91猎奇

Ellisville, MS – This year鈥檚 recipients of the Achievement and Excellence Award are Justin Archer Burch and Sean McDonald. The Achievement and Excellence Award recognizes alumni of Jones College, forty years and under, who have demonstrated professional and personal success throughout the community.

Justin Burch

Justin Archer Burch is a nationally recognized economic and community development leader whose career has been dedicated to creating economic opportunities, strengthening rural communities, and bringing investment to the Mississippi Delta and communities throughout the American South.

Burch is the founder, president, and CEO of Delta Compass, a Greenville-based organization focused on economic and community development, philanthropy, and regional investment. Through his leadership, the organization works to strengthen rural communities by connecting workforce development, entrepreneurship, justice, and the arts with opportunities for economic growth and community revitalization. 

With more than 15 years of experience, Burch has held leadership positions with several prominent regional and national organizations. Before founding Delta Compass, he served as national economic development director for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, where his work supported communities across all 50 states and two U.S. territories. He previously served as director of programs for the Delta Regional Authority, overseeing economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and job creation initiatives throughout the eight-state Mississippi River Delta region. 

Earlier in his career, Burch served as head of community development for the Foundation for the Mid South, supporting efforts to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunities across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 

Throughout his career, Burch has helped secure tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic and government investments while building partnerships among government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. His work has supported initiatives ranging from workforce and small business development to infrastructure improvements, cultural preservation, and neighborhood revitalization. 

His leadership has earned recognition through several prestigious national programs. Burch is a Presidential Leadership Scholar, an initiative associated with the presidential centers of four former U.S. presidents. He was also selected among the first 100 Americans to participate in President Barack Obama鈥檚 leadership network and is a member of the Obama Foundation鈥檚 global leadership community. 

Additionally, Burch was named a 2025 Aspen Ideas Fellow and has participated in leadership development programs through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. He has also served in leadership and advisory roles with the Southern Economic Development Council, Delta Philanthropic Forum, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis鈥� Memphis Zone Community Development Advisory Council. 

Burch earned an Associate of Arts degree from Jones College before receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Social Science degree from Mississippi College. His continuing education includes professional studies through Harvard University, Indiana University, the University of Tennessee, and the National Development Council. 

Despite his work with national organizations and institutions, Burch remains deeply committed to the Mississippi Delta and the communities that shaped his career. His approach to economic development emphasizes the importance of preserving the history, culture, and identity of rural communities while creating opportunities for future generations. 

Through Delta Compass and his continued leadership, Burch works to demonstrate that economic growth and community preservation can go hand in hand, allowing rural communities to build stronger futures while celebrating the people and traditions that make them unique. 

Burch and his wife, Cameryn Miller Burch, are the proud parents of two children, Catherine Lawrence and Archer Henry. 

Sean McDonald

A 2012 graduate of Jones College鈥檚 Electrical Technology program, Sean McDonald has built a career rooted in his lifelong passion for agriculture and a commitment to serving his community. 

As a poultry and row crop farmer in Jones County, McDonald has earned recognition for his accomplishments in agriculture. In 2019, he received the Mississippi Farm Bureau Achievement Award and went on to be named one of the Top 10 finalists for the American Farm Bureau Achievement Award. 

Beyond his agricultural career, McDonald remains actively involved in his community. He and his family are members of the First Baptist Church of Ellisville, where he serves as a deacon. He also volunteers his time as a member of the Johnson Volunteer Fire Department, demonstrating his commitment to serving and supporting the community.

McDonald and his wife, Morgan, a 2011 Jones College graduate, are the proud parents of two children, Blake, 11, and Baylie, 8. 

Grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion for agriculture while raising his family in the community he calls home, McDonald continues to make a positive impact in Jones County through his work, service, and dedication to others. 

Ellisville, MS – This year鈥檚 Rising Star Award recipient is Jones College Alumna Sabrina Sagers Brownlee. The Rising Star Award recognizes Jones College alumni who have demonstrated early career success and have achieved professional and personal success throughout the community.

A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Sabrina Sagers Brownlee knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy. Her involvement with the Maroon Typhoon led her to Jones College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in 2017 before continuing her education at Samford University鈥檚 McWhorter School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama.

After earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2021, Brownlee returned to Mississippi to begin her career as an independent community pharmacist. Today, she and her business partner own three pharmacies along the Mississippi Gulf Coast: The Corner Drugstore in Long Beach, City Rexall Drugs in Picayune, and TD Caremeds LTC in Gulfport. 

While her work spans several areas of community pharmacy, Brownlee has developed a particular passion for long-term care. Through TD Caremeds LTC, she personally prepares medication adherence packaging for more than 100 residents of assisted living facilities along the Gulf Coast. For Brownlee, her work extends beyond providing medication. The relationships she has built with her patients have become one of the most rewarding aspects of her career, and she considers many of them an extension of her family. 

