糖心直播

ELLISVILLE 鈥� The third class of 糖心直播鈥檚 Practical Nursing graduates earned their degrees at the Jasper County Center in Bay Springs and received their professional pins at a ceremony recently held at the Center. Amongst the 14 graduates, three students were honored with special recognition. Earning the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest average score in her class was Quinteshia Jones of Louin. The 26-year-old initially thought she wanted to be an educator but realized she had more opportunities in nursing to help more people.

鈥淚 really wanted to contribute more to my community and through nursing I think I can make a greater impact,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淕raduating today, overcoming a hurdle that I honestly didn鈥檛 think I could do, because I felt I could handle the academic part, but I had to work on my mindset, feels good. I was lacking confidence but my support system, everyone at school, friends and family got me through this.鈥�

Maylazia Hardy of Louin started the practical nursing program at the main campus in Ellisville but found the smaller classrooms and accessible instructors at the Jasper County Center was just what she needed to be successful. She earned the Rising Star Award during the Pinning and Completion Ceremony for showing continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting and her positive attitude and perseverance has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge.

鈥淣ursing gives me the opportunity to be more hands on in helping people and just spread the love,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淚 love putting smiles back on the faces of individuals who feel like they don鈥檛 matter or are overcome by illness and need to be lifted up to heal. That鈥檚 a great feeling!鈥�

The Florence Nightingale Award went to Kelli Thornton of Louin because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing. Practical Nursing Instructor at the Jasper County Center, Lisa Hammons shared,

鈥淭his class has shown an exceptional amount of dedication, perseverance, compassion and excellence throughout their time in this program,鈥� said Hammons. 鈥淭hey are truly an exceptional group of women who are well prepared and ready to take on the new challenge of nursing in the workplace. I am confident in their abilities and could not be more proud of their success.鈥�

For more information about the Practical Nursing Program at 糖心直播, offered in Jasper and Wayne Counties and on the main campus in Ellisville, click on the website: /programs/practicalnursing/

Jasper County Practical Nursing Summer Graduates

1. Gabrielle LeRandra Batton, Florence
2. McKenna Myste猫 Bailey Cox, Louin
3. Jermiah Cross, Clinton
4. Maylazia Hardy, Louin
5. Nadasha Jones, Louin
6. Quinteshia Jones, Louin
7. Criston Little, Mize   
8. Joashley Moncrief, Louin      
9. Tialea Parker, Laurel
10. Monique Robinson, Newton  
11. Christauna Sanson, Laurel    
12. Kimberlea Strickland, Raleigh
13. Kelli Thornton, Louin
14. Karli Chandler Whisenhant, Vossburg

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC鈥檚 website ().

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� 糖心直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith hosted a special celebration for the officer team of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and their parents after capturing the Distinguished Officer Team Award at the International PTK Convention held in Kansas City, earlier this year. The 糖心直播 Officers are a team of young ladies who impressed the leadership of the prestigious two-year Honor Society for various reasons. President, Meghan Torrano of Morton; VP of Leadership, Dannah Knighton of Madison; VP of Service, Baleigh Patton of Oak Grove; VP of Scholarship, Hope Houston of Laurel; VP of Fellowship, Addie Thames of Petal; Honors in Action Director, Bailey Blakeney of Mize; College Project Director, Jordan Parker of Ellisville and Treasurer and Director of Fundraising, Hannah Byrd of  State Line, were one of only 30 officer teams recognized from the more than 1200 chapters globally.

鈥淚 think we were all in shock when our names were called, because most people think having an all-girl officer team would be filled with drama, but it was a sisterhood for us filled with love for each other,鈥� explained Torrano. 鈥淚t was a very special honor to walk across the stage at the International PTK Convention with our award and representing 糖心直播. We worked hard together this year; it took teamwork, not just one person to earn this award.鈥�

In addition, the 糖心直播 PTK Rho Sigma chapter was named a Top 100 chapter out of over 1200 chapters globally at the International Convention and PTK Advisor and geography instructor, Dr. Caleb Smith was selected to present a breakout session entitled, 鈥淧reparing Your Digital Footprint for the Workforce.鈥�

At the Spring Regional Awards Meeting held at the University of Mississippi, the JC chapter was named a 5-Star chapter, it earned the Top 10 Overall in the Region for the College Project Award and the Honors in Action Project Theme Category was selected for a Top 3 Award. Also, the officers earned the Regional Distinguished Officer Team Award.

