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BPC Professor and His Daughter Present at Literature Conference

September 28, 2022
Over the summer, Dr. Grant Lilford and his daughter Candace Lilford had the opportunity to present at a Christianity and Literature conference near Washington, D.C.

MOUNT VERNON – Dr. Grant C. Lilford, Brewton-Parker College (BPC) Professor of English, and his daughter, Candace Lilford, presented separate papers at the East/Southeast Regional Meeting of the Conference on Christianity and Literature. The conference was held at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia this past summer.

The theme of the conference this year was “Images of the Hero: Heroism in Literature.” Dr. Lilford presented his paper, “For the First-Born Are Mine: Priest as Hero in George Herbert and R. S. Thomas” during the session focused on heroic priesthood. George Herbert was a seventeenth-century Anglican priest. His best-known work is The Temple, a small volume of devotional poetry. Originally published after Herbert’s death in 1649, The Temple remained in print for over a hundred years. Dr. Lilford’s paper focuses on Herbert’s poem “Aaron,” in which the poet laments his failure to be a priest after the model of Aaron. He realizes that he must turn to Jesus.

The paper involved extensive research into the book of “Leviticus,” which has given Dr. Lilford a whole new appreciation for that Book of the Bible. “Leviticus provides a roadmap for how to be holy so we can enter into fellowship with God. As George Herbert reveals, we as sinners can never achieve its standard of holiness. Our only hope is that God chose to enter into fellowship with us. By showing us the costs of drawing near to God, Leviticus reveals the awesome significance of God drawing near to us, and the value of his sacrifice,” Dr. Lilford shared as he reflected on his research.

Dr. Lilford’s daughter, Candace, was a dual-enrollment student at BPC from 2017-2018. After graduating from high school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Anderson University in 2021. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Renaissance Literature in the Hudson Strode Program at the University of Alabama.

In a session on “Poetry,” Candace Lilford presented a paper entitled, “Performance and Praise Poetry in George Herbert’s ‘The Quip.'” She compares that poem with classical and African praise poetry.

Candance Lilford has been interested in poetry and theater since a very young age. Growing up she was also involved with various drama programs. During her undergraduate years, Candace discovered courses that dove deeper into her passions. “I remember hearing as a child how to fully understand poetry and plays, both needed to be read aloud with emotion for the full impact to be understood. I have always thought of the two as connected because of that and was interested to explore that both theatrically and academically. The opportunity presented itself in a graduate class I was taking where I noticed how George Herbert’s poetry had components that would work well in a performative setting, especially reminding me of oral poetry and liturgical worship. It proved to be a fascinating project that helped me grow as a scholar, a performer, and a Christian.”

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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.

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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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