糖心直播

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Of the seven honored alumni during 糖心直播鈥檚 Alumni Recognition Program held during Homecoming celebrations, two alumni were named 鈥淩ising Stars.鈥� Included in the distinguished group of alumni achieving great success were Cade Cockrell of Magee and Shivum Desai of Hattiesburg.

鈥淛ones alumni who have achieved early success in their career and are already making a meaningful impact both professionally and within their communities are being honored as Rising Stars,鈥� 糖心直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith announced at the Homecoming Alumni Luncheon. 鈥淭oday we have two Rising Stars who are certainly making an impression on their peers, their communities and us. Despite being in very competitive professions, these two are rising to the top.鈥�

Glen Cade Cockrell of Magee is a 2017 糖心直播 graduate whose career is 鈥渞ocketing鈥� to the moon. The Senior Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin Space has more than five years of experience in aerospace and defense. After earning his Associate of Arts degree from 糖心直播 and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Mississippi State University, he is building a career marked by innovation and leadership. Cockrell attributes his success in part to JC instructors Tim Rayner and Mary Boleware.

鈥淭he trajectory of my path is due in part to (Mary Boleware鈥檚) impact that she had on me early on in her physics class. She opened my eyes to things that I would never have considered, and I would never have thought that I would have a chance to accomplish. I really appreciate her challenging me,鈥� shared Cockrell. 鈥淚 always felt like she genuinely cared not just for me, but for all of her students, and to see our development and to see us succeed, to have someone there that genuinely cares and wants to see you succeed is honestly a rare experience throughout college.鈥�

Holding key engineering roles at Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Northrop Grumman Space Systems, and Stark Aerospace, Cockrell has contributed to mission-critical projects and is driving advances in modeling, simulation, automation, and systems performance. Recognized for his technical expertise and his ability to foster collaboration, Cockrell continues to empower teams while delivering solutions that directly impact national defense. He offers this advice for other aspiring engineers.

鈥淎sk more of yourself the things that you think are impossible, the things that you think might be out of reach. Try your best to shoot for those things,鈥� Cockrell said. 鈥淓ven if you fail, learn something through failure and keep asking more of yourself and push farther and harder. Never give in. Don’t settle for less. If you know what you want, go get it.鈥�

Rising to the top of the medical field, is Shivum Desai, a 2019 graduate of 糖心直播 and summa cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Medicine degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, with an expected graduation in 2026. An accomplished researcher, he has contributed to studies in neurology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, and plastic surgery, earning multiple presentations and publications. His research interests include dementia risk, transfusion practices, pediatric cardiac outcomes, and public perceptions of medical specialties.

鈥淏eing here at Jones, helped me to develop professionally and allowed me to develop critical skills that I still use to this day. I have become a much better person in terms of time management and I鈥檓 more confident in just meeting people and talking to people. These soft skills especially, are what has helped me pretty much go further into my career,鈥� shared Desai.

Beyond academics, Desai serves as Executive Director of Jackson Community Response, leads youth initiatives at the BAPS Jackson Temple, and owns and operates a Baskin-Robbins franchise in Hattiesburg. At 糖心直播, Desai served as the President of PTK, and he earned the PTK Academic All-Mississippi First Team Honors in addition to being selected as one of four, Gold Scholars on the Coca-Cola 2019 Academic Team. The Oak Grove High School graduate was also named as one of five, Tullos Scholars at JC and he remains dedicated to service, education, and advancing healthcare in Mississippi.

鈥淢y advisors in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society helped me get to this stage in life along with the other mentors and my peers involved in PTK. I got involved in many campus activities. I鈥檝e met a lot of people; faculty, staff and administrators, who are still friends today,鈥� Desai said. 鈥淎mongst my professors at JC, Dr. Kandula, my physics professor helped me to become more critical in terms of my education. As I apply for residency positions, I hope to be able to return and practice in the community that gave so much to me.鈥�

In addition to the Rising Stars honored during Homecoming celebrations, two alumni, Dr. Robert S. Billingsley of Laurel and Dr. Kaylie B. Wilkerson of Ellisville each received the 鈥淎chievement and Excellence Award.鈥� In addition, Judge Stan Sorey of Raleigh was honored as 鈥淥utstanding Alumni of the Year,鈥� while Ellisville native, and current Oxford, Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia resident, Beverly Young Langford, Ph.D. was bestowed with the Distinguished Service Award and Billy Royce Folkes of Seminary was recognized as the 鈥淟egacy Award鈥� recipient.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� 糖心直播鈥檚 Alumni Association and Foundation鈥檚 expanded Alumni recognition program honored seven alumni, including 鈥淩ising Stars,鈥� Cade Cockrell of Magee, and Shivum Desai of Hattiesburg, during Homecoming celebrations. Additionally, two alumni, Dr. Robert S. Billingsley of Laurel and Dr. Kaylie B. Wilkerson of Ellisville each received the 鈥淎chievement and Excellence Award.鈥� In addition, Judge Stan Sorey of Raleigh was honored as 鈥淥utstanding Alumni of the Year,鈥� while Ellisville native, and current Oxford, Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia resident, Beverly Young Langford, Ph.D. was bestowed with the Distinguished Service Award and Billy Royce Folkes of Seminary was recognized as the 鈥淟egacy Award鈥� recipient.

