Dr. Amanda Allen
Assistant Professor of History
My reputation around campus: I am strict and difficult. Does it bother me? Not one bit. What students may call “strict” or “difficult” is what I simply consider as having college-level expectations. Why? Because with high expectations comes high excellence. This is never more evident to me than each fall semester in which I teach my senior seminar course. As part of the History degree curriculum each major must take this capstone course and write a twenty-five page research paper. Students get to choose any historical topic and prove they are no longer just history students but are, in fact, historians. They also have to present this research with a professional-level Power Point presentation. In public. Sometimes it seems they consider this the most daunting part of the entire degree! But, each time I watch majors stand up and share their interests with the audience, I am impressed and proud. For years it is I who stands before them and teaches but on this evening each fall the roles reverse. They teach me. It is one of the greatest moments of being a BPC professor. By the time our students are looking towards graduation, all us BPC professors have truly spent countless hours getting to know these students not only as our students but as future colleagues. This is not something found at larger colleges; it is part of what makes BPC such a wonderful learning environment.
Tuesday November 27, my three current senior seminar students presented their research to a packed Gilder Auditorium. Emily Jones has loved Egypt since her first fall on campus. Her research focuses on why female Pharaoh Hatshepsut was almost fully expunged from the historical record. Emily’s conclusion: because Hatshepsut was a successful and powerful woman when she should have surrendered all authority to her son and the rightful Pharaoh. Wyatt Morris chose to analyze how Julius Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian, used war as a method of manipulation to gain power after Caesar’s death. With strategic battles Octavian rid all who stood in his way so he could be the first Roman Emperor. Marshall Lopez provided a cultural history on Julia Child as the first televised chef. In an era marked by male leadership, it was Julia Child who stood in front of a camera and revolutionized cooking in America. Always behind the camera stood her husband as equal partner. Together they challenged the traditional marriage model without trying to do so. Rather, it was because they simply saw themselves as equals that they were able to balance each other as needed and have a long and successful career teaching America how to cook French food.
Having Emily, Marshall, and Wyatt teach me about Hatshepsut, Octavian, and Julia Child marks the culmination of all I strive to do as a professor. I am beyond proud of my students and thankful I have the opportunity to know and shape my majors. And yes, I even teared up a bit at this proud moment. I cannot wait to do so again next fall.
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 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 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 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 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 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.