Brewton-Parker names new Director of Student Activities

By Evan Riekhof
BPC Marketing Coordinator

Brewton-Parker has recently hired Paige Norton as the Director of Student Activities. She graduated from Brewton-Parker College in December 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. Paige was a member of Voices of Truth and Choir all four years. Upon graduation, she moved to Pittsburgh where she worked with a church plant called The Well Church, which then merged into Vintage Church Pittsburgh. She moved back to Georgia in November of 2019 after being offered the Admissions Counselor position for the Division of Christian Studies and Humanities. She currently resides in Vidalia, GA. 

In honor of her recent hire, the BPC Marketing Department sat down with her to ask some questions and future aspirations for the Department of Student Activities:  

Q: How do you believe your prior experience will help with this new opportunity?

My first job on campus was as a work-study with the Student Activities department, so it’s ironic to see it come full circle. I am excited to use my experiences as a former student, as well as the knowledge I received from working underneath two previous Directors of Student Activities, in order to be successful in this position.

Q: We know there will be unique obstacles with Covid-19, how do you plan to overcome this?

As much as COVID-19 is a limiting factor to the events we can conduct as a college, it also provides us with a unique opportunity to be innovative and expand the horizons on activities that we can carry out. Our department is encouraged that we will still be able to “bring the fun” to our students living on and off campus through various outlets. A quote I’m choosing to live by this year was from my Papa– “Do the best you can with what you’ve got.” All we can do is our best, by providing activities that students can enjoy safely and responsibly. 

Q: Can you tell me about any upcoming student activities you have been working on?

 You won’t be able to ESCAPE the fun we’re going to have, even with the extra ROOM we will provide due to COVID-19. 

Q: Do you have a Bible verse you can relate to your new future in this position or just a verse you live by every day you can share?

 “My friends, be joined together in perfect unity–with one heart, one passion, and united in love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.” Philippians 2:2 

If I could quote the entire chapter here, I would. This passage is the heart we are seeking to have behind all that we do as a Student Activities team. If our purpose is to connect students together through activities, then we will strive to do so in a Christ-like manner. Personally, I hope to be an example of the love of Christ to my work studies, and other Barons that I come into contact with through my new position as Director of Student Activities.  

Q: Can you comment on being a BPC Alumna and working at your Alma Mater?

As a Brewton-Parker alumna, it is truly exciting to be able to give back to the college that gave so much to me. It was here where I met some of my truest friends, deepened my relationship with Christ, and grew as an individual overall. This college honestly changed my life. 

As a student I appreciated the faculty and staff with whom I formed relationships, and now I have the privilege to call those people my colleagues. Not only that, but I also have the opportunity to impact students in a similar way. I pray that God uses me in this new position to show students that following Christ is the best decision they will ever make, and that being a Christian, as well as a Baron, is not only life-changing, but fun!  

Q: Tell some things about yourself such as your background, your interests, what you like to do for fun, and the hopes and dreams you have for both yourself and BPC.

I was born and raised in Valdosta, GA. I have always loved being around people so naturally it makes sense for me to have a job where I get to interact with people all the time! You can usually find me walking around with a cup of coffee in my hand and buds in my ears (most likely singing out loud to whatever song is playing). I’m on the worship team at Connection Church Vidalia where I play piano and sing. My idea of fun is hanging out with friends–whether that be going out and bowling, traveling, or staying in and having a movie night. I’m always quick to answer “yes” to an outing of any kind, especially if it involves dogs, sweets, or food.

It is my desire to see Brewton-Parker College become the home away from home for every student that walks through its doors. We have such a unique group of students here with various ethnic backgrounds and I believe it is important to take the time to learn from them. At BPC, we strive to encourage students to embrace their differences, while hoping that we show them the unity and community they can find in Christ. It starts with each of us doing our part, and I aspire to be a friendly face to the notion that ALL are welcome here.

Madison Herrin, Associate Vice President of Student Development and Head Softball Coach, commented on Paige’s new position stating

“We are excited to have Paige working with us in Student Services! She has a wonderful work ethic and great ideas on how to create an exciting campus life! We are truly blessed to have such a Godