smith concluded that the collegeās faculty must first be equipped with the expertise to integrate data science literacy concepts into their curriculum, regardless of school or department. Smith reasoned that an essential change in the mindset of the collegeās employees and faculty would spread and instill the same mindset in graduates across campus.
The Data Science Advanced Certification Program was created as a partnership opportunity between Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC). By establishing a partnership with Mississippiās community colleges, Mississippi communities can be assisted at the ground level, shared Dr. Parisi.
Mississippi State University, in conjunction with Ā鶹ֱ²„,Ā introduced its pilot course in the Spring of 2022. A combination of 16 Ā鶹ֱ²„ faculty and staff enrolled in the Introduction to Data Science Literacy Instruction course. The course was designed to teach community college faculty and staff an introductory understanding of data science and how to use it in (1) curriculum writing and (2) college workforce development efforts.
If you would like more information on the Data Science Advanced Certification Program, please contact Dr. Mimmo Parisi at m.parisi@msstate.edu or Dr. Jesse Smith at Jesse.smith@jcjc.edu.
Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Resource and Referral Center open to the public
ELLISVILLE-After nearly two years of waiting because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Resource and Referral Center at Ā鶹ֱ²„ officially opened to serve the community. The ribbon-cutting and Open House celebration allowed daycare providers and community members to see everything the new Center offers for childcare professionals to family members and college students.
āIāve been waiting for this day for a long time,ā said Gina Carr, Director of the
Resource and Referral Center at Ā鶹ֱ²„. āWe are thrilled to finally be able to share with the community these much-needed resources. Having the Resource and Referral Center on the campus of Ā鶹ֱ²„ brings awareness to the importance of high-quality early childcare and education in our community.ā
The mission of the Resource and Referral Center Network is to provide technical assistance, professional development, including a lending library for childcare providers and families, to support a nurturing learning environment in the home and the classroom. Ultimately, the goal is to promote healthy growth and learning for all children.
āSo much happens in a young childās brain early on. It is so critical that we capitalize on those formable years and that is what this new Center is about. In a perfect world, every kid entering kindergarten would be prepared socially and educationally, but sadly thatās not true. So, that is what this center is about, preparing kids both socially and educationally,ā said Ā鶹ֱ²„ Executive Vice President, Chief Academic and Financial Officer, Rick Youngblood.
The Center offers free resources, like books, toys, and educational materials
including math and math manipulatives, science and STEM kits, language and literacy kits, curriculum enhancement materials, resource books for parenting and curriculum development and dramatic play items. Also, the Ellison Die Cut machine and lamination services are available for early childcare providers, elementary education students, parents, grandparents, and community members. By offering these resources and services free of charge, it allows providers the opportunity to invest back into their programs. Partnering with families and the community creates stronger families and a stronger community. The Resource and Referral Center also offers technical assistance for directors and classroom teachers and hosts training workshops for families and childcare providers.
āWe work in conjunction with a different college throughout the state of
Mississippi and come together monthly for training and professional development. We are one large network of resource and referral centers that functions together,ā said Carr.
The materials provided in the Center are developmentally appropriate and are available to residents in Clarke, Covington, Greene, Jasper, Jones, Smith and Wayne Counties. Additionally, the new Center offers students in Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Early Childhood Education Technology program a wealth of resources to enhance not only their educational journey but also their student teaching experience, free of charge.
In addition, the āR & Rā Center provides a one-stop-shop for families and childcare providers, which includes assisting families to find and choose childcare settings that meet their childrenās needs. Sensory sensitive toys and resources which parents can try out for two weeks to ensure their child benefits from that toy or resource are also available.
