Waycross Congregation Donates Church to Brewton-Parker

 

By Mandy Corbin
Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON— On, Sunday, Nov. 6, Brewton-Parker College President Dr. Steve Echols led a team of faculty and staff to Waycross to celebrate the donation of the Crawford Street Baptist Church facility to the college. The partnership agreement will allow for the development of an education program located at Crawford Street Baptist Church where students will have the opportunity to take classes in the area of Christian studies and earn a certificate of completion in the program. Students may also opt to turn those completed courses into earned college credit at Brewton-Parker.

“We are grateful to Crawford Street Baptist Church for establishing this new partnership with Brewton-Parker College,” stated Echols. “The gracious donation of their wonderful facility gives BPC a great location to connect with the entire region for ministry education and opportunities for our students to serve. We also look forward to working with other churches and the Piedmont-Okefenokee Baptist Association in doing all that we can to reach this key area for Christ. Crawford Street Baptist Church has been a beacon of light for many years. We appreciate the vision of Pastor Larry Ray and the congregation to continue to find ways to minister in years ahead.”

Dr. Billy Puckett, BPC Assistant Professor of Theology, who preached on Nov. 6, is excited about the new venture. “Included in the mission of Brewton-Parker College is the desire to serve the Church through the application of Biblically-centered truth in a community of shared Christian values. Through our new partnership with Crawford Street Baptist and the cooperative effort of our Georgia Baptist partners, we will be better equipped to accomplish our mission and serve South Georgia.” Puckett delivered a message of resurrection and hope, proclaiming the ability of God to regenerate lives and ministries and accomplish a new work at Crawford Street Baptist Church. “Dr. David Wilson and Voices of Truth blessed all in attendance with their extraordinary excellence in worship,” Puckett added. “Reverend Larry Ray, pastor of Crawford Street, and the congregation at Crawford Street were gracious hosts, blessing all with their gift of hospitality. Pastor Ray commented, ‘We’re so grateful for our partnership with Brewton-Parker College for the perpetuation of the ministry at Crawford Street Baptist and for the spread of the gospel through these diverse ministries.’”

“This is without a doubt, a stroke of vision and an abiding trust in the ministry of Brewton-Parker College expressed by Crawford Street Baptist Church,” stated Freddie Smith, Pastor of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church of Waycross and Brewton-Parker Board of Trustees Member. “Established in 1933, the church has come to a time of needing to find God’s direction for the over $1 million facility. This is exciting for BPC and for this wonderful fellowship of believers in Waycross.”

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.

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