ELLISVILLE — Jones County Junior College president, Dr. Ronald Whitehead officially retired as of June 30, but the board of trustees has honored him by making him President Emeritus of JCJC.

“I’ll be available to Dr. Jesse Smith and his administration and I’ll do whatever they want me to do for the college. However, I don’t think they’ll need a lot of help,” Whitehead said. “I’m leaving Jones in very capable hands. Dr. Smith is an alumnus of Jones and has proven to be a leader over his last 12 years.”

Whitehead announced his retirement on Jan. 18 to the board, and they immediately chose Dr. Smith to become the fifth president of Jones, effective July 1. Dr. Whitehead served as president for nine years; the shortest presidency of his three predecessors. However, the native of Shannon, Whitehead has spent 36 years in various administrative roles at Jones.

“Except for a few short months when we lived on the Southern Miss. campus, my wife Charlotte and I have spent our entire married lives together on this campus. Our two kids were raised here. I will miss it here; the people, the community, everything about Jones.”

The Whiteheads will be moving to Booneville, his wife’s hometown. Their daughter Rebecca recently moved to that area with her husband and child and they are expecting another child soon, said Whitehead.

“I retired now while I’m still in good health, and I’m able to spend more time with my family,” Whitehead said.

Being president of Jones has been a joy, Whitehead said. There are difficult times. It’s a job that’s 24/7, but Whitehead explained: “I loved coming here every day even though it’s time consuming and it’s not an easy job. The board of trustees is outstanding and supportive and they have helped me and every president get through tough times by making wise decisions.”

While reflecting on the successes of the college over the years, Whitehead noted he alone can’t take credit.

“I’ve surrounded myself with quality people. It’s not just me it’s housekeeping, faculty, staff, everyone who makes this college successful. Our students tell me they are proud to be a part of the Jones family.”

“Retiring,” Whitehead said, “probably won’t really sink in until I wake up that first week in Booneville and I realize I don’t have an office at Jones anymore. It’s bittersweet. I plan on visiting the campus, especially on the way to Baton Rouge when we visit our son. Jones is on the way.”

Some of Whitehead’s proudest accomplishments include the Advanced Technology Center, which is scheduled to open soon in the Howard Technology Park.

“The ATC will enable our students the opportunity to stay in Mississippi and work instead of moving away. The ATC and the Tech Park will have an incredible, long lasting impact on this region.”

Looking at the future, the 65-year-old educator expressed the need for students to graduate from high school and preferably college, because: “We need an educated workforce if Mississippi is going to be successful in the global market. The high school drop out rate needs to improve. Students need communication skills, more math and science because technology and healthcare will be the focus in the future.”

For now, Whitehead said he plans on enjoying his family. He noted that the first JCJC football game is at Northwest, which is not too far from his house.

“I’ll be there,” said Whitehead as he continued to pack and prepare for ‘retirement’ as Jones’ fourth president.