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ELLISVILLE, MS – Determination, hard work, and a passion for helping others have paved the way for former Jones College Middle College student Sydney Ridgeway, who was recently named a recipient of the 2026 Bower-Delta State University Transfer Nursing Scholarship through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. 

Ridgeway, a Laurel High School graduate and former Jones College Phi Theta Kappa member, was one of two Mississippi community college students selected for the prestigious scholarship, which provides $4,000 per semester, up to $20,000, to assist with educational expenses while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Delta State University.

For Ridgeway, the recognition represents more than financial assistance. It is a reflection of the perseverance that began long before she set foot on Delta State鈥檚 campus. 

When Ridgeway transferred to Laurel High School during her junior year, she learned about the Middle College program, a partnership between Laurel High School and Jones College that allows eligible students to earn an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. Although her initial ACT score did not meet the program鈥檚 requirements, she refused to let that stand in the way of her ambitions. 

She began taking dual-enrollment courses in the fall of 2024 while continuing to study and prepare for the ACT, determined to earn her place in the Middle College program and get a head start on her dream of becoming a nurse. 

“It was not easy, and there were times when I felt discouraged, but I kept pushing myself because I knew what I was working toward,” Ridgeway said. “When I finally reached the score I needed, it showed me that determination and not giving up can open doors to opportunities you once thought were impossible.”

Her determination extended far beyond the classroom. While completing college coursework, Ridgeway remained actively involved at Laurel High School, serving on the Student Council and competing as a member of the school鈥檚 girls鈥� state championship basketball team. Despite balancing a demanding academic schedule with extracurricular activities, she graduated as salutatorian of Laurel High School’s Class of 2026.

Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Eubanks said Ridgeway鈥檚 ability to balance academics, athletics, and leadership reflects the character that has contributed to her many successes. 

“Sydney is a model student and a class act who has represented Laurel High School and the Laurel School District extremely well,” Eubanks said. “We need individuals in healthcare who have strong character, good judgment, and a genuine heart for serving others. Sydney possesses those qualities, and I have no doubt she will do well.”

Jamie Williams, Jones College Dual Enrollment Coordinator, who worked with Ridgeway through the Middle College program, echoed these sentiments. 

“She is incredibly sweet, hardworking, and driven,” Williams said. “It was impressive to see her balance being heavily involved in high school activities while still pushing herself academically and excelling as a Jones College student.”

Williams said Ridgeway鈥檚 accomplishments are a perfect example of the opportunities made possible through the partnership between Laurel High School and Jones College. 

“I love seeing our Middle College students continue to succeed after graduation, and Sydney is a great example of what the partnership between Laurel High School and Jones College can help students accomplish,” she added.

Jones College is grateful for its continued partnership with the Laurel School District through the Middle College program, which lets eligible students earn their high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. By letting students complete college coursework while still in high school, the program gives them a valuable head start in higher education and helps prepare them for a successful transition to university or in the career field.

Ridgeway鈥檚 accomplishments reflect the impact of that partnership and the opportunities made possible when educational institutions work hand-in-hand to support student success. Her journey from Laurel High School to Jones College and now Delta State University serves as an example of how the Middle College program can help students build a strong academic foundation while pursuing their long-term goals. 

While Ridgeway credits the Middle College program with helping her develop her time management, communication, and study skills, she said one Jones College instructor had a particularly meaningful influence on her career path. 

Eric Shows, PTK Advisor and her microbiology instructor, challenged her academically while helping her discover a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the nursing profession. 

“Being in his class made me realize even more that nursing was my passion,” Ridgeway said. “Learning about different bacteria and viruses showed me that nursing is about much more than just wearing scrubs. It is about understanding the millions of different diseases and health conditions people experience and being able to care for and help them through those challenges.”

She said the experience also taught her the value of discipline, sacrifice, and believing in her abilities, lessons she continues to carry with her in nursing school. 

Shows said Ridgeway鈥檚 recognition reflects her commitment to making the most of the opportunities available to her.

“This award recognizes the hard work she exhibited inside and outside the classroom, and it shows how she truly maximized the opportunities that were available to her as a PTK member and more broadly, as a Middle College participant at Jones,” Shows said. “There’s great value in what students can experience as Middle College participants, PTK members, and Bobcats, and Sydney’s success is a great example of that.”

Established through a partnership among the Bower Foundation, Delta State University and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the Bower-Delta State University Transfer Nursing Scholarship helps Mississippi community college students overcome financial barriers while preparing for careers in nursing. 

Ridgeway is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Delta State University鈥檚 Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. Following graduation, she plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner, allowing her to further pursue her passion for helping others through healthcare. 

