Sen. Blake Tillery, the speaker at Brewton-Parker Christian University’s Constitution Day lecture, kept his primarily student audience engaged with a conversational lecture-style. The event was held on Sept. 18 in Brewton-Parker’s Gilder Recital Hall in accordance with Federal Law.
Tillery began by reading the preamble of the Constitution. He then said, “I could read these sentences over and over tonight, but you wouldn’t learn anything.”
Tillery brought students from the audience on the stage to participate in a gameshow-style trivia game. One set of students answered facts about the Constitution’s history, such as when it was signed, where it was signed, and how many people signed it. Another set of students competed against each other to successfully name the first ten amendments.
The trivia section proved instrumental in making Tillery’s lecture a success, as the crowd increasingly interacted with the people on the stage. At one point, Tillery asked a contestant to name the two representatives from Georgia who had signed the Constitution. An audience member shouted, “He’s from California!”
Tillery immediately amended his question, “Can you tell me how many representatives from California signed?”
The student correctly responded, “Zero.”
This banter between Tillery and the audience allowed for a smooth transition into an actual dialogue about the Constitution and its importance. Students became key players in the lecture process. Tillery both guided this discussion with key questions and encouraged his participants to keep talking. After one woman described the Constitution as a baseline for justice, Tillery responded, “A baseline? That is a great word. You’ll hear that again in a moment.”
After letting the audience discuss many of the Constitution’s keywords, Tillery tied up the evening with a short speech. “Our society operates on certainty,” he stated. He gave the examples like a stock broker or a student, who expected things to operate in certain ways. Tillery then said, “That’s really what the Constitution does for us. It gives us a baseline of certainty.”
He also urged students to understand that there are risks involved when exercising the rights given to us in the Constitution. Tillery gave the specific example of how the right to free speech can still carry societal repercussions. Tillery ended the speech by asking the audience, “What are you doing to protect the Constitution? What are you doing to ensure that the next generation thinks it’s important?”
The lecture was followed by a dessert reception in the lobby.
Brewton-Parker Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Brewton-Parker Christian University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
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 Christian University 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 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
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 Christian University, 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 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 – 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 Christian University 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.