ELLISVILLE– Approximately 100 of the 165 students earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma at 糖心直播 over the last year will be participating in a commencement ceremony held in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium at 糖心直播 on Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Besides receiving their HSE diploma, during the ceremony, high scoring students will learn if they are a recipient of a scholarship to continue their education at 糖心直播.

Retired Army National Guard Colonel Robert 鈥淏art鈥� Bartran will be serving as the keynote speaker at the event. After serving as a military policeman and in civilian law enforcement for the last 36 years, the West Jones High School graduate is leading the charge over a new program at 糖心直播 called, JC CORP or Counterdrug Operational Resources Program. It has been created to play a vital role in the mitigation of the drug epidemic while also enhancing community relations. Additionally, Bartran will be offering advanced training for JC鈥檚 criminal justice majors. As the Director of the JC CORP, he will be handling some of the same logistic duties he did as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian.

He attended 糖心直播 and earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Hinds Community College, before completing his Bachelor鈥檚 of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. Bartran earned his Master鈥檚 Degree at Liberty University, with a major in Executive Leadership. Before joining the Active Guard and Reserve Programs, he graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Jackson. Over ten years, in his Civilian Law Enforcement career, Bartran served in the Ridgeland and Laurel City police departments and as a Senior Narcotics Agent for the Jones County Sheriff鈥檚 Department.

Bartran鈥檚 military training includes graduating from Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1995, Military Police Officer Basic Course training and being assigned to the 113th Military Police Company. He was selected as the Battalion Commander for the 112th Military Police Battalion from 2018 until 2021. After returning from being deployed overseas, Bartran served at every echelon in the state from the platoon level all the way up to the State Headquarters Primary/Special Staff and a Brigade Command Equivalent before being appointed as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard in 2021 and Commander of the RCTA. During his career, Bartran is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation. Some of the medals and honors he earned over his career include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governor鈥檚 final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025.

ELLISVILLE – Fourteen 糖心直播 faculty and staff members were recently honored for their workplace accomplishments over the previous academic year. The Employee Appreciation Awards began in 2004 with funds contributed by retired JCJC President, Dr. Ronald Whitehead, and the college鈥檚 Foundation, Inc. Finalists were selected and interviewed by the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program鈥檚 Selection Committee. Prior to the employee recognition program, a brunch was provided by the college and the JCJC Foundation Inc.

The Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established eight years ago to honor a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out amongst their peers. Director of Landscape Services, Brian Johnson, was selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence. 糖心直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith praised Johnson鈥檚 鈥済rowing鈥� abilities over the 18 years he has served at 糖心直播. His job includes overseeing the campus landscape department, sports turf department and waste removal. 

鈥淚 started working at 糖心直播 18 years ago in November as the sports turf manager. However, for the last four years, I have served as Director of Landscape Services,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淚 have a very 鈥榟ands on鈥� approach to leading my departments. That style of management seems to work well for the people I manage. I believe leadership is something that takes time for one to develop through many good times and difficult times. For me to receive this award is validation that the style of leadership I provide works. I am honored to be nominated and voted to receive this award.鈥�

English instructor, Asheley Means received the Barbara & Gary Sauls Award for Excellence in Teaching Humanities. The scholarship and awards committee acknowledged how the Humanities Division instructor exemplifies intellectual integrity in the classroom, and has encouraged analytical thinking skills, she loves humanitarian pursuits and fosters a positive rapport with her students. This award was initiated by JCJC alumni, Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. 鈥淏uddy鈥� and Barbara Sauls. Their daughter, Tracy, was a 1990 JCJC graduate. Mr. Sauls was a former JCJC Board of Trustees member and Barbara Sauls is currently on the JCJC Foundation鈥檚 Advisory Board. Means was awarded a $500 cash prize and an acrylic plaque.

In the individual employee appreciation honors, 12 individuals from three categories of employees, faculty members, office staff and administrative support, and employees working in maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police were each awarded certificates of achievement. Faculty finalists each received a cash prize of $250, and the overall winner received an additional $750 and an acrylic plaque. Each staff employee finalist was awarded a cash prize of $125, and the overall winner received an extra $500 and an acrylic plaque.

Finalists for the faculty awards included, Diesel Mechanic & Automotive instructor, Brad Ellzey, Psychology instructor, Kisha Jones, Agriculture Science instructor, Leanne Kilgore, Business & Technology instructor, Kandace Martin and Associate Degree Nursing instructor, Oshaugnessye McCormick. Selected as the Teacher of the Year was Kandace Martin for her dedication to Jones and managing numerous online courses.

