MOUNT VERNON — Brewton-Parker College (BPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Justin E. Russell as the new Provost, succeeding Dr. Robert Brian, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service. Dr. Russell, who has been serving as the Division Chair for Education and Behavioral Sciences, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the college’s mission.
Having served in a senior-level administrative position for seven years, Dr. Russell is well-prepared to step into the role of provost. As the division chair, he demonstrated exceptional leadership on the academic council and as faculty assembly chair. Dr. Russell’s collaborative style and extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education have uniquely positioned him to excel in his new role.
Dr. Russell comments, “My goal is to continue the great work that Dr. Brian started but also
advance the college in other academic avenues. Good leaders know how to serve but also how to empower others to lead and succeed. I plan to ensure we are maximizing our faculty’s training, experiences, and passions within the courses they are teaching. Additionally, I would like us to become as competitive as possible with the degrees we offer, including the modality with which we deliver these degrees. If we remember that we are here to serve God by serving our students, we will only continue to grow stronger.”
For many years, Dr. Russell and his family have been part of BPC and the local community. His
wife Ginger is a business owner in Lyons, while his daughter Kennedy and son Glendon are both BPC alumni.
As BPC looks to the future under Dr. Russell’s leadership, there is a strong focus on leveraging technology, fostering collaboration between departments, and maintaining academic rigor. His commitment to making an impact on a global scale while staying true to the college’s values demonstrates his forward-looking approach to education.
Dr. Steve Echols, BPC President, said, “We are excited to promote Dr. Russell to this new role as he has proven his ability to be a forerunner in higher education. He is a dedicated leader who exemplifies a commitment to student success and understands the critical role our faculty and staff play in those objectives.”
Reflecting on Dr. Brian’s tenure, Brewton-Parker College acknowledges his outstanding achievements and transformative initiatives while serving as Provost and Senior Vice President.
Dr. Brian leaves behind a legacy of growth, including the expansion of academic programs and the development of an exceptionally capable faculty. His collaborative and servant leadership style has contributed to the college’s strengthened position in Christian higher education. When asked to reflect on his time at BPC, he stated, “The key to effective leadership is to leave a place in better hands than when we arrived. In that regard, I truthfully can say that my proudest achievement at Brewton-Parker is that my departure, to borrow a phrase from John Donne, will cause ‘not a breach, but an expansion.’” His retirement is the conclusion of a distinguished career in higher education.
Dr. Beverly Faircloth, retired Assistant Superintendent for the Montgomery County School
system, is filling the division chair position for education and behavioral sciences. Her wealth
of experience in education makes her a valuable addition to the Brewton-Parker College
leadership team.
The college expresses its gratitude to Dr. Robert Brian for his dedicated service and looks forward to the continued growth and success under the leadership of Dr. Justin E. Russell.
Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college south of Macon and north of Jacksonville, FL. As a comprehensive Georgia Baptist institution, Brewton-Parker College provides liberal arts and professional programs in a learning community of shared Christian values. Through the application of biblical truth in scholarship and a co-curricular focus on character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement, the college strives to provide a transformational experience that equips the whole student for lifelong learning and service in Christ.
Visit Brewton-Parker College online at www.bpc.edu.
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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.
