(From left to right: Dr. Justin Russell, Professor Lynn Addison, Dr. Beverly Robinson, Professor Barbara Reid, and Dr. Steve Echols.)
Brewton-Parker Christian University recently honored three beloved faculty and administrative leaders whose decades of faithful service have left a lasting impact on the institution, its students, and the greater Baron Nation community.
Professor Lynn Addison, Professor Barbara Reid, and Dr. Beverly Robinson were recognized during a retirement celebration held in their honor, celebrating careers marked by servant leadership, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of Brewton-Parker Christian University (BPCU).
Professor Lynn Addison retires after 27 years of service to the university. Serving as Chair of the Division of Online, Developmental and External Programs, Associate Professor of Business, and Associate Provost for External Programs, Addison has been a steady and respected presence within the business division and across campus leadership. As a longtime member of the president’s cabinet, she helped shape institutional growth while mentoring generations of students and colleagues alike.
Throughout her years at BPCU, Addison served in numerous leadership roles, including Director of Development and Director of Academic and Administrative Support Services, where she oversaw departments supporting the main campus and multiple external program locations. She also coordinated bookstore and textbook operations and played a pivotal role in the university’s prison education program, helping extend educational opportunities beyond the traditional campus setting and impacting countless lives through higher education. In the classroom, she taught a variety of business, management, entrepreneurship, and freshman experience courses while helping integrate technology and online learning tools to enhance student success.
“Professor Addison has faithfully served Brewton-Parker Christian University in nearly every capacity imaginable over the past 27 years,” said Dr. Steve Echols, BPCU President. “From the classroom to executive leadership, she has consistently demonstrated wisdom, dedication, and a genuine heart for students. Her impact on this institution and the countless lives she has influenced through her work, particularly within our external and prison education programs, will continue for generations to come.”
(A sweet moment shared between Professor Barbara Reid, Professor Lynn Addison, and Dr. Beverly Robinson, during a recognition honoring their years of service.)
Professor Barbara Reid retires after 25 years of service to BPCU. Serving as Full Professor of Education, Director of Clinical Programs, Director of Field and Clinical Experiences, and Certification Only Program Coordinator, Reid played a vital role in preparing future educators throughout Georgia and beyond. During her time at BPCU, she taught over 1,100 different education students, leaving a profound impact on countless classrooms and communities through the educators she helped prepare.
Beyond the classroom, Reid cultivated strong relationships with school systems, administrators, and educators throughout the region, helping establish BPCU as a trusted pipeline for future teachers. Those partnerships created invaluable opportunities for students completing classroom observations, field experiences, and clinical placements. Throughout her career, Reid supervised and coordinated more than 35,000 student observation hours, ensuring future educators gained meaningful, real-world experience before entering the profession.
“Professor Reid’s influence extends far beyond our campus,” said Echols. ‘For 25 years, she has faithfully invested in future teachers who are now serving students in their own classrooms. Her commitment to excellence in education, her passion for developing future teachers, and the care she showed each student have made her an invaluable part of the Brewton-Parker Christian University family.”
During the retirement celebration, both Addison and Reid were awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of their distinguished careers, faithful service, and lasting contributions to BPCU. They were also presented with commemorative medals in recognition of their years of dedication and influence on the institution.
Dr. Beverly Robinson retires after nine years of service as Title III Director and Associate Provost. Throughout her tenure, Robinson played an instrumental role in securing and overseeing millions of dollars in grant funding that strengthened academic programs, enhanced student support initiatives, and advanced the university’s long-term strategic goals. Most notably, she worked alongside President Echols to appropriately honor the legacy of Warren C. Crawley, who in 1904 donated the necessary property to construct Brewton-Parker College; one of her most recent accomplishments is securing funding and providing administrative compliance oversight for the construction of the Nursing Instructional facility.
“Dr. Robinson’s leadership has had a transformational impact on Brewton-Parker Christian University,” said Echols. “Through her work with Title III, institutional initiatives, and in many other areas, she helped create opportunities and resources that strengthened our university in meaningful and lasting ways. Her dedication to advancing the mission of BPCU has been a tremendous blessing to our campus community.”
“What stands out most about Professor Addison, Professor Reid, and Dr. Robinson is not simply the number of years they served, but the consistency, character, and care they brought to Brewton-Parker Christian University every day,” said Dr. Justin E. Russell, BPCU Provost. “Much of their work was done behind the scenes in support of the growth and success of this institution and the countless students who have come through it. Whether advancing academic standards, raising support and awareness, or creating opportunities for others, their impact cannot truly be measured. Their influence will continue to be seen in the people and programs they helped shape.”
Echols added, “Professor Addison, Professor Reid, and Dr. Robinson each leave behind a legacy of servant leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Brewton-Parker Christian University. While we celebrate their retirement and this well-earned next chapter, we also celebrate the countless ways they have helped shape the lives of students, faculty, staff, and the future of this institution. Brewton-Parker Christian University is better because of their faithful service.”
Collectively, Addison, Reid, and Robinson represent more than six decades of dedicated service to Brewton-Parker Christian University. Their influence has helped shape academic programs, strengthen institutional leadership, and impact thousands of students who will carry forward the lessons and values they instilled.
Brewton-Parker Christian University extends its deepest gratitude to each of these retirees for their years of faithful service and lasting contributions to the university community.
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.