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Brownlee enjoys traveling, visiting Walt Disney World, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family. She and her husband, Jason, reside in Biloxi with their five-month-old son, Rhys. 

Brownlee credits her parents, Sam and Cindy Sagers, for the sacrifices they made to support her educational and professional goals. She also remains grateful for the foundation established during her time at 91猎奇 and the opportunities that helped prepare her for success. 

From her days as a member of the Maroon Typhoon to becoming a pharmacy owner serving communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Brownlee鈥檚 journey reflects the lasting impact of a Jones College education and the opportunities that begin as a Bobcat. 

Ellisville, MS – For dozens of Jones College students, summer 2026 marked more than the completion of a program. It marked the beginning of a new chapter – one built through long hours, hands-on training, determination, and, for many, sacrifices made both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Students from several programs within the Jones College School of Health Sciences celebrated graduation and pinning ceremonies this summer, including Pharmacy Technology, Cosmetology, Practical Nursing, and Emergency Medical Technology/Paramedic programs. From future nurses, paramedics, and pharmacy technicians to cosmetology professionals, graduates are now prepared to take the skills they developed at Jones into communities across Mississippi and beyond.

Paramedic Graduates Achieve 100 Percent Certification Pass Rate

For Jones College鈥檚 paramedic graduates, success came almost immediately after their pinning ceremony. 

Within just 24 hours of being pinned, 100 percent of the graduating Paramedic class had passed the required certification examination, meaning every graduate became a certified paramedic within a day of completing the program. 

Among those celebrating the milestone was Brooke Moore, whose journey through Jones College’s Emergency Medical Services programs began with EMT in 2022 and continued through Advanced EMT and Paramedic training. After previously completing the Paramedic program but struggling to pass the certification exam, Moore returned to Jones determined to reach her goal. In 2026, she completed the program again and joined her classmates in achieving the historic 100 percent pass rate.

The accomplishment reflects both the preparation provided through Jones College鈥檚 Emergency Medical Technology program and the commitment of students entering a profession where knowledge, quick decision-making and the ability to remain calm under pressure can directly impact lives. 

Summer 2026 Paramedic graduates were: 

Kelli Allen – Jones County

Phillip Boyd – Jones County

Hunter Emfinger – Covington County

Leah Green – Jasper County

Dustin Lucas – Copiah County

Holly Norris – Greene County

Ashtin Parnell – Jones County

Stefani Pickering – Jones County

Practical Nursing Graduates Celebrate the Finish Line

For students completing Jones College鈥檚 Practical Nursing program, reaching graduation often represents an accomplishment shared by an entire family. 

This summer, Jones celebrated Practical Nursing graduates through two pinning ceremonies – one for students at the Ellisville campus and one for students at the Jasper County Learning Center campus. 

The fast-paced and academically demanding program requires significant commitment, but many students complete it while carrying responsibilities that extend well beyond the classroom. Some are single parents or care for other dependents, and many work while attending school to support themselves and their families. 

Balancing those responsibilities with classes, clinical experiences, studying, and exams makes reaching the pinning ceremony especially meaningful. 

During each ceremony, students were also recognized with individual awards. At the Jasper County pinning ceremony, Cera Thompson received the Florence Nightingale Award, Shantoni Jones received the Academic Award, and Raven Walker received the Rising Star Award. 

Jasper County Practical Nursing graduates were: 

Alexis House-Walker – Jasper County

Jacey Mangrum – Smith County

Shantoni Jones – Jasper County

Lily Null – Lauderdale County

Alexus Jones – Jasper County

Raven Walker – Newton County

Asheala Horne – Smith County

Craylan Chapman – Clarke County

Dakota Blakeney – Smith County

Anna Lee Guy – Smith County

Cera Jones Thompson – Jasper County

Nick Hillman – Smith County

Laura McKinley – Jasper County

At the Ellisville pinning ceremony, Holly Miles received the Florence Nightingale Award, Sarah Kelly received the Academic Award, and Zaida Morales received the Rising Star Award.

Bailey Sims – Forrest County

Brandon Pack – Covington County

Breazae Redwood – Smith County

Byesha Williamson – Wayne County

Cquarria Lynn – Wayne County

Gracie Bates – Perry County

Hailey Graves – Jones County

Holly Miles – Mahoning County (Ohio)

