By Mandy Corbin
Director of Marketing
MOUNT VERNON— Brewton-Parker College’s Board of Trustees met Thursday, October 20 and received positive news about a number of items including enrollment, finances, and faculty.
Chris Dooley, Vice President of Enrollment Services, gave an update on an increase in enrollment. Currently the college has 209 new Mount Vernon day students, a 25 percent increase compared to 166 in 2015. The number of total Mount Vernon students, both new and returning, is at 420, a 15 percent increase compared to 366 in 2015. The number of Move on When Ready Program students is 274, a 57 percent increase compared to 147 in 2015.
Dr. Nicole Shepard, Chief Financial Officer, reported on a positive change in the financial status of the college. According to Shepard, “The 2015-2016 audit and first quarter financials were presented to the Trustees. For the current semester, actuals exceed the budget with a positive change in net assets from operations, in addition positive operating cash flow.”
Dr. Robert Brian, Provost, gave a report on current full-time faculty. According to the report, 28 members of the full-time residential faculty at Brewton-Parker College have completed postsecondary degrees and additional studies at 57 different institutions in 22 states and four foreign countries on four continents. Also, of the 12 new full-time faculty appointed in 2015-2016, 75 percent have earned Ph.D. or other terminal degrees. Of the 28 members of the current faculty, 71 percent are terminally degreed.
Outgoing Chairman Dannie Williams also had some positive remarks to say about the state of the College. “Having served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Brewton-Parker College for several years with three different presidents, I can honestly tell you that it is a new day. Today the student enrollment has increased to the point that the Trustees are making plans for building new dormitories to handle the increasing student numbers. It is truly a God story in the making and as outgoing Trustee Chairman I praise God for His provision. I also want thank God for the leadership of BPC President Dr. Steve Echols and his staff. Their model work ethic, sacrificial service, and biblical leadership, are truly an inspiration worthy of the highest commendation.”
Fred Evers, Incoming Board of Trustees Chairman and Pastor of Northside Baptist Church of Tifton, also commented. “It is my honor to serve as Chairman of Trustees at Brewton Parker College,” Evers stated. “Under the leadership of Echols and his staff, we have taken major strides toward a healthier present and a more prosperous future. Their sacrificial and visionary leadership are exactly what our institution needed. Our recent Trustee meeting was a very positive experience.”