Home / News and Information / April 2006 / BPC Trustees Excited About the Present, Energized For the Future

BPC Trustees Excited About the Present, Energized For the Future

Taylor Hereford
BPC Director of Marketing
4-21-06

As Brewton-Parker College prepares to send its next class of graduating seniors into the working world, the college remains anchored in its ultimate mission to provide Christian higher education to South Georgia and looks eagerly to the future, as evidenced by the general meeting of the Board of Trustees held this past Thursday on Brewton-Parker’s main campus.

Trustee Kenneth Dowling set the foundation for the meeting by reflecting on a real-life experience while in the United States Navy as he based his opening devotion on “The Cross Connection;” why Jesus Christ should be the anchor in all aspects of life.

While hearing many optimistic reports from various sub-committees, the board passed numerous resolutions which focus on strengthening the overall mission of the college.

The Board passed a resolution that work continue on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) accreditation projects of which the Division of Education has met all pre-existing requirements to obtain these accreditations and is preparing for official visits from NCATE and PSC in the fall of this year.

A resolution was proposed that would combine two capital renovation projects into one fundraising campaign. This would make it possible for various foundations to consider funding the overall campaign. The Board approved the $2.5 million combined project which includes the $1 million Hildegard Stanley Music Center annex to the Miller Music Building and a $1.5 million renovation to McAllister Hall.

A Child Protection Policy was adopted into the college’s policy and procedure manual declaring a Zero-Tolerance Policy for physical and sexual abuse of students under the age of 18 who use campus facilities for various functions.

A resolution regarding articulation agreements was proposed and approved by the Board. This will allow Brewton-Parker to continue its practice of entering into agreements with other accredited two- and four-year colleges with the ultimate goal being the ability of students to transfer qualified credit hours to Brewton-Parker to continue work in or to complete a qualified degree program. The Board also approved a revision to its Travel and Pay Policy for Adjunct Faculty in the External Programs Division.

With regards to the recent announcement of the partnership between Brewton-Parker, the City of Mount Vernon, and Ms. Lou Palmer O’Neill to create a scenic west entry into the campus, the Board approved that the entry retain the name “Palmer Boulevard” or “Palmer Street” as a gesture to the Palmer family, who has been an important asset not only to Brewton-Parker but also to the City of Mount Vernon.
Dr. Don Hattaway, Chair of the Board, made committee appointments. Serving on the Executive Evaluation Committee will be Trustees Allen Hughes, Carmel Biggers and Nancy Stanley. Those to serve on the Nominating Committee will be Trustees Rick Brown, Vira Garnto and Jonathan Jones. Serving on the Trustee Evaluation Committee will be Trustees Melanie Stokes, Fred Gilder and Colon Sammons.

Vice-Chair Gary Campbell gave an update on the college’s annual fund campaign. At present, $137,000 has been raised with the goal set at $150,000. Campbell is very optimistic that the goal can be reached and has hopes it will be exceeded.

In his report to the Trustees, Dr. David Smith, president of Brewton-Parker, informed the Board in greater detail of the planned scenic west entry into the campus. In addition, there are plans to relocate the headquarters of Plant Operations which should occur this summer. Dr. Smith also informed the Trustees of plans to renovate the area around Jones Lake towards the end of this year.

In regards to the fire which destroyed the historic Conner House in March, of which housing was being rented to faculty and staff as well as to the Missionary Residence Program, Dr. Smith said plans are being developed to utilize the Lee House for these same purposes.

Speaker Emeritus of the Georgia House of Representatives, Mr. Terry Coleman, was introduced to the Trustees by Dr. Smith as Brewton-Parker’s Special Assistant to the President for External Services. Mr. Coleman outlined numerous plans he has for the college and is excited about joining the Brewton-Parker family in his new role.

Dr. Smith highlighted his recent trip to Russia in which he, along with a presidential colleague from South Carolina, worked with six of the largest institutions in the city of Ekaterinburg to formulate articulation agreements so that exchange programs could eventually be developed. Dr. Smith emphasized his excitement about the development of these programs, but is even more excited about the evangelism opportunities that are available through this partnership with the institutions in Russia.

"With the continued leadership of our outstanding Board of Trustees, Brewton-Parker College is making definitive progress toward a future of growth and excellence,” said Dr. Smith. “Today's meeting presented decisive action on the part of the Board on matters as diverse as the protection of children who visit our campus to the authorization of a highly important capital campaign. I am proud to work under the direction of this group of committed and foresighted leaders."

At the recommendation of one of the sub-committees, the Board voted not to hold its quarterly meeting on July 20, 2006. This is due to the fact that no important issues would need to be brought before the Board. The next quarterly meeting will be held on Brewton-Parker’s main campus in October 2006.

-BPC-