āWe do believe that what weāre doing here is very special. Everything matters. What we are doing here is focused on education and our community,ā said Ā鶹ֱ²„ President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
Resource and Referral Center Networks are part of a federal law, required in all 50 states and are funded with federal dollars through the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. Ā鶹ֱ²„ās Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. except when Ā鶹ֱ²„ is closed for holidays. For more information about the JC Resource and Referral Center, call 601-477-4139 or email at, eca@jcjc.edu
Ā鶹ֱ²„ presents, āMadrigals & Moreā at Laurelās First-Trinity Presbyterian Church
ELLISVILLE āĀ鶹ֱ²„ās Fine Arts Department invites the public to enjoy an evening of Renaissance music with the JC music department at its annual āMadrigals and Moreā concert, free of charge. The various small ensembles of JC students and faculty will be performing at First-Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel, on Tuesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. This special event spotlights a diverse group of performers, from student ensembles and solos to faculty solos, and faculty-student collaborations, featuring music from composers such as Claudio Monteverdi, Francesco Landini and Johann Sebastian Bach, to John Dowland, Thomas Morley, Domenico Cimarosa, and Georg Philipp Telemann, to name a few.
Concert hosts, JC Voices, under the direction of Dr. Susan A. Smith willĀ performĀ a variety of selections from theĀ Renaissance period. Additionally, various small vocal groups and solos will be featured throughout the evening including a performance by Assistant Director of Bands and percussion instructor, Dr. Josh Frans. He will add a new dimension to the evening with his performance of the fourth movement of J.S. Bachās, Sonata No. 1 in G minor for marimba.
Dr. Michael Boyd, JC guitar instructor, will accompany JC students, Chicago Collins of Brookhaven and MacKenzie Lacy of Pass Christian as they sing the beautiful duet, Pur ti miro from Monteverdiās LIncoronazione di Poppea.
Also accompanying JC Voices on two instrumental and vocal selections will be Assistant Band Director and flute instructor Dr. Lindsey Keay, and piano instructor, Dr. Theresa Sanchez, and Drs. Boyd and Frans. JC students, Emily Valentine of Taylorsville andĀ Hanna Grace Wood of Laurel will perform the stunning Antonio Caldara duet, Benedictus Deus, accompanied by Dr. Sanchez on organ. Darcy Beech of Ellisville, Savannah Greene of Sumrall, and Jalen Poindexter of Jackson will sing the very complex and intriguing trio, Whither Away So Fast, by Thomas Morley.
The trumpet ensemble, conducted by JCās new, brass and music instructor, Caleb Owenby, will play a stately fanfare on the newly purchased, āHerald Trumpets.ā The audience will also hear performances by Dr. Sanchez and Dr. Boyd, on somewhat rare instruments like the harpsichord and the lute. Additionally, the Flute Choir, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble will perform a variety of early music selections, led by instrumental conductors and the Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, Dr. Keay, and Owenby.
Faculty members Drs. Keay, Sanchez, and Boyd will each play solo selections, continuing a long tradition of collaborative performances hosted by JC Voices and Dr. Susan A. Smith. The concert will be narrated by JC voice instructor, Gregory Wascoe.
For more information about āMadrigals and More,ā or to find out how to support JC Voices call 601-477-4203.
2021 Members of the Chamber Choir and Madrigal Singers
Conductor, Dr. Susan A. Smith
Accompanist, Dr. Theresa Sanchez
Darcy Beech, Ellisville
Chicago Collins, Brookhaven
Savannah Greene, Sumrall
Madison Lanier, Laurel
Kambri Pippin, Laurel
Jalen Poindexter, Jackson
Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian
Anna Leigh Ragsdale, Magee
Jaylon Sims, Raleigh
Jacob Strickland, Ovett
Josiah Raine, Picayune
Emily Valentine, Taylorsville
Hanna Grace Wood, Laurel
A new goal for Ā鶹ֱ²„ās SGA President equals new opportunities
ELLISVILLE ā Soccer is just as much a part of 19-year-old Acacia Rodriguezās life as breathing. The Clinton resident canāt remember a time when she wasnāt 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.
āMy 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,ā said Rodriguez. āI 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.ā
The sophomore is well on her way to the ānext level.ā 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 Ā鶹ֱ²„ could equally prepare her to be just as successful transferring to the university and discovering other opportunities.
āI 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,ā said Rodriguez, who is majoring in Sports Management with a goal of playing soccer in Hawaii.
Rodriguezās success on the soccer field should give Ā鶹ֱ²„ 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.
āI was a bit shocked that I won the election as Student Government Association President,ā Rodriguez confessed. āI 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.ā
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.
āI 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,ā 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 Ā鶹ֱ²„, 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.
āGet 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.ā