“Receiving this scholarship has shown me how far I have come at such a young age and has taught me that with hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals,” Ridgeway said. “This scholarship means so much to me because it gives me the opportunity to pursue my goals while helping reduce some of the financial burden of college.”

As she looks toward the future, Ridgeway hopes her journey will inspire other high school students to pursue opportunities such as dual enrollment and Middle College, even when that path requires sacrifice. 

“Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish something,” she said. “You will make it across the finish line, and when it is all over, you will be extremely proud of yourself and the person you have become.”

Her advice also includes making time to enjoy the experiences that come with being a student. 

“Get involved, make memories, meet new people, and have fun while you can,” Ridgeway said. “Overall, whatever path you choose, be yourself, keep your faith, get involved, and prioritize your educational goals.”

For Ridgeway, her road to a career in nursing has already been marked by determination and resilience. While her journey has taken her from Laurel High School to Jones College and now Delta State University, the foundation she has built as a Bobcat continues to shape her path ahead, showing that the road to a brighter future begins at Jones. 

Ellisville, MS – Ghosts, goblins, and superheroes of all ages are invited to Jones College for an evening of Halloween fun as the annual 鈥淭reats in the Streets鈥� celebration returns on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. on the Bobcat Plaza.聽

Hosted by the Jones College Office of Student Affairs, along with campus clubs and organizations, the family-friendly event will feature more than 35 booths offering treats, games, and activities for all to enjoy. 

In addition to visiting booths, attendees will be able to enjoy train rides, movie showings, and a special performance by the Jones College Typhoon Marching Band and more! Three food trucks will also be on-site, offering a variety of food options for purchase throughout the evening. 

One of the evening鈥檚 highlights, the annual costume contest, will begin at 7 p.m. on the main stage on the plaza. Children ages 0 to 12 are invited to show off their creative, spooky and fun Halloween costumes during the children’s costume contest. A separate costume contest for Jones College students will immediately follow, giving Bobcats an opportunity to join in the Halloween festivities.

The annual celebration brings Jones College students, faculty, staff, and community members together for an evening of Halloween festivities, offering families an opportunity to enjoy the holiday in a fun and welcoming campus atmosphere. 

The event will take place outdoors on the Bobcat Plaza and may be modified or canceled in the event of inclement weather. 

For more information about 鈥淭reats in the Streets鈥�, please contact the Jones College Office of Student Affairs at 601-477-4030. 

Ellisville, MS – This year鈥檚 recipient of the Outstanding Alumni of the Year is Jones College Alumnus Josh Nowell. The Outstanding Alumni of the Year recognizes the accomplishments and service of former students who have exhibited exceptional service and brought honor to the College.

A lifelong resident of Laurel, Mississippi, Joshua 鈥淛osh鈥� Nowell is a businessman, entrepreneur, and community developer whose passion for historic preservation and small-town revitalization has helped transform his hometown into a destination for visitors from across the country.

A 2001 graduate of Northeast Jones High School, Nowell earned his associate degree from Jones College in 2003 before continuing his education at the University of Mississippi, where he received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Business Administration in 2006. 

Following college, Nowell and his wife, Emily, established a team of oil and gas consulting and land service professionals, working with landowners and exploration companies throughout the country. Their travels to small towns across America deepened Nowell鈥檚 appreciation for the history, character and potential of his hometown, inspiring the couple to invest in Laurel鈥檚 future. 

In 2014, Josh and Emily purchased and restored their first historic building in downtown Laurel, marking the beginning of their efforts to preserve the city鈥檚 architectural heritage and revitalize the downtown district.

Two years later, the couple partnered with longtime friends Ben and Erin Napier and Jim and Mallorie Rasberry to reopen Laurel Mercantile Co., a historic hometown store dedicated to celebrating American-made goods and craftsmanship. Their partnership continued to grow with the addition of Scotsman General Store in 2018, Scotsman Manufacturing in 2021, and the Scent Library in 2022.

Nowell鈥檚 contributions to Laurel鈥檚 revitalization have also been featured on HGTV鈥檚 Home Town and Home Town: Inn This Together, where viewers have followed the group鈥檚 efforts to restore historic properties and bring new opportunities to the community. 

Most recently, Nowell and his business partners transformed downtown Laurel鈥檚 historic Kress building into The Heirloom, a boutique hotel featured in Home Town: Inn This Together. He also co-hosts The Heirloom Podcast alongside business partner Jim Rasberry. 

Through his business ventures and community involvement, Nowell remains dedicated to preserving Laurel鈥檚 history while creating opportunities for economic growth and future development. His commitment to historic preservation, American-made craftsmanship, and small-town revitalization reflects his belief that communities can embrace progress while honoring the traditions and character that make them unique. 

