Dream Center Vidalia Receives a Helping Hand

June 2, 2017
Steve Echols, BPC President, presents check to Peggy NeeSmith of Dream Center Vidalia, and Dannie Williams, Senior Pastor of FBC Lyons

MOUNT VERNON, GA— Colleges and local communities share a vital relationship, wherein each offers the other countless support. For Brewton-Parker especially, the local community has been essential through its unending encouragement, resulting in BPC’s continued vitality as South Georgia’s Christian College. In an effort to show gratitude, BPC has sought means to be a blessing to the community, and this summer, God presented a unique and special opportunity for BPC to do just that.

Recently, BPC became aware of the growing need at the Dream Center Vidalia, a local mission in the neighboring city of Vidalia, GA. Partnered with the First Baptist Church of Lyons, the Dream Center provides a place for women who struggle with addiction. Through the redeeming power of Christ, women have found the help they needed for complete rehabilitation and success in life. However, as the program has continued to grow, it has shown need for expansion. The Dream Center Board of Directors realized that it was time to build. Pursuing the vision of reaching more women, they were able to raise the funds to begin construction on a new building located on the back end of the Center’s property.

Volunteers were called and plans were made. Vans were scheduled to arrive and hotels were booked. Everything was well on its way, but the Dream Center leadership realized that more funds would be necessary to finish the project. Little did they know, however, that God was working in ways they least expected.

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 ESV)

When Dr. Echols learned of the project, he knew that God wanted BPC to help. Though BPC is in the midst of raising funds for the construction of a new dorm, Dr. Echols and the BPC trustees felt that it was important to share resources with the Dream Center.

“We are overjoyed at the heart of Dr. Echols and the Brewton-Parker Board of Trustees for believing in the Lord’s Kingdom work at the Dream Center,” Says Peggy NeeSmith of Dream Center Vidalia. “It was especially significant to us as the Lord spoke volumes to the Dream Center Board of Directors through BPC’s generous donation of $10,000. One day prior, we made a unanimous decision as a board to stand in faith for God’s provision of our needs with all other options off the table. We thank Brewton-Parker for being ministers of God for women and their families to know the Gospel sets them free indeed.”

BPC gave this gift in memory of Mr. Bill Brown, whose estate was the largest gift in the history of BPC and who was a member of First Baptist Church of Lyons, and in honor of the congregation of First Baptist Church of Lyons who have been incredibly generous in their continued support for BPC. Dr. Echols hopes others will join in this effort to help the Dream Center fulfill its mission of seeing the lives of the women to whom they minister transformed. Community members are encouraged to get involved, whether by giving their time or offering financial support. Those interested in learning more about the program can visit www.dreamcentervidalia.org.

Pastor Dannie Williams of FBC Lyons with BPC President Steve Echols

Steve Echols, BPC President, discusses project with Peggy NeeSmith of Dream Center Vidalia and Dannie Williams, Senior Pastor of FBC Lyons

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Purpose

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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