Brewton-Parker Putting Students First

Board Reduces Tuition and Creates Brown School of Christian Studies

MOUNT VERNON, GA (January 27, 2011) — Brewton-Parker College Board of Trustees voted in its January meeting to reduce tuition by 25 percent, beginning Fall 2011 semester. “This reduction will allow students to attend the private, Christian college paying a tuition that is competitive with other colleges throughout the state,” said Board Chairman Dr. Tony Romans.

Dr. Romans reports this decision is a reflection of the college’s Christian, caring attitude for current and future students in these distressed economic times.

“At a time when state colleges are discussing a possible increase in their tuitions, this reduction is a way we can reach out to our community and make a liberal arts education at a Christian college more affordable for everyone, especially for those in the area we were built to serve,” said Dr. Romans.

The decrease in tuition dramatically decreases the amount of out of pocket expenses families will need in order to fund a student’s education at BPC. Federal and state financial aid will likely cover most if not all of the reduced cost of attending Brewton-Parker for many students.

The Board also announced the creation of the Charles W. “Bill” Brown School of Christian Studies – the first dedicated school in the college’s 107 year history.

Bill Brown of Lyons, a former trustee and supporter of BPC, left the college $5.7 million in his estate last year, the largest gift the college has ever received. This decision allowed the Board of Trustees to establish the Brown School of Christian Studies to house the current Division of Religion and Philosophy. BPC plans to appoint a Dean, school faculty and staff for the new division.

“Mr. Brown was a generous and great man. In his lifetime he paid particular attention to the success of ministerial students and for that we are forever grateful,” said Dr. David R. Smith, BPC President. “Although he did not request any naming opportunity, and though his own personal humility would have prohibited him from ever feeling comfortable with such an honor, it is fitting that any gift of this magnitude be honored with a special naming opportunity.”

The Division of Religion and Philosophy chaired by Dr. Hal Ostrander now offers two degree programs, a B.A. in Christian Studies and a Bachelor of Ministry.  

Other approved measures by the trustees include the research of the establishment of BPC as a work-grant institution and the acceptance of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) reaffirmation committee report.

Eight new Trustees, some new and others returning, also joined the board and were recognized for their commitment to the college. They are Ken Dowling of McRae, Gary Campbell of Vidalia, Allen Canady of Savannah, Russ Pierce of Warner Robins, Tim Redding of Metter, Rev. Bobby Thompson of Vidalia, Rev. Karl Hay of Mount Vernon and Schel Paulk of Guyton. Rev. Tony Romans of Dunwoody was elected Chairman of the board, and Campbell was elected Vice Chairman.

Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college in South Georgia. For more information, please contact Kelley Arnold at 912-583-3263 or visit www.bpc.edu.

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