Nowell and his wife, Emily, reside in Laurel with their four children. 

Ellisville, MS – This year鈥檚 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award is Dr. Vinay Kumar. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to friends of the college who demonstrate outstanding commitment to Jones College鈥檚 values and community.

Born in a small town in India, Dr. Vinay Kumar began his medical journey at just 16 years old when he entered medical school. By age 21, he had performed his first surgery, and at 24, he completed his residency training and earned his Master of Surgery degree, receiving a prestigious gold medal in recognition of his academic and clinical excellence. 

In 1980, Kumar moved to the United States to pursue advanced medical training at New Jersey Medical School and Arizona Heart Hospital. During his training, he developed a particular interest in minimally invasive vascular procedures, an emerging field that would become a defining focus of his medical career. In 1991, he placed the first vascular stent in Arlington, Texas, marking an important advancement in regional vascular care. 

His contributions to medicine continued to earn national recognition. In 2003, Kumar received an award at EuroPCR, a leading international cardiovascular conference, for his presentation, 鈥淎 Christmas Miracle,鈥� which highlighted an innovative technique for removing a blood clot in a stroke patient. His work demonstrated a commitment to advancing medical procedures and sharing his expertise with other healthcare professionals. 

Recognizing the need for improved access to specialized vascular care in rural Mississippi, Kumar relocated to Hattiesburg in 1993 and later established his practice in Laurel. Over the next three decades, he performed more than 12,000 vascular procedures, becoming one of Mississippi鈥檚 most experienced vascular specialists. His expertise also led to opportunities to speak at medical conferences around the world, sharing advancements in minimally invasive vascular techniques. 

Beyond his medical career, Kumar maintains a passion for research, technology, and lifelong learning, with interests ranging from financial markets and investment strategies to golf.

His commitment to helping others extends beyond healthcare. Alongside his wife, Debbie, Kumar co-founded the Vinay and Debbie Kumar Foundation, an organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students facing financial and personal challenges. Through the foundation, he plays an active role in strategic planning, donor relations, and the development of scholarship programs designed to support students both academically and personally. 

The foundation鈥檚 mission reflects Kumar鈥檚 belief that a student鈥檚 potential should never be limited by circumstance. By addressing barriers to educational success, the organization works to provide students with the resources and encouragement needed to pursue their goals. 

From pioneering advancements in vascular medicine to improving access to healthcare in underserved communities and supporting students through educational opportunities, Kumar鈥檚 career reflects a lifelong commitment to innovation, compassion, and service. His contributions continue to make a lasting impact on the patients, students, and communities he has dedicated his life to serving. 

Ellisville, MS – This year鈥檚 recipient of the Legacy Award is Jones College Alumnus J. Terrell Williams. The Legacy Award recognizes an Alumnus of Jones College who is fifty years post-graduation, has demonstrated continued support over the years, and has made consistent contributions to honoring the College.

J. Terrell Williams has built a career defined by innovation, entrepreneurship, an a commitment to lifelong learning, with roots tracing back to this education at Jones County Junior College

A 1965 graduate of Jones County Agricultural High School, Williams attended Jones County Junior College in 1966 and 1967 before beginning his career with Exxon in 1969. Specializing in offshore operations, particularly deep-water drilling and production, he advanced to become the first instructor of Exxon鈥檚 Subsea Well Control School, sharing his knowledge and expertise in a highly specialized and developing field. 

Following his career with Exxon, Williams pursued entrepreneurship, establishing his own company and expanding his expertise into engineering, drafting, equipment design, and manufacturing. His innovative work led to several patented inventions and contributions to the oil and gas industry. 

In 2010, Williams was called upon to share his expertise during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Serving as a consultant, he worked alongside congressional leaders and other stakeholders on efforts that contributed to the successful and permanent containment of the well.

Despite a career marked by professional accomplishments and innovation, Williams has remained grateful for the educational foundation he received at Jones. He credits mentors at Jones County Junior College with encouraging his curiosity and helping shape his approach to learning, problem solving, and professional growth.

Throughout his life, Williams has embraced a guiding principle: 鈥淓ducation is not a destination-it is a lifelong process.鈥� He believes earning a diploma or degree is not the conclusion of an education, but the beginning of a lifetime of discovery, growth, and opportunity. 

From his early days at Jones County Junior College to a career that has influenced advancements in offshore drilling and production, Williams鈥� journey reflects the lasting impact of education and the importance of remaining curious, embracing challenges, and continuing to learn.