Jasmine Dampier – Pike County

Jennie Wilson Lee – Jones County

Jhai’Maiya Young – Scott County

Jkylon Lawrence – Perry County

Keila Escamilla – Jones County

Keoshia McNair – Smith County

Malaika Lowe – Harrison County

Markel Parker – Wayne County

Mea Cooley – Wayne County

Rolexis George – Wayne County

Roselyn Roshell Williams – Smith County

Sabrina Rena Barnett – Jasper County

Samantha McAfee-Williams – Simpson County

Sarah Nicole Kelly – Lowndes County

Shaniya Tyriel Evans – Wayne County

Vanteshia Preston – Lawrence County

Zaida Morales – Jones County

Alexis Rayne Hendry – Jasper County

Madison Nikole Worrell – Simpson County

Abigayle Grace Marek – Forrest County

Claire Carpenter – Lamar County

Ty’Kerria Feazell – Smith County

Kelsey Graves – Smith County

Patience Pettis – Lamar County

Pharmacy Technology Graduates Ready to Serve

Eight students also completed Jones College鈥檚 Pharmacy Technology program this summer, preparing them for careers that place them alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in serving patients and helping ensure medications are prepared and distributed safely. 

The Summer 2026 Pharmacy Technology graduates were: 

Kelsey Butler – Smith County

Emma Fulcher – Jones County

Asia Jones – Jasper County

Kylan Kinsey – Forrest County

Kassidy Shirley – Wayne County

Brianna Wade – Jones County

Tykeivia Watts – Clarke County

Kristiona Williams – Jones County

Cosmetology Graduates Turn Skills into Careers

Twenty students completed Jones College鈥檚 Cosmetology program this summer, including Katelyn Horn of Smith County, who was recognized as Top of the Class. 

Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, Cosmetology students develop technical and professional skills that prepare them to pursue careers in an industry centered on creativity, client care, and personal service.聽

Summer 2026 Cosmetology graduates were:

Katelyn Horn – Smith County

Damaris DeJesus – Jones County

Katie Dunn – Rankin County

Johana Gabriel – Covington County

Macy Herrington – Lamar County

Briuna Keys – Jones County

Hannah Latham – Jones County

Audrey Maggard – Jones County

Emoree McNeil – Harrison County

Sarah McCree – Wayne County

Kaylee Newman – Wayne County

Sophia Paule鈥� – Shelby County (Tennessee)

Johanna Blaire Pope – Covington County

Kathryn Randazzo – Pearl River County

Tiyanequa Rigsby – Perry County

Gracie Roberts – George County

Shelby Robertson, Sr. – Jones County

Kennedy Williams – Jasper County

Raven T鈥橪yiah Wolfe – Covington County

Kansas Young – Walthall County

While their programs and career paths may look different, Jones College鈥檚 summer health sciences graduates share something in common: each reached a milestone that required commitment, persistence, and a willingness to keep moving forward. 

For some, graduation means beginning a first career. For others, it represents a new opportunity, a career change,ge or the chance to provide greater stability for their families. And for many, the people waiting in the audience at their pinning or graduation ceremony were part of the journey, too. 

The skills these graduates gained at Jones will now travel with them into hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, emergency response agencies, salons, and communities throughout the region. 

Their time at Jones may have just been a stop along the way, but summer 2026 proved just how far that road can lead. 

Ellisville, MS – Jones College has announced the 2026 Summer Semester honor roll scholars. Full-time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President鈥檚 List鈥�4.0; Dean鈥檚 List鈥�3.99-3.5: Faculty List鈥�3.49-3.0.

Tykeivia Roshia Watts	Clarke
Lindsay Brooke Graves	Covington
Elizabeth Carol Pittman	Covington
Aaron Dakota Clingan	Forrest
Kenya Renee Frison	Forrest
Malcolm Carter Collett	Forrest
Calup Ryan Williams	Greene
Gatlin Reese Brewer	Greene
Preston Sims	Jasper
Aysia Olana Beason-dantzler	Jasper
Angel Shaniya Horne	Jasper
Sunny F. Fountain	Jones
Kayla Rae Patterson	Jones
Henry Acevedo Rosas	Jones
Micah Lee Davenport	Jones
Emma K. Fulcher	Jones
Allen Jadavius Jones	Jones
David Keith Jones	Jones
Malik Lonnie Marsh	Jones
Justin Blake McBride	Jones
Sonny D. Murry	Jones
Brianna M. Rozek	Jones
James Matthew Temple	Jones
Kristiona Lynn Williams	Jones
Breanna Danielle Estes	Lamar
Darell Elbert Shows	Lamar
Macey N. Steed	Lamar
Ronald Shorts	Lamar
Hayden Kalani Isabel	Lamar
Lowell Ray Chatham	Lauderdale
Mousa Bak Diabagate	Lauderdale
Cole Markel Dupree	Neshoba
Paul Ignatius James	Perry
Lariza M. Hernandez	Simpson
Shandyn Terrell	Smith
Caden Jamari Bester	Smith
Kelsey Rose Butler	Smith
Alex Devon Ulmer	Smith
Timora Reshaye Wilbert	Washington
Yvonne Michelle Prince	Wayne
Jennifer Lee Malone	Wayne
Kassidy A. Shirley	Wayne