Professor Helps Young Scientist Take the Heat

By Evan Riekhof

BPC Marketing Coordinator

MOUNT VERNON – On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Brewton-Parker College (BPC) professor Dr. Helene Peters awarded Montgomery County Middle School’s (MCMS) seventh grade student, Bray Williamson, a scholarship to BPC’s annual science camp. Three years ago, Dr. Peters was contacted by science teachers from the local schools to help with the judging of their science fair projects. She was also asked to be a mentor for young scientists.

Dr. Peters stated, “I love to help with this because I believe I can come alongside teachers and strengthen the sciences in their school. I also believe we have exceptional students, and those students need extra encouragement to go into the science field because many of them lack confidence or may live in an under-resourced county.”

Dr. Peters is the Chair of Math & Natural Sciences Division and Professor of Biology at BPC. She loves inspiring young minds and is an advocate for critical thinking. For the past few years, Dr. Peters has hosted the Summer Science Camps at BPC as a way to enrich young minds in the art of science. According to Dr. Peters, students at the camps have done various activities from an egg-drop challenge to dissecting frogs, and even a college-level experiment such as extracting DNA from strawberries.

Williamson won this valuable scholarship to participate in the science camp because of his Science Fair project titled, “Heat Protection for Firefighters.” Williamson tested heat transfer through the outer layer of clothing worn by firefighters. Williamson was joined by MCMS assistant principal Mr. Joel Watson and Academic Coach Mrs. Gloria O’Neal during the presentation of the award at MCMS.

Williamson’s father was the inspiration for the science fair project. His father is a firefighter for Laurens County. According to Williamson’s research, the outer layer is what keeps the heat out.

“I also figured out the outer layer, it really burns through and daddy let me see his turnout gear and he’s got holes,” described Williamson. In the future, Williamson plans to test the middle and the inner layers the same way he tested the outer layer.

During the presentation of the award, Dr. Peters expressed her passion for science and said she was “particularly excited about [Williamson’s] because [he] showed a lot of preplanning. There were a lot of steps [he] had to go through and then create them thinking how [was he] going to test this. I like that because that is what the Scientific Method is all about.”

Dr. Peterson even provided some ideas for research Williamson can perform for his next experiments, such as testing flame-retardant material used in pajamas.

Assistant Principal Watson is pleased to have the connection between MCMS and BPC: “We appreciate anything that Brewton-Parker does for Montgomery County Middle School, the board of education, and all the schools have a great working relationship.”

The Summer Science Camps at Brewton-Parker College are open to the community. Registration for the camps will begin in April. For more information please contact Dr. Helene Peters: hpeters@bpc.edu

Brewton-Parker College is the only accredited four-year Christian college south of Macon and north of Jacksonville, FL. As a comprehensive Georgia Baptist institution, Brewton-Parker College provides liberal arts and professional programs in a learning community of shared Christian values. Through the application of biblical truth in scholarship and a co-curricular focus on character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement, the college strives to provide a transformational experience that equips the whole student for lifelong learning and service in Christ..

Visit Brewton-Parker College online at www.bpc.edu.

-BPC-

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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