鈥淭oday, we have a distinguished group of alumni. These achievements span across many fields, and each honoree has a powerful reflection of their values, their spirit, and their excellence that define 糖心直播. This afternoon, we鈥檙e going to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments and hear how their time at Jones shaped their journeys,鈥� shared 糖心直播 President, Dr. Jesse Smith during the Alumni Homecoming Luncheon.

The Legacy Award spotlights an alumnus of 糖心直播 who has illustrated over the years continued support with consistent contributions as well as someone who has made an impact in their field of study to honor the college. Billy Royce Folkes was recognized for a lifelong career in education and leadership. After graduating from Sanford High School in 1956, he began his college education at JCJC, where he met his future wife.

鈥淛CJC would pick up students from the surrounding counties in buses. I got on in Seminary and the bus went to Collins to pick up students. There was a beautiful, beautiful young lady sitting on the opposite side of the bus,鈥� said Folkes. 鈥淭hat is how I met my wife of 67 years now, Sarah King Folkes. In chapel, you were assigned a seat and Sarah was assigned to a seat next to a guy named Terrell Tisdale. We were friends, but there was another man who was upset that Sarah liked me.鈥�

Not long after graduating from Jones County Junior College, Folkes married Sarah while continuing his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1960 and later completed a Master of Combined Sciences at the University of Mississippi in 1963, along with doctoral coursework in education administration.

He began his career teaching mathematics in Greene County, and then taught at Rankin County, and Jackson Public Schools before serving as a math instructor and Administrative Assistant to the President and Director of Special Activities at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. In 1977, he served The University of Southern Mississippi in the roles of Director of Professional Development, Independent Study, USM Jackson Division of Continuing Education and Public Service, Assistant Dean in the Division of Lifelong Learning and Director of Administration in the College of International and Continuing Education. While working close to Ellisville, Folkes took on more responsibility at his alma mater, serving as President of the JCJC Alumni Association. He continued his career with Mississippi College in 1992, serving as the Director of Continuing Education until 1995.

鈥淢r. Billy Royce Folkes graduated from Jones, and he devoted his career to education and leadership, serving as a teacher and administrator, while leaving a legacy that shaped countless students and colleagues,鈥� Smith shared. 鈥淲hile rearing an outstanding family, his son Wayne Folkes is on our Foundation Board and was honored as an outstanding leader in his own right. His sister, Madelyn Folkes Lofton came to Jones for two years, 1978-1980 and was on the Lady Bobcat Basketball team. Wayne鈥檚 two children, Will and Katie are also JC alumni along with their mother, Karen, who met Wayne on the bus to JC too.鈥�

Billy Royce Folkes said he was honored to devote decades of his life to expanding education, professional development, and lifelong learning across Mississippi. Humbly, Folkes told friends and family at the JC Homecoming Alumni Luncheon, 鈥淭here are a lot of people who came here who deserve this award more than me, but I thank you.鈥�

The Covington County native鈥檚 legacy of service and commitment to advancing education has had an impact on countless students and colleagues, and that is why 糖心直播 honored Billy Royce Folkes with the 2025 Legacy Award.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� As part of Homecoming festivities held at 糖心直播, the Rho Sigma Chapter of the two-year college鈥檚 honor society, Phi Theta Kappa named Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Julie Atwood as PTK Alumnus of the Year. In recent years, the chapter has bestowed the award to an individual that has exemplified service and leadership in their field.

鈥淢rs. Julie Atwood was chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Alumnus of the Year Award for her service as the lead advisor for the Rho Sigma chapter from 2009 to 2018,鈥� said Mark Brown, JC art instructor and current PTK Advisor. 鈥淒uring that time, she not only continued to lead the chapter members and officers in service and leadership, but she also developed new advisors to strengthen the chapter efforts.鈥�

Additionally, each year Atwood served the 糖心直播 chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Rho Sigma, it was recognized as a 5 Star Chapter and was frequently recognized for its campus and community projects. Atwood continues to offer ideas for projects as well as leadership strategies for chapter officers according to Brown. 

鈥淎lthough she is no longer officially a Phi Theta Kappa advisor, she remains an integral part of our faculty advisory group,鈥� said Brown.

