Piling on the accolades … Woullard named Tullos Scholar
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Jared Woullard and Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith
GCHS Hall of Famer continues to shine on Jones College campus
From Staff Reports
Greene County High School Hall of Famer Jared Woullard is continuing to make a name for himself on and off campus in Ellisville.
Woullard is among five Jones College sophomores who were selected for the highest honor bestowed upon students at the school – being named Tullos Scholars. Woullard, of Leakesville, joined Madeline Collins, of Heidelberg; Shivum Desai, of Oak Grove; Anna Catherine Hampton, of Petal; and Je’Shaiah Stephens, of Laurel in earning the prestigious honor.
Julie Atwood, the Assistant Vice President of Instructional Affairs at Jones, said Woullard and his Tullos peers have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements and service to others.
“Recognized by both faculty and administrators of Jones for their outstanding achievement, each of these students is highly regarded for their activities inside the classroom and in the community,” said Atwood. “It is truly a privilege to work with this group, and I look forward to seeing what the future will hold for each student.”
All five Jones students are members of the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa and were nominated by faculty to apply for the Tullos Scholarship at the end of their freshmen year.
Requirements for the 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 was honored recently, where they received medallions and $1,000 scholarships in recognition of being named after the scholarship donors, Gene and Nada Tullos.
Gene Tullos came to Jones 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 the shining stars and to recognize them and encourage them to feel special,” Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith said. “He explained, without the encouragement Gene Tullos received at Jones, he said he never would have been able to make it. However, 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.”
Receiving the Tullos Scholars scholarship relieved some financial burdens for Woullard. The mechanical engineering major said he didn’t think he’d have the opportunity to go to college, despite his accomplishments in high school, because scholarships were not initially offered.
“Jones chose me and the opportunities fell in place,” Woullard said. “My godfather, my mentor, Russell Evans, Jr. has brought me a long way as a good man and a father figure in my life.”
“This is a big goal that I wanted and it’s been a tremendous opportunity to be a part of this program and institution because it’s made me who I am.”
Woullard has made friends with everyone he met at Jones and quickly began making his mark on campus. He has served as the Student Government Association president, Freshman Class President and is a member of the Presidential Student Advisory Task Force, Charles Pickering Honors Institute, Bobcat Brigade, Jones Concert Choir, Engineering Society club, Sigma Kappa Delta English honors society, and he was voted as Mr. JC. The Greene County native earned the Letter “J” Award and is a nominee for the All-MS Community College Team, while also holding a job as a “handy-man” for an apartment complex.
“I want to thank everyone, faculty, staff, cafeteria and library employees; everybody has made this experience wholesome and a part of my heart forever! It’s given me the opportunity to be great,” said Woullard.
