MyBPC: Morgan Hears A Who

October 3, 2018

Much like Horton from Horton Hears A Who, I had never heard tell of a small speck of dust that is able to yell before becoming a student at Brewton-Parker. To many, Mount Vernon itself is nothing more than a mere speck of dust. However, nestled snugly within that speck of dust is a small college named Brewton-Parker College. The address to that college is 201 David-Eliza Fountain Circle. David and Eliza Fountain were my great-great-great grandparents and I am a fourth generation student here. Even so, Brewton-Parker was the name of the college that I, being from Mount Vernon, never wanted to attend.

But somehow, I am here.

Even more surprisingly so, I am thriving here. I am genuinely happy.

Most surprising? I love this place.

I often take “family pictures” with my friends after chapel.I remember growing up with aspirations of moving off to some large state university, because THAT was the only way I would enjoy college. When I saw Coach Crawford and Coach Nate step up to the fence my senior year of highschool, I never thought I would actually end up here. My mom got my attention and pointed at them with the biggest smile on her face. I casually looked over and rolled my eyes. I did not want to play softball in college, much less at Brewton-Parker. I didn’t know if they were there to see me or not, but at that point I did not care. I refused to pay them any attention.

Until a few days later, when I got a phone call.

They invited me to visit the college, which ultimately resulted in my acceptance of a softball scholarship and me signing to play the next year at Brewton-Parker. I still was unsure I was making the right decision, but something was pulling me to this place. To this day, I don’t know how to describe it. I’m fairly certain it was a “God thing,” and I’m so grateful that I listened to that pull because I could not imagine being anywhere else in this moment.

Since starting here, I have been able to experience many things. I have been able to travel around the Southeast playing softball making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. I have been able to perform in the first play put on by the theatre department here in about ten years. I have been able write my own plays and have one of them read at a play reading. I have been able to earn professional training for my future from the Marketing department at Brewton-Parker and have a Sports Journalism internship through a local newspaper at the same time. These are just a few of the things I have been exposed to thanks to Brewton-Parker, but I do value one above the others.

Here, I have been able to find myself.

Nowhere else have I been so comfortable with who I am as a person. I entered this place as a Biology major with every intention of becoming a doctor. I thought that was what was expected of me.

Needless to say, it took almost no time for me to find out that if you want to study ANYTHING for four years, you need to be very passionate about it. Biology for me? Not a passion.

Last year, a few English majors made a trip to Atlanta for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival.Halfway through my first semester, it hit me. I had to make a change. I forced myself to sit down one day and asked myself one simple question. What do you enjoy? I immediately knew what the answer was, and I listened to myself.

I liked to read books. I liked to write things. Thus, I became an English major. I later added a Creative Writing minor.

I was immediately faced with, “What are you gonna do with THAT?” from all directions. (To which I typically want to respond with an eye roll, but that would be “rude,” right?) I’ve met people who told me to be appreciative that my work is so much less time consuming than THEIR major, while taking a class with seven required novels. (Yes – a single class.) I also consistently get the dreaded question, “Oh, so you want to teach?” from the same people who send me their papers any hour before they’re due and ask me to make edits. (The answer is no by the way!)

My experiences studying English at Brewton-Parker have been nothing short of a glorious adventure. I have been able to read pieces from numerous cultures and thus traveled farther between pages than most people will in a lifetime. I have been able to develop a broader outlook on the human experience and learn about people from all around the world. This in itself has taught me to empathize on a more personal level than most. And, while I am no longer playing softball here, I will forever be grateful for the two coaches who brought me into this wonderful  Brewton-Parker family and the sweet lady who encouraged them to go watch me play.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.bpc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_0162-web.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Morgan Page is a senior English major at Brewton-Parker who also works for the Marketing department.[/author_info] [/author]

Physical Address
201 David-Eliza Fountain Circle
Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Mailing Address
P. O. Box 197
Mount Vernon, GA 30445

912-583-2241 |  1-800-342-1087
Section 504 Accommodation Policy and Grievance Procedure Title VI and IX Policy and Grievance Procedure

Brewton-Parker College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Brewton-Parker College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

Copyright © 2022 Brewton-Parker College

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.

Translate »