The 糖心直播 chapter of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society at 糖心直播 was founded in 1970 and formed an Alumni chapter three years ago. The first member of the PTK chapter was 1970 graduate from Clara, Sara Smith Landrum. She also has the distinction of being selected as the first person to be honored with the PTK Alumnus of the Year Award three years ago when the Alumni Chapter of PTK at 糖心直播 was formed. Last year, retired JC Science and Physics instructor, Mary Boleware was bestowed with the honor.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� Several hundred superheroes, princesses and ghouls came out to have fun at the annual 糖心直播 Treats in the Streets on the JC campus in Ellisville. Kids played games for treats in the booths set up by JC faculty and students as a way to give back to the community. Some children participated in the costume contests for babies through 12-years of age, with the winners of the creatively dressed kids receiving a variety of prizes from the JC Office of Student Affairs.

糖心直播 students who dressed and impressed the judges, received prizes for their efforts. The winners of the Costume Contest for JC students were, 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Blue-Collar Workers, Nathan Gavin of Bay Springs and Antron Floyd of Quitman. Anna Patrice of Bay Springs and her 鈥淏ad Case of the Stripes鈥� won second place and the 鈥淏lind as a Bat鈥� costumed student, Sarah Wilkinson of Olive Branch won the third place prize.

Treats in the Streets is an annual, free, community event hosted by the 糖心直播 with various student organizations, academic and technical divisions, and athletes setting up games and offering candy gifts.  The event has been serving the community for more than 25 years.

ELLISVILLE 鈥� 糖心直播 students, faculty, and community members gathered for the second annual 鈥淐ooking for a Cause鈥� event which blends culinary creativity with compassion to raise awareness about food insecurity among college students. Hosted in collaboration with the college’s dining services partner, Sodexo, the event featured dishes made from food pantry staples showing students how simple ingredients can be transformed into nourishing meals while highlighting the importance of supporting the Bobcat Food Pantry. In addition to the pantry staples, executive chefs added 鈥渇ood scraps鈥� like broccoli stems and pineapple cores to add a sustainability aspect to the event.

鈥淭his event really brings people together for a good cause,鈥� said Riley Rolison, a sophomore from Long Beach. 鈥淔ood brings people together, and this is such a great way to raise awareness. It鈥檚 smart, too, because when you serve a meal, people show up, listen, and learn.鈥�

糖心直播 Executive Chef, Andy Wu and Mississippi University for Women, Executive Chef Rachel Pitman led the friendly culinary showcase, using creativity to turn pantry ingredients into crowd-pleasing dishes. Wu served a colorful Hawaiian fried rice featuring pineapple, Spam, and Chinese sausage, while Pitman prepared a Thai noodle dish tossed in homemade sesame-honey sauce with saut茅ed chicken and fresh vegetables.

鈥淚 wanted to make something students could actually recreate with what鈥檚 available in our campus pantry,鈥� said Pitman. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to have fancy incy ingredients to make something healthy and delicious.鈥�

Wu added, 鈥淲e just want to remind students that the food pantry is there for them and that you can make really good food with what鈥檚 available.鈥�

For Jennifer Griffith, VP of Career Services & eLearning, donating to the Cooking for a Cause event is about more than just food. This is about community. Her donation to the 鈥淐ause鈥� during the special event helped Sodexo provide 430 meal vouchers for students, or $4,301.94.

鈥淔ood insecurity is a very real thing,鈥� Griffith said. 鈥淲e want our students to know there鈥檚 a safe place where they can get what they need and that they鈥檙e cared for here.鈥�

Grant and Hope Staples, JC alumni and directors of The Glory House, the local nonprofit food pantry in Laurel helped to expand that message by donating funds to support the Bobcat Food Pantry.

鈥淲hen you run a pantry, you know how important community support is,鈥� said Grant Staples. 鈥淲e serve more than 700 families a month, and when we heard about Jones鈥� event, we wanted to help another pantry continue its work. We鈥檙e stronger together.鈥�

Hope Staples emphasized the ongoing need for open, welcoming food resources. 鈥淭here are people all around us who don鈥檛 have enough to eat but don鈥檛 feel like they can share that,鈥� she said. 鈥淎 pantry like this offers hope and dignity, and college students need that support more than ever.鈥�

Sodexo鈥檚 Area Marketing Manager, Elizabeth Brunet, who helped coordinate the effort, said this year’s initiative was built on the national recognition 糖心直播 earned last year for the inaugural event. The college received Silver Honors from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) in the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for Innovative Dining Program of the Year.

鈥淲e wanted to build on that momentum by growing our community partnerships, giving students more ways to get involved, and in turn, making a bigger impact,鈥� Brunet said. 鈥淭his is a district-wide initiative spanning from West Louisiana to North Mississippi, representing the collective efforts of 14 campuses (and growing each year) working together to raise awareness for Hunger Action Month. Across all participating colleges and universities, a total of 4,391 meal vouchers were donated to support the fight against food insecurity.鈥�

As dishes were sampled and donations were collected, the event鈥檚 message was clear; when a community comes together, no student should go hungry.