Nominated for the Office Staff and Administrative Support Employee of the Year Award was Workforce College Project Lead Developer-Conor Bryant, the Wayne County Center Administrative Assistant-Curley Davis, I.T. Programmer & Analyst-Ethan Morris, and Testing Center Administrator/eLearning Support assistant, Amber Yarnell. Morris was selected as the Employee of the Year for the Office Staff and Administrative Support division.

In the maintenance, housekeeping, campus grounds and campus police department division, Environmental Safety/Housekeeper, Juanita Walters was nominated along with Groundskeeper Caleb Overland and Transportation employee, Adam Holifield with Holifield earning the top prize.

As an honorary employee of the college, Sodexo cafeteria employee, Michelle Keyes was recognized for her work. She received a $500 cash award for her efforts on behalf of the college.

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC鈥檚 website ().

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� A new program being offered at 糖心直播 called JC CORP or Counterdrug Operational Resources Program has been created to play a vital role in the mitigation of the drug epidemic while also enhancing community relations and offering advanced training for JC鈥檚 criminal justice majors. Retired Army National Guard Colonel Robert 鈥淏art鈥� Bartran鈥檚 new job as Director of the JC CORP, includes a continuation of some of his previous job duties as the Director of the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) through the National Guard based in Meridian. The biggest difference will be his 鈥渁udience.鈥�

鈥淛C CORP is going to be all-encompassing. We鈥檙e offering operational resources for law enforcement, whether it be training or facilities. Also, I鈥檓 offering the same education and working with the same professional instructors and contractors,鈥� said Bartran. 鈥淭he only difference is I am going from training the current law enforcement officers to preparing the future of law enforcement.鈥�

The goal of the JC CORP is to redefine public safety education across Mississippi and position 糖心直播 as a statewide leader in Criminal Justice and Workforce Development through JC CORP. This program is a high impact, forward thinking initiative that combines the power of academic instruction, public safety training, forensic science, and trauma resiliency into one comprehensive program.

鈥淭he quest to remain ahead of the competition out there, the enemy or criminals, is to stay in front of them. It requires resources and it鈥檚 hard to keep up,鈥� said Bartran. 鈥溙切闹辈� has lots of resources that I will be utilizing for training, like the Simulation Lab, to better prepare law enforcement officers to be proactive instead of training from a reactive perspective. We鈥檙e tailoring our training and trying to make our law enforcement officers better equipped to prevent tragic events from occurring while instilling another level of discipline and professionalism.鈥�

JC CORP is offering advanced, free training, like nothing in the state. Bartran鈥檚 vast police and military experience includes 36 years of serving as a local policeman and sheriff deputy, being deployed overseas, commanding the 112th Military Police Battalion, serving as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard, and Commander of the RCTA. During his career, Bartran is credited with training more than 36,000 law enforcement professionals throughout the nation. The 1988 West Jones High School graduate also earned countless medals and honors along the way, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Governor鈥檚 final rank advancement and Honorary Promotion to Brigadier General when he retired in April 2025.

鈥淭his is so rewarding to be able to share my knowledge and experience. I appreciate Dr. Jesse Smith, the President of 糖心直播 for providing this opportunity and the much needed resources to enhance law enforcement training here,鈥� said Bartran.

After graduating from West Jones, Bartran began studying criminal justice at JCJC and earned his Associate鈥檚 Degree from Hinds Community College. He completed his Bachelor鈥檚 of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi and earned his Master鈥檚 Degree at Liberty University with a major in Executive Leadership. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Jackson. Additionally, Bartran鈥檚 military training includes graduating from Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1995, Military Police Officer Basic Course training and being assigned to the 113th Military Police Company. He was selected as the Battalion Commander for the 112th Military Police Battalion from 2018 until 2021. After returning from being deployed overseas, Bartran served at every echelon in the state from the platoon level all the way up to the State Headquarters Primary/Special Staff and a Brigade Command Equivalent before being appointed as the Director of the Counterdrug Program for the Mississippi National Guard in 2021 and Commander of the RCTA.

Furthermore, Bartran will be applying and sharing all of his criminal justice experience with 糖心直播 students as an integral part of the curriculum in the very near future. To learn more about the JC CORP or the new criminal justice courses being offered, contact Bartran by email at bart.bartran@jcjc.edu