On the weekend of February 11, Brewton-Parker College (BPC) welcomed alumni and family back to campus for the annual Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. The weekend consisted of a wrestling match, basketball games, BPC homecoming court, and an alumni choir concert followed by a luncheon. Homecoming Weekend was jam-packed with fellowship, singing, and cheering on the Barons in the various athletic games.
On Friday evening, BPC’s homecoming court was presented in Gilder Recital Hall to start the weekend. The following are the class representatives:
BPC’s 2023 Homecoming Queen and King are MacKenzie Tripp and Emmanuel Green.
Saturday started with the Alumni Choir Concert in which over 100 choir alumni participated in singing. Music alumni from all walks of life were asked to conduct or accompany the choir throughout the performance. The concert was a blessing to the school by showing how dedicated alumni are to reunite and join each other in praise and worship. Before the concert portion, Kenny Peters, National Alumni Board President, presented several alumni awards to distinguished members of BPC’s alumni community. The recipients of those awards are as follows:
On the weekend of February 11, Brewton-Parker College (BPC) welcomed alumni and family back to campus for the annual Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. The weekend consisted of a wrestling match, basketball games, BPC homecoming court, and an alumni choir concert followed by a luncheon. Homecoming Weekend was jam-packed with fellowship, singing, and cheering on the Barons in the various athletic games.
On Friday evening, BPC’s homecoming court was presented in Gilder Recital Hall to start the weekend. The following are the class representatives:
BPC’s 2023 Homecoming Queen and King are MacKenzie Tripp and Emmanuel Green.
Saturday started with the Alumni Choir Concert in which over 100 choir alumni participated in singing. Music alumni from all walks of life were asked to conduct or accompany the choir throughout the performance. The concert was a blessing to the school by showing how dedicated alumni are to reunite and join each other in praise and worship. Before the concert portion, Kenny Peters, National Alumni Board President, presented several alumni awards to distinguished members of BPC’s alumni community. The recipients of those awards are as follows:
Following the awards, the graduating class of 1973 was inducted into the Half-Century Club of BPC. Kenny Peters shared, “It has been an honor serving as the alumni board president for the last four years. This year’s Homecoming and Alumni Weekend were a tremendous success. God is truly working at BPC!” Mr. Peters concluded his term as the BPC National Alumni Board President this year, passing the gavel to Todd McInnis.
Brewton-Parker College President, Dr. Steven Echols, gave a college update and spoke about the future of BPC. He expressed the need for repairs to be made to the Schantz Organ located in Saliba Chapel. BPC’s organ is one of a kind in south Georgia. Over $25,000 was donated to assist with the repairs needed for the pipe organ. The funds donated by family and alumni during the weekend will help maintain the instrument that has become a campus staple.
Long-time Brewton-Parker Professor Dr. Hildegard Stanley stated, “Music students [as far back as 1966] gathered to sing and fellowship during Homecoming Weekend. Only they could perform a concert after only three and a half hours of rehearsal and multiple conductors. Glorious choral sound accompanied by artists at the piano and organ.”
The success of the 50th reunion for the class of 1973 and the choir concert created a memorable homecoming weekend. Following the concert, alumni relocated across campus to the newly renovated Briscoe-Goble Center for a luncheon. Brewton-Parker is pleased with the involvement of this year’s homecoming festivities and looks forward to seeing alumni back on campus next year.
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.
