28 September Jones named Health Science dean September 28, 2016 By ICC Webmaster General 0 Rilla Jones of Corinth has been named dean of Health Science Instruction at Itawamba Community College. Jones earned the bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Mississippi and the master’s degree in education from Mississippi State University. She has completed coursework in community college leadership from both the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. In addition, she has received technical training from the School of Medical Technology at the North Mississippi Medical Center. Her certifications include American Society of Clinical Pathologists and Licensure Tennessee Laboratory License. Jones is a member of the Academic Officers Association, Southern Association for Institutional Research, American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the Tennessee State Society for Clinical Microbiology. She previously served as the vice president of Instruction for Northeast Mississippi Community College. Jones has 21 years’ experience as program director and instructor in the Medical Laboratory Technology program at Northeast, where she served as division head for the Allied Health programs and assistant division head for Health Sciences. Jones also has five years’ experience as the associate vice president for Planning and Research and SACSCOC liaison for Northeast. She is married to William Jones, who retired from Magnolia Regional Health Center after 32 years as the clinical director of Laboratory Services. They have two children, Andy, a third year internal medicine resident at UAB in Birmingham, and Katie, a junior at Mississippi State University. “Ms. Jones is a stellar educator and has served in many administrative leadership capacities, and she brings great enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to this position,” said Dr. Michelle Sumerel, vice president of Instructional Services at ICC. Jones replaces Harold Plunkett, who recently retired from ICC after more than 31 years and accepted a position as chief executive officer of Sanctuary Hospice. Related Articles ICC, Baptist College of Health Sciences sign articulation agreement An articulation agreement between the Baptist College of Health Sciences and Itawamba Community College will give students in ICC’s Public Health Technology program another transfer pathway. ICC President Dr. Jay Allen and Baptist College of Health Sciences President Dr. Betty Sue McGarvey signed the agreement at the ICC Tupelo Campus recently. “Baptist College is excited to partner with Itawamba Community College and its Public Health Technology program,” McGarvey said. “This articulation agreement allows ICC graduates to enroll in our new Population Health bachelor’s program. Population Health is an expanding field in the health care industry and is experiencing substantial job growth in the region. Baptist Memorial Health Care consists of 22 hospitals and 190 clinics. Several Baptist hospitals are in close proximity to Tupelo, including facilities in Booneville, Columbus, New Albany and Oxford. Baptist College desires to prepare these students to fill the upcoming needs in this field and help meet the Population Health job demands in our region.” “Itawamba Community College appreciates this significant partnership with the Baptist College of Health Sciences,” Allen said. “This agreement will provide a significant opportunity ... Application deadline approaches for ICC health science programs Itawamba Community College’s School of Health Science programs are designed to prepare individuals for employment in the healthcare field, and the application deadline for fall 2025 is rapidly approaching for 10 of the 11 programs. Students interested in ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology must submit their online application and meet the requirements by May 1. According to Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction, the only exception is Emergency Medical Sciences, which has an application deadline of Aug. 1 for the fall class. “Those who complete ICC’s health science programs earn either a certificate of completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree at the conclusion of their programs,” Vaughn said. “With our sophomores in all programs nearing the end of their study and preparation to enter the workforce, it is both a sad and happy time. We are excited for them as they take their place ... ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.” Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ... ICC's Health Sciences Division to host Code Blue and Red event for students from 12 area schools Itawamba Community College’s Health Sciences Division will host a Code Blue and Red event from 8:30 a.m.-noon, Feb. 10, in the Health Science Education Center at the Tupelo Campus. Students from 12 area schools will be on campus in two shifts (8:30 and 10:15 a.m.) to view simulations of three real-life scenarios, said Michael Holloway, director of recruitment and orientation. A North Mississippi Medical Center ambulance will arrive, and the students will see first-hand the need for and the role healthcare professionals play in the process. “It will be an impactful program,” Holloway said, “Our hope is that these students see the ‘real-life’ expertise used by the graduates of ICC’s programs.” Participating programs include students and faculty from Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Sciences, Health Information, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Public Health, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care and Surgical Technology. Dean of Health Science Instruction Tonya Vaughn said that this event will be an exceptional interprofessional education opportunity. “IEP is a new emphasis area in healthcare education. The goal of these efforts is to develop knowledge, ... ICC Health Sciences Programs Fuel Regional Workforce, Applications Now Open As one of North Mississippi’s most reliable economic engines, Itawamba Community College continues to strengthen the region’s workforce by producing highly trained graduates in some of the most in-demand health care fields in the state. Applications are now being accepted for 11 health science programs that begin in August 2026 at ICC. These programs are designed to meet critical workforce needs while providing students with a direct pathway to stable, meaningful careers. Available programs include Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, EMS Paramedic, Health Information Technology, Practical Nursing (August class), Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology. “These programs are not only academically rigorous, they are workforce driven,” said Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction at ICC. “Our graduates are stepping into hospitals, clinics and health systems across the region ready to contribute on day one. That level of preparation matters to employers, to patients and to the long-term health of our communities.” The application deadline is May 1. For more information about program requirements, visit ICC’s website at www.iccms.edu or ... ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, ... Comments are closed.