MOUNT VERNON — Brewton-Parker Christian University (BPC) is proud to announce that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has officially approved the launch of a new Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning. The program will begin in Fall 2025 and represents the college’s first graduate degree in education.
This approval marks a significant milestone for BPC as the institution continues to expand its graduate offerings, building on its mission to provide transformative education rooted in Christian values. The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning offers two specialization tracks—
Instructional Design and Delivery and Early Childhood Education—both of which are designed to serve the needs of working educators seeking to grow professionally and spiritually.
“This program is a culminating vision from multiple people and specific conversations with key stakeholders,” said Dr. Justin E. Russell, Provost at BPC. “It offers a meaningful opportunity for educators to strengthen their skills. Our M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is designed for those already making an impact—educators ready to take the next step through practical training grounded in biblical truth and shaped by servant leadership.”
Delivered entirely online, the 30-credit hour program will be offered in an eight-week accelerated format, with optional web-enhanced cohort experiences that provide networking and collaborative learning opportunities. The program is structured to accommodate working professionals and is particularly suited for teachers, instructional coaches, and education leaders who already hold teaching certification and are not seeking additional licensure.
Dr. Beverly Faircloth, Division Chair for Education, added, “We’ve listened to the needs of our community, and what we’ve built is a deeply practical, academically rigorous program that empowers educators to lead with excellence and faith. Whether someone is seeking to improve instruction, lead from the classroom, or strengthen early childhood learning environments, this degree provides a clear path forward.”
Dr. Russell added, “This is just the beginning. There are many more exciting developments ahead—not only within our Education Department, but across the entire institution—as we move toward and embrace our university status (effective July 1, 2025). Our commitment is to serve the needs of our communities and our learners while continuing to provide a biblical worldview applied in real and practical ways.”
The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning builds upon BPC’s existing foundation of high-quality teacher education and its successful suite of online Master of Arts degrees. The courses are designed to help educators integrate theory and practice while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. A required capstone project allows students to address real-world educational challenges through research and applied learning.
BPC President Dr. Steve Echols stated, “Adding a graduate program in education represents a major step forward for Brewton-Parker. The need for skilled, Christ-centered educators is greater than ever, and we believe this degree will equip teachers with both the academic training and spiritual foundation to make a lasting difference in their schools and communities.”
Applications for Fall 2025 admission will open July 1, 2025. For more information on the M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning or to apply, visit www.bpc.edu.
Brewton-Parker Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Brewton-Parker Christian University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
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 Christian University 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 Christian University, 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 Christian University 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.