BPC welcomes Community to a new Dining Experience during Grand Opening of The Eatery

Kevin Lyden, Chartwells East Division President shares his thoughts on the importance of partnership and recognizes the local team for their hard work and dedication to serving the local community.

 

By Jerusha Yoder

Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON— On Thursday, January, 16, 2020, Brewton-Parker College (BPC) and Chartwells Higher Education, BPC’s food service provider, welcomed over 75 community members on campus for the grand opening of the new expansion and renovations recently completed in the campus dining facility.

This special event opened with a brief welcome from Dr. Steve Echols, BPC President, where he expressed gratitude for the support from both Chartwells and the local area. Afterwards, Kevin Lyden, Chartwells East Division President shared a few thoughts on the importance of partnership and recognized the local team for their hard work and dedication to serving the local community. Dr. Echols then invited guests to join him in blessing the meal before commencing with the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy a special lunch in the new dining facility.

The renovation features a new annex with floor to ceiling glass windows that overlook Jones Lake, offering a 180-degree view. With a 1,800 square foot deck on the second floor, the expansion provides BPC and local community members a beautiful dining experience that complements the meals offered each day.

Aptly named The Eatery, the new facility offers a unique addition to the dining options in the local area. Open each day, community members can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet that comes complete with a focus on health, wellness, and sustainability. Community members can also enjoy a cup of coffee from Burger 912, the upstairs grill, as they lounge on the patio and enjoy BPC’s beautiful lakeside view.

Chartwells partnership with BPC reflects the spirit in local leadership where individuals are stepping up each and every day to show their support for the college. During the event, Lyden even commended the community members in attendance for their support.

 

“Chartwells serves on college campuses all over the country,” he stated.  “I’ve been a part of it for just slightly over 40 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever been to an event where there have been this many different people from the community represented. We are happy to be here and thankful for the opportunity to serve your community.”

 

 

Dr. Echols, BPC President, also observed, “‘The new addition is just one of many campus improvements with which God has blessed Brewton-Parker College in recent years. We are grateful for the partnership with our food vendor Chartwells that helped make this project possible. BPC also wishes to thank Carroll Williams and the Harry Moses Construction for their high quality and timely work in the construction process. This new student center greatly increases our capacity to serve our growing student body, our summer camps, and the public at large. We want to thank the community for the great turnout at the dedication and hope that they will come often and enjoy quality food at a great price along with the relaxing and beautiful view of the lake area.”

For more information regarding dining options, visit Chartwells online at dineoncampus.com/brewtonparker or @baronsdining on Instagram.

Dr. Echols expresses gratitude for local support.

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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