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 Christian University. 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.
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.
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://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]
Brewton-Parker Christian University 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 Christian University 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.
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 Christian University 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 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
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 Christian University, 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 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 – 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 Christian University 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.