Vernon College Alumni Association

08/19/2026

20 years ago, these students were embarking on their first semester as VC students. Today, we welcome a new group of students looking to achieve their goals.

08/06/2026

Congratulations on your retirement, Dan.

08/05/2026

Congratulations to VC Alumni Amber for completing her Master's Degree.

07/21/2026

Congratulations to VC Alumni Gage.

I MAKE A QUALITY DIFFERENCE
Gage Wood, LVN, was nominated because he consistently goes above and beyond for his patients and his coworkers. Gage is always willing to step in and help without hesitation. He is kind, dependable, and dedication to providing excellent care. He is an invaluable member of the night shift Med-Surg team. Thank you, Gage, for all you do for WGH!!!
Left to right: Troy Lilburn, RN House Supervisor; Gage Wood, LVN.

07/19/2026

VC alumni Rich Skelton!

Speed Williams got most of the headlines. Rich Skelton caught most of the steers. And the sport of team roping was never the same.
Born and raised in Electra Texas — a small town in the rolling plains of north Texas where most people drive through without stopping — Rich Skelton grew up with a rope in his hand and a competitive fire that never once cooled down across three decades of professional rodeo. He joined the PRCA in 1986 as a heeler. He was quiet. He was focused. He let his catches do the talking. They talked loudly enough.
He partnered for years with legendary header Tee Woolman — building his reputation as one of the most consistent heelers on the circuit and qualifying for the NFR in 1990 before Woolman began cutting back his schedule. Then in 1997 a header from Florida named Speed Williams came calling. Nobody could have predicted what was about to happen.
Eight consecutive World Championships from 1997 to 2004. A run so dominant that the sport had to invent new ways to describe it. Speed threw the loops. Rich caught the legs. Two heels. Every time. Under every kind of pressure. In every kind of arena. For eight straight years.
But here is what nobody ever talks about.
When the partnership with Speed Williams ended Rich Skelton didn't go home. He didn't slow down. He didn't decide that eight gold buckles was enough for one career. He kept roping. He kept competing. He kept showing up at the NFR year after year with different partners — proving to anyone who had ever wondered that the greatness was never just the partnership. It was the heeler.
Two more World Championships after Speed Williams. Ten gold buckles total across his career. Twenty seven National Finals Rodeo qualifications — more than any heeler in the history of professional team roping. A record so staggering that most people in the sport don't even know it exists.
He said it with the quiet confidence of a man who never needed validation — "I just love roping. Always have. Always will."
Ten World Championships. Twenty seven NFR qualifications. The greatest heeler who ever caught two legs.
That is Rich Skelton. 🤠🪢🏆

07/13/2026

Congratulations to VC Alumni Whitney!

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses for delivering exceptional clinical care and compassionate service. United Regional is proud to partner with the DAISY Foundation to recognize team members who make a meaningful difference for patients and families. Whitney was nominated for the extraordinary compassion and heartfelt care she provides during life’s most difficult moments.

When a patient facing a terminal diagnosis found himself far from home, without the presence of family or close friends, Whitney stepped in to ensure he was never truly alone. Over the course of his extended stay, she built a meaningful connection with him — one rooted in trust, compassion, and genuine human connection. Showing up each day with intentional kindness, Whitney spent extra moments at the patient’s bedside, listened as he processed this difficult chapter, and purchased food for him that he enjoyed. These actions reflected Whitney’s deep commitment to caring for him as a whole person — not just for his medical needs. On the day the patient neared the end of his life, Whitney was not scheduled to work. Yet when she learned that he had specifically asked for her, she didn’t hesitate. Despite living an hour away, she made the decision to return to the hospital, ensuring he would not face those final moments alone. Whitney’s presence offered a profound sense of peace and comfort. She provided reassurance, dignity, and selflessness — embodying what it truly means to care for others as if they were family. Whitney, thank you for the extraordinary compassion you bring to your role, and congratulations on being a DAISY honoree!

Whitney’s kindness brought comfort, dignity, and a sense of connection to a patient who may have otherwise faced the end of life alone. Her actions reflect the very heart of nursing and the values that guide care at United Regional. Congratulations, Whitney, on being a well-deserved recipient of the DAISY Award. To nominate a United Regional nurse or nursing team for their outstanding care, visit https://unitedregional.org/the-daisy-award

07/13/2026

Congratulations Zariah.

Congratulations to Zariah Liufau, on continuing her academic and athletic career at Alcorn State University. We are proud of you!

07/10/2026

Congratulations to VC Alumni Tifani. We love seeing the success of our alumni.

Congratulations to Tifani Acosta, the July Employee of the Month!
Tifani is an RN in the Emergency Department and has been at JCMH for 16 years!
Her nominators say about her, “Tifani has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership within the Emergency Department over the past several years. She exemplifies outstanding professionalism, a strong work ethic, and genuine compassion for her patients. Beyond her regular responsibilities, she serves as an excellent role model and mentor to newer nurses and students rotating through the department. Tifani manages the stress and demands of challenging patients and complex situations with remarkable grace, composure and integrity. Her positive attitude teamwork, and supportive presence contributes greatly to the morale and effectiveness of the department."
Thank you, Tifani, for going Above and Beyond for JCMH!!

07/09/2026

Congratulations to Megan King, RN, of the AFP Unit on being nominated and awarded the DAISY Award!
Megan was recognized for her exceptional compassion, communication, and advocacy during an individual’s admission process. While completing required lab work, the individual became noncompliant and increasingly agitated. Megan remained calm and took the time to explain the purpose and importance of the lab work to both the individual and their parental figure, helping them understand why it was necessary.
Through her patience, empathy, and ability to build trust, the individual agreed to complete the lab work, allowing the admission process to continue. The nominator shared that Megan’s caring approach not only helped in that moment but could also have a lasting positive impact on the individual’s willingness to participate in future treatment.
This nomination reflects Megan’s commitment to person-centered care and her ability to make a meaningful difference through kindness, professionalism, and compassionate communication. Congratulations, Megan, on this well-deserved recognition! See less

07/04/2026

Congratulations Coach!

Volleyball has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and I am thrilled to lead this program into an exciting new season. My coaching philosophy is built on the belief that the lessons learned on the court extend far beyond the final whistle.
My journey includes a decorated high school career as a District MVP and a State Tournament qualifier. I went on to play as a two-year starter at Vernon College, where I helped the team earn a Regional Tournament appearance. I later transitioned to the collegiate sideline, serving as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Vernon College—a tenure that included another Regional Tournament appearance and the milestone of contributing to over 1,000 career wins. I also previously serve as the head coach at Cedar Creek High School, where I plan to implement firsthand how intentional leadership shapes both athletes and teams.
Outside of the gym, I am a devoted wife and a proud mom to two wonderful daughters. I am deeply committed to helping our athletes grow, compete at their highest level, and develop a lifelong love for the game. I cannot wait to get to work!