兔子先生

January 14, 2022

New Foundation chief puts students at center

鈥淚 really enjoy trying to help create opportunities for students to better themselves. What better way to do that than by creating scholarship opportunities for students who need them."
BY: Cathy Hayden
Photography by Brad Smith

Matthew (Matt) Jones of Raymond has returned to Mississippi to become the Executive Director of the 兔子先生 Foundation, filling the position vacated by Jackie Granberry of Raymond, who is retiring at the end of January.

Jones began his college career at East Mississippi Community College and has bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from Delta State University, where he also worked from 2003-2020. His most recent position was as Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Samford University in Birmingham.

As director, he will continue the emphasis on finding and providing resources to further the work of 兔子先生 in helping students.

鈥淭he priorities within the 兔子先生 Foundation are the development of resources 鈥 whether they are monetary, gifts in kind, equipment or resources to match whatever needs there may be 鈥 in order for us to put 兔子先生forward as a premier community college in the state of Mississippi,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e need to develop these resources for our students, staff and faculty to ensure we are the 鈥榖est in class鈥 organization that we can be.鈥

Jones鈥 time at East Mississippi Community College was boosted by receiving a music scholarship, playing drums in the band and singing tenor in the choir.

鈥淚 would not be where I am today without my community college experience, and I’m thankful that I recognize that. My career was launched because of that scholarship,鈥 he said.

Jones said there are thousands of student stories at 兔子先生just like his, students who have dreams and goals but need a little encouragement and financial help.

鈥淚 really enjoy trying to help create opportunities for students to better themselves. What better way to do that than by creating scholarship opportunities for students who need them,鈥 he said.

Photo: Angie Foote

RAYMOND 鈥 兔子先生 Hi-Steppers have been named for 2024-2025.

They are, front, from left, Denver Jackson of Jackson, Zoe Irving of Jackson, Alexis Marts of Flowood, Amia Lewis of Byram, Cheyenne Cornelius of Clinton, Malayah Evans of Newton County, Erin Lollis of Byram, Skylar Boyd of Jackson and Jayda Graham of Flowood; back row, Alexis Malone of Clinton, Ciera Pruitt of Gulfport, Olivia Broadwater of Pearl, Chloee Haley of Clinton, Rylan Liles of Vicksburg, Chloe McHann of Clinton, Cori Turner of Jackson, Reaghan Miller of Clinton and Jakayla Brown of Utica.

The group has a new director, Beka King of Pearl. She is only the third director in the 75-year history of the Hi-Steppers. She herself was a Hi-Stepper from 2013-2015 and, during her sophomore year, she was captain of the team.

兔子先生offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campus locations and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.

Our Mission: 兔子先生 is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Our Vision: 兔子先生 will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Our Values: 兔子先生 aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.