ELLISVILLE – Tyler Johnson was hired in July 2026 as Jones College's Assistant Director for Athletic Communications.

He replaces longtime SID Shawn Wansley who retired from Jones after 19 years on the job. 

Johnson comes to Jones from Pearl River Community College, where he received his associate degree in 2019 and had been working since May 2022.

"I am incredibly excited for this opportunity," Johnson said. "I do want to take a second to thank Patrick (Ochs) for taking a chance on me and really helping me find my footing back during my time as a student. I wouldn't be where I am today without him, Dylan Dunaway and Carey Meitzler."

Johnson began his professional career as a full-time employee of PRCC as an administrative assistant for Dr. Candace Harper, where he assisted with athletics and facility insurance collection and renewal. In 2024, he moved into the newly-minted Enrollment Center as an enrollment specialist where he helped perspective students through the enrollment and admissions processes. 

As a student from 2017-2019, Johnson worked in the sports information office for then-Sports Information Director Patrick Ochs.

After graduating from PRCC, Johnson continued his education at Southern Miss as a sports management major, where he assisted with security gate clearance, facility check tours and earned a FEMA certification. As a final requirement for his curriculum, he returned to The River as a student intern and served as the voice of Wildcat softball, volleyball and men's and women's soccer as well as stat keeping for football and both basketball teams.