BPC Student Feature: Kennedy Russell

October 22, 2019

| Written By: Marlee Ruark

A girl who does it all- Kennedy Russell is 21 years old and a senior at Brewton-Parker College (BPC). She is also an entrepreneur who owns her own business, all while taking classes and participating on the cheer team. In July this year, she celebrated the grand opening of her first store in Lyons, Georgia: Dandelyons.

Dandelyons is Russell’s dream come true. When she was born, she was diagnosed with a disease called bladder exstrophy, which is a rare condition where your bladder is on the outside of your body at birth. Her childhood was filled with steady hospital visits and expensive medical bills. Through it all, one thing brought her joy: clothing that made her feel beautiful.

To help out with medical bills that Rusell’s family was collecting, a generous woman donated dresses to Russell and her mother. This act inspired Russell’s mother to start selling dresses that people would donate as consignment to raise money for all the medical bills. Her mother eventually opened up her own formal wear store because she too found a similar passion for helping girls find dresses that made them feel special.

Even at a young age, Russell was able to help her mom sell the dresses, and from these memories, her passion for business and serving other people began. After working at her mom’s formal wear store, Russell knew she wanted a business of her own. After a few ideas were tossed around, Dandelyons was born.

Dandelyons is an all accessories boutique that has anything from earrings and necklaces to belts and purses. Russell has the inside scoop of what teenage and college girls want because she is in one of them. She focuses on having high fashion boutique items for a fraction of the price because she understands how frustrating it is to want an accessory from a big boutique but not have the money to pay $45 for a cute necklace. In addition to the already low prices, Russell offers a range of discounts to college students, those who serve in the military, and even more.

Dandelyons offers a little something for everyone. With scrunchies, key rings, shoes, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and quality purses, Russell strives to offer every item at the most reasonable price possible. Russell has every occasion in mind when selecting her inventory; she thinks of accessories for game days, nights out on the town, church, and even everyday attire.

Russell’s major at BPC is Communications, and she believes that it has been very useful in owning and running her own business. In her classes, she has learned how to talk to customers, deal with vendors for her inventory, and speak and communicate effectively in a professional business setting. She believes that BPC also helped nurture her self-confidence and has pushed her to believe that she can do anything she sets her mind to.

“All of my professors have been amazing role models for how I should treat and communicate with others,” she explained. “They have been very supportive of my career.”

As she juggles going to class, keeping up with a social life, participating on the BPC cheer team, and running Dandelyons, Russel says she wouldn’t trade it for the world. In the future, she hopes to still have Dandelyons as she grows into a strong business woman with many interests. One thing she knows for sure: if she can provide accessories and clothes to make other girls feel happy and beautiful, she would be fulfilling her purpose in life.

Dandelyons is located on 107 NE Broad Street Lyons, GA 30436 and they are open 2:00-6:00 Tues-Wed, 2:00-8:00 Thurs, 2:00-5:00 Fri, 10:00-2:00 on Saturdays; they are closed Sun-Mon. Dandelyons can be found on Facebook and Instagram. If you are looking for a cute accessory for any occasion, or just want to meet a great person, drop by and support Russell’s amazing business. 

What the full interview on YouTube Click Here

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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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