SACS Approves Brewton-Parker College Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies Degree Program

 

By Mandy Corbin
Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON—Brewton-Parker College announced today the approval of its Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies Degree Program following approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The program will build upon an existing Worship and Church Music concentration offered by the Division of Christian Studies and Humanities.

Although the program has been in dormancy since 2009, Brewton-Parker has worked diligently to gain reinstatement of the program. Because of a rich history of more than 50 years in music, the College has continued to: recruit students for its Choir, Voice Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble; continued to hire full-time qualified faculty members; and maintained its music facilities.

“As I have traveled about meeting Brewton-Parker College alumni and friends, I have consistently heard about the amazing impact that the music program had over the years,” stated Dr. Steve Echols, BPC President. “Churches were excited to have the large choir and other music groups from BPC. Many students came to BPC because they were so impressed with the music program and the students who were involved in it. The number one inquiry to me has been, ‘When is BPC going to get the music program back?’”

Echols also added, “We rejoice over the wonderful news of full SACS approval for a music major at BPC! For the past four years, Dr. David Wilson has been working diligently to rebuild the program. We now have Dr. Matt Haley as another full-time music faculty member and other part-time faculty members to help us grow the program. We believe that the program is going to expand rapidly and that we are going to see great response from Georgia Baptist churches and the communities throughout South Georgia. Already we are seeing doors open as Voices of Truth will be singing at the Georgia Baptist Convention this November. This engagement will be a tremendous opportunity to spread the word that the music major is back at BPC.”

“I want to especially thank Dr. Wilson and our provost, Dr. Brian, for their diligent work in making this possible,” Echols said. “Approval from SACS for new majors has become increasingly difficult and complex. Many hours of work went into the proposal. Thanks to them and to others that assisted, BPC has received one of the most encouraging signs for our academic programs in recent years. Above all we thank God for the doors He is opening for Brewton-Parker College!”

Dr. Robert Brian, BPC Provost, is also excited about bringing back the program. “We are beyond excited about the reinstatement of our music program. We see this approval by the Commission on Colleges as a restoration of trust and the first step in our long-range planning for continued expansion of programs that best serve our students and the community.”

“We are excited about what God is doing with the music program at Brewton-Parker College,” stated Dr. David Wilson, BPC Assistant Professor of Worship and Church Music. “Recently, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) approved the Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies Degree program. This has been a long hard process but God has been faithful. Music as a degree program is back at Brewton-Parker College and I am excited to see where God takes us.”

Dr. Hildegard Jo Stanley, Retired Chair of Brewton-Parker College’s music division and Consultant to the President for External Relations, is excited about the announcement as well.  “Why do I remain at BPC?” Stanley asked. “To see this day! My heart is rejoicing and I claim two promises for my life. ‘Be ye strong…for your work shall be rewarded’ 2 Chronicles 15:7 and Romans 8:28. We sing ‘This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!’ Psalm 118:24”

The program is expected to begin August 2016. The college’s next Open House event will be Tuesday, Nov. 1. If you are a prospective student or know of a prospective student who is interested in Brewton-Parker, register online at www.bpc.edu or contact the Office of Admissions at 912-583-3265 or admissions@bpc.edu.

Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

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 College 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

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

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

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

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 College, 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

Mental Health Counselor

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

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

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 College 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.

Scroll to Top