MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — Brewton-Parker Christian University (BPCU) celebrated a historic milestone on Monday, August 3, with the dedication of the George W. Strickland, Jr. Nursing Education Building, marking the culmination of years of vision, planning, and collaboration to expand healthcare education in southeast Georgia.
The dedication ceremony brought together university leadership, local and state officials, donors, faculty, staff, students, and community members to celebrate the collaborative effort that made both the BPCU School of Nursing and its new expansion possible. The state-of-the-art facility will serve BPCU nursing students beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.
(Dr. Steve Echols, President of Brewton-Parker Christian University, addresses guests gathered for the dedication of the George W. Strickland, Jr. Nursing Education Building.)
Officials included in the program were Mrs. Ginger Morris, Chair of the Montgomery County Commission, Joey Fountain, Mayor of Mount Vernon, and Dr. Andrew Young, Field Representative of Senator Raphael Warnock, who provided the needed congressional approval for a sought grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA).
“We are grateful for the wonderful partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce EDA, the George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation, and our county, city, and state officials and the many others who were willing to give the resources so that BPCU could have such a quality facility that is fully equipped and fully funded,” said Dr. Steve Echols, President of BPCU. Echols further noted that the facility will greatly expand the capacity of the university to provide much-needed nursing graduates for the region.
During the ceremony, Dr. Debbi Bryarly, Dean of the School of Nursing, gave a brief history of the program since it was first proposed in 2018. Following a long process that included the presentation of a feasibility study to the Georgia Board of Nursing, the program received initial Georgia Nursing Board approval in 2021 and approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 2022. As a result, BPCU welcomed its inaugural class in the fall of 2022. In 2024, the program earned national accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The first graduating class achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The following year, the Georgia Board of Nursing officially affirmed BPCU as a fully approved nursing school. This fall, the university is anticipating as many as 84 students majoring in nursing from the freshman through senior classes.
The George W. Strickland, Jr. Nursing Education Building represents an investment not only in BPCU but also in the future of healthcare throughout Georgia and the surrounding region. Purposefully designed to prepare the next generation of nurses, the facility features modern classrooms, advanced simulation laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, faculty offices, and hands-on clinical training environments that mirror today’s healthcare settings. As the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow, the School of Nursing is equipping graduates to enter the workforce with the knowledge, technical skills, and Christ-centered compassion needed to provide exceptional patient care.
(Dr. Justin Russell, Provost of Brewton-Parker Christian University, leads guests in prayer during the dedication of the George W. Strickland, Jr. Nursing Education Building.)
The building is named in honor of George W. “Jack” Strickland, Jr., a highly esteemed businessman, veteran, and philanthropist whose legacy of servant leadership continues to impact lives across Georgia.
After purchasing Evans Concrete Products in 1948, Strickland transformed the company with exponential growth while earning widespread respect for his dedication to his employees and his community. His generosity lives on through the George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation, whose magnanimous support has been a great blessing to BPCU over a number of years and helped make the new nursing education facility possible.
Representing the George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation at the ceremony were board members Mr. Tommy Strickland, retired Chief Executive Officer of Evans Concrete, and Mrs. Sharon DeLoach, current Vice President of Evans Concrete. Both noted that they felt that Mr. George W. Strickland, Jr. would have been very pleased with the building and its potential to serve the community and region, which was a central purpose in his establishment of the Foundation. By naming the building in his honor, President Echols noted that “Brewton-Parker Christian University recognizes a man whose vision and commitment to serving others will inspire generations of nursing students to provide the best possible care reflecting Christ-like compassion.”
Dr. Beverly Robinson, recently retired Vice President of BPCU, was the writer and coordinator of the grant to the EDA, which became a major component in providing the funds for the construction of the building. Dr. Robinson expressed, “The George W. Strickland, Jr. Nursing Education Building is a beautiful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together around a shared vision. We are grateful that the EDA considered this project to be of such benefit to the community and region to be worthy of this significant grant. We are deeply grateful to the many individual donors, the George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation, our elected officials, healthcare partners, university trustees, faculty, staff, and the many friends of Brewton-Parker Christian University who believed in this dream. Their investment is not only in a building, but in the lives of future nurses who will go on to serve their communities with excellence, compassion, and Christ-like care.”
The dedication of the George W. Strickland, Jr. Nursing Education Building marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for BPCU. As students begin classes in the new facility during the 2026–2027 academic year, they will receive an education that integrates academic excellence, clinical experience, Christian faith, and servant leadership. In the years ahead, the new facility will provide for the continued growth of the School of Nursing that exhibits BPCU’s commitment to Christian service.
Brewton-Parker Christian University is the only accredited four-year Christian university south of Macon and north of Jacksonville, FL. As a comprehensive Georgia Baptist institution, Brewton-Parker Christian University offers liberal arts and professional programs in a learning community grounded in shared Christian values. Through the application of biblical truth in scholarship and a co-curricular focus on character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement, the university strives to provide a transformational experience that equips the whole student for lifelong learning and service in Christ.
Visit Brewton-Parker Christian University online at www.bpc.edu.
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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.
Brewton-Parker Christian University makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information published on this website. However, the University's official policies, procedures, requirements, fees, and academic information are maintained in the Academic Catalog, Student Handbook, Employee Handbook, and other official university publications. In the event of any discrepancy, the information contained in the University's official publications shall govern. Users should consult the appropriate official document for the most current information.
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.