CCA recognizes Jones for years of leadership
COLUMBUS – Columbus Christian Academy recently recognized Norma Jones as the first Black woman to serve as Interim Head of School/Head of School in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools District 2 East.
“Black leadership in independent Christian schools has historically been limited in District 2 East, making Mrs. Jones’ achievement especially meaningful,” a press release said. “Her role represents progress, expanded representation and the continued growth of MAIS toward inclusive leadership that reflects the students and families it serves.”
Reflecting years of faithful service and steady leadership, Jones began her career at CCA teaching sixth grades before advancing to elementary principal and eventually her current position, interim head of school.
Natalie Bishop elected to Phi Kappa Phi
BATON ROUGE, La. – Natalie Bishop, of Columbus, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at the University of Mississippi.
Bishop is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership.
Local students named to Delta State President’s List
CLEVELAND – Delta State University congratulates several local students named to the fall 2025 President’s List. These students achieved a 3.8 or better GPA while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades
Local students named to the list include Thomas Bius, a general business major from West Point; Brantly Smith, a marketing major from Columbus, Jace Fye, a flight operations major from Starkville; and Dean Lockhard, a flight operations major from Starkville.
University of Arkansas celebrates 2025 graduates
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas honored its most recent graduating class with two fall commencement ceremonies. Local students joined more than 1,800 graduates earning a degree and their names on Senior Walk, including Jacob Funk, of Columbus, with a graduate certificate from the college of engineering and Lynn Rowan, of Starkville, with a bachelor of science in nursing from the college of education and health professions.
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