Brewton-Parker Professor Desires to Share the Gospel with His Students

November 29, 2016

By Mandy Corbin
Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON—Brewton-Parker College’s new Associate Professor of Physical Science, Dr. Sampyo Hong, has a desire to share the Gospel with the students in his classroom.

Hong grew up in the southern east part of South Korea in an isolated rural village situated in a mountainous area. He didn’t always know Christ as his personal Savior. He came from a family with a Buddhist background, whose mother used to go to a Buddhist temple once or twice a year. He went to high school at a mission school founded in 1904 by American missionaries. “I received Jesus as my Savior when I was a freshman in Korea University, in Seoul,” Hong stated. “I was the first who turned to Christ in my family and immediate relatives.”

Hong graduated from Korea University in 1993. After graduation he served in the Korean Air Force for three years as a radar operation officer. He then decided to study abroad in the United States and was admitted to Kansas State University in 1999. He received his Ph.D. in 2005 in Theoretical Computational Physics.

After completing his doctorate, Hong worked at Kansas State University for a year as research associate before moving to the University of Central Florida. There, he worked as postdoctoral research associate. In 2012 he was promoted to assistant research professor and remained in that position until he joined Brewton-Parker College. Also during his time as assistant research professor at University of Central Florida, he held a visiting professor position at University of North Florida.

According to Hong, his interest in teaching began in 2010, and he has sought opportunities to volunteer to teach whenever possible. “Since 2012 I started to feel that I would look for opportunity to do both research and teaching. Thus I started to pray for such an opportunity,” he stated. “My prayer was simple: if it was the Lord’s will, may he lead me to a place where I could both teach and research; may He lead me to a place where God’s people were so many that my family could live and raise kids in a safe and Godly way; and if the place he led me to was a Christian college, that would be best.”

Ever since the age of 18, Hong has had a desire to share the Gospel with others, even though he wasn’t always allowed to do so in the classroom. “As I was not allowed to speak about Christ in class, I couldn’t tell students about Christ, but I used to tell my personal testimony to my teaching assistants and graduate students,” he said. “I also shared Christ’s gospel after class by distributing gospel tracks to students on campus.”

When asked what he liked best about Brewton-Parker, Hong responded, “The Christian environment, chapels, the kind people, small class sizes, and watching BPC soccer and baseball games.” He also added, “During my interview, I was very impressed to find that President Echols was interested in my personal testimony. It never happened in other places although most places that I was interviewed were secular universities. This and other experiences during the site interview convinced me that this college strives to be Godly and God’s people are here. I’m very glad that here I can teach, research, and freely share the Gospel with students without any restriction.”

Hong and his wife Deokyo have been married for 11 years and have two children, Rebecca and Joshua. In July 2016 his wife was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer and has since been taking radiation treatments, which she has completed. “Many people prayed hard for her and she appreciates all those prayers,” he said. “Indeed God was working and she is now in good condition. I would like to thank the BPC administration, faculty, and staff for their prayers and exceptional kindness.”

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The purpose of the nursing program is to prepare graduates who have the knowledge and skills to provide patient-centered holistic care that is safe, compassionate, honoring to Christ, and that meets the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Mission Statement

In concert with Brewton-Parker College’s mission, the School of Nursing is committed to provide nursing education through the application of biblical truth to promote the formation of graduates who engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and servant leadership through the development of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills, and Christian values.

Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

Dusty Arnold

Mental Health Counselor

Dusty Arnold  is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health. 

Carl Anthony "Tony" Wardlaw

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.

Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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