Jzyk Ennis' Story

In My Own Words

As printed in Southern Calls Magazine
by Jzyk Ennis

Photos by Tommy Daspit

My good friend and colleague Pat Lynch gave me the nickname BMAV (Buy Me A Vowel) while on the Executive Board of National Funeral Directors Association. Pat also suggested I get Vanna White from The Wheel of Fortune game show to sell me a vowel for my name. My name-Jzyk (pronounced Jay-zick)-is not Biblical, as some might think, but came from old 'The Art Linkletter Show; popular in the black and white TV days of the 1950s. I am 'The Boy Named Sue' Johnny Cash sang about!

But as much as I'd like you to know how to pronounce my name, I'd like to share story about finding my passion. In the space of slightly more than a year, the deaths of three family members took me to the local funeral home - events which served to cement the foundation for my future.

To finish reading the entire article, click here.

Game, Set, Match!

Mark Partain Leads Team to 2nd Place

Mark Partain Finishes 2nd in USTA National Tournament

Mark Partain has been playing tennis for just over a year out of the Pelham Racquet Club. So, as captain of his 18 and over men doubles team, it was a great accomplishment to place 2nd in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Championship Tournament at Indian Wells, California, in October 2013.

Mark's team won its city league championship qualifying to be Alabama's representative at the Southern sectional tournament in July, 2013. They swept the tournament defeating teams from Mississippi and Georgia to advance to the USTA National Championship tournament.

"This is one of those opportunities that every tennis player hopes to experience," said Mark on his team's trip to Indian Wells Tennis Garden for nationals. "This is the home of the BNP Paribas Tournament and where many of the top pro players like Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal play."

The USTA National Championship tournament draws teams from all 16 sections of the United States and the Caribbean  Mark's team defeated New England, Florida, Pacific Northwest, and Northern California to progress to the finals against Puerto Rico. The team was very excited to be in the finals but fell short of winning by just a few games. 

"All-in-all it was a great experience and one to remember for a long time," said Mark.

L-R Rohen, Rafique, Asif, Jan, Mark, Sultan, Coach Omar

Mark returns serve in final match.

Jeff State President Featured in Birmingham Magazine

Birmingham Magazine Article 

(October 2013  -  Photo by Art Meripol)

Dr. Judy Merritt

President, Jefferson State Community College

Judy Merritt grew up in a home where both of her parents were educators, so perhaps it isn’t a surprise she pursued a career in education as well. Her interest was initially in elementary or middle school. Little did she know when she was working as an admissions counselor and then assistant director of admissions at Jefferson State Community College, that years later, she would be the president of the institution.

“When I first began working with the students at Jeff State, something clicked. I understood that giving these students a chance to pursue a college education was a very important piece in the future success of the state of Alabama,” Merritt explains.

Merritt’s next step in her career took her to Florida International University where she worked for five years. In 1979, she came back to Jeff State to serve as president and was the first woman appointed to that role in the state of Alabama.

“That was stunning to me. It was a wonderful opportunity but it also made me realize that women had been neglected in regards to their career paths. I definitely felt a sense of responsibility and wanted to set a good example,” Merritt says.

“This community was very supportive as I took on this role. I never felt I was denied an opportunity. I also received a huge amount of support from my husband.”

Throughout her career, Merritt has served on numerous boards and committees including the United Way of Central Alabama, Bruno’s Supermarkets, the American Heart Association, Energen, SouthTrust and was the first female chair of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I learned so much from my colleagues in the business community. I benefited greatly from their guidance and perspective.”

During her tenure, Jeff State has grown to four campuses and is now offering online education. Merritt explains, “Access is guaranteed. Educational preparation is a growing necessity and it definitely makes a difference in your quality of life.”

“We have a tremendous staff who truly care about the students. We’re very team oriented and are in constant communication and learn from one another.”

Nursing Faculty Earn Doctoral Degrees

Sixty-two Percent of Jefferson State’s Nursing Faculty Possess or Earning Doctoral Degrees

Jefferson State’s most recent nursing faculty members to earn doctoral degrees

are (L to R) Pat Havard, Anita Naramore, Gena Richardson, and Trish Haywood.

Four Jefferson State nursing instructors were recently added to the college’s growing list of instructors with doctorate degrees. Of the 29 full-time nursing faculty at Jefferson State, 13 hold doctorate degrees and another five are currently enrolled in doctoral programs.

At this time, 62 percent of Jefferson State’s nursing faculty have earned, or are currently working toward, their doctorate degree.

“Jefferson State’s instructors put tremendous emphasis on providing the best education possible for our students… and this is a great testament to quality instruction,” said Jefferson State’s Director of Nursing Bonnie Glass. “Our nursing program has recently expanded and the quality instruction is offered at all locations of Jefferson State.”

Jefferson State instructors who have already earned doctoral degrees are: Diann Barrett, Cindy Danley, Pat Havard, Trish Haywood, Anita Naramore, Gena Richardson, Brenda O’Neal, Christy Daffron, Daphne Sanders, Venus Turner, Melisa Walker, Jennifer Addington, and Mitch Shelton

Jefferson State faculty who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program are: Amanda Bonds, Ed Campbell, Chris Forbes, Kim French, Jennifer Satterfield.

Jefferson State’s nursing program was recently ranked first in Alabama and 38^th in the nation by Community College Week in the number of Associate Degrees awarded in registered nursing.