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ELLISVILLE – Seven Jones College sophomores were selected as Tullos Scholars: Daniel Baldwin-Magee, Titus Crouch-Ellisville, Ollie Hammonds-Laurel, Dannah Knighton-Madison, Devin Lucus-Ellisville, Owen Massey-Seminary and Kate Wimberly-Sumrall. This is the college’s highest honor for the top JC students, and it includes an endowed scholarship for the recipients. All seven students were nominated by faculty members as they distinguished themselves and impressed selection committee members over the past two years.
Music Industry Recording Arts major, Daniel Baldwin has already made a name for himself in the music industry with the release of his Christian single, “Instantaneous” last summer. The Magee resident has also been busy as a member of the Concert Choir, Jones OnStage, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Theater Club with the lead role in the spring musical, West Side Story, and as President of the Baptist Student Union. He was voted as Mr. Jones College by his peers and has earned the Letter “J” Award, and Hall of Fame and has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Additionally, Baldwin leads worship for multiple ministries and regularly serves in summer missions including in Romania and Moldova. His plans after graduation include continuing his education at the University of Mobile to pursue a degree in commercial voice. His parents are Greg and Julie Baldwin.
“Being awarded the Tullos Scholarship from Jones College is a blessing I don’t take lightly,” said Baldwin. “I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and give all the glory to God for His goodness in my life! I am beyond grateful to my parents and teachers for always pushing me to strive for excellence.”
Nursing major from Ellisville, Titus Crouch was recently inducted into the Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Delta Nu and is a member of the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa. He also served as President of the Associate Degree Nursing graduating class of 2025. While at Jones, Crouch shared his musical talents studying piano under Dr. Theresa Sanchez and performing in the special Christmas with the Arts concert with his brother and Dr. Victoria Johnson.
A few of his honors include being inducted into the Hall of Fame and being nominated for the Gold Key Award for Merit/Honor and Leadership. His future plans include earning his bachelor’s degree and working as a nurse locally, with an end goal of being a nurse practitioner. His parents are Roy and Rachel Crouch.
“I was shocked because I didn’t know at all that I would be getting that honor too,” said Crouch. “All honor and glory to the Lord Jesus because that is His blessing.”
Ollie Hammonds is an accounting major from Laurel who assisted the Bobcats Athletics Sports Information Office while being a member of the Charles Pickering Honors Institute, PTK and FBLA. Some of his honors include being a member of the Hall of Fame, earning the Letter “J” Award and being on the President’s List all four semesters. Hammonds’ future plans include attending the University of Mississippi and becoming a CPA with aspirations of working in sports broadcasting. His parents are Luke and Andrea Hammonds.
Madison’s Dannah Knighton is majoring in elementary education and specializing in general science. The Germantown High School graduate made her mark at Jones College as a yearbook photographer and assisted the Student Affairs Office. She has earned honors as a member of the Hall of Fame, Phi Theta Kappa Vice President and part of the nationally distinguished officer team, Letter “J” Award and she has been on the President’s List. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and was selected as the Homecoming Student Body Maid. Knighton volunteers her time as a small group leader at First Baptist Church in Ellisville for the children’s ministry. Her future plans include pursuing an elementary education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi before earning her master’s degree in biology or education administration. Her parents are David and Jill Knighton.
Biology major from Ellisville, Devin Lucus, is pursuing the goal of becoming a veterinarian after earning her degree from Mississippi State University. The JC Hall of Fame recipient is also a member of PTK, FBLA and she was the 2023-2024 manager of the Women’s Soccer National Championship Team. The graduate of South Jones High School earned numerous accolades including the Lindy Callahan Scholarship, Leadership Jones County and Trent Lott Leadership Award, as well as maintaining a 3.8 GPA or higher. Kevin and Sonia Lucus are Devin’s parents.
Owen Massey of Seminary is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University. The Presbyterian Christian High School Valedictorian has earned accolades at Jones College as a member of the Hall of Fame, Charles Pickering Honors Institute and Engineering Society, PTK and FBLA. After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and minor in math and industrial engineering, Massey plans to work for a local electric cooperative or utility company. His parents are Joseph and Amy Massey.
Sumrall resident and civil engineering major, Kate Wimberly has earned honors as a member of the Hall of Fame at JC and has served as the President of the Engineering Society. While at Jones College, Wimberly was a member of PTK and the Charles Pickering Honors Institute. Her future goal includes earning her bachelors of science degree in civil engineering at MSU. Guy and Virginia Wimberly are Kate’s parents.
Requirements for the Tullos Scholarship include being a full-time sophomore, submitting a résumé with two-faculty recommendation letters, having outstanding academic achievements, being engaged in college activities, leadership positions and participating in community service. Each student received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos.
Gene Tullos came to Jones in 1960 on a basketball scholarship which he said gave him a jumpstart and a great foundation to begin Law School. Endowing scholarships, like the Tullos Scholarship Program, was his way of returning the “favor” to the college that provided an excellent foundation for a successful career as an attorney in Smith County.
“As he made the single, largest donation ever at Jones, Gene Tullos said he wanted to recognize outstanding students from various majors who are shining stars, to recognize them and encourage them to feel special,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith. “When Gene established this Scholarship, he explained, because of the encouragement he received at Jones he felt like he could make it and be successful. In fact, Gene was a successful attorney for 50 years, only missing three days of work related to his cancer treatment before he passed away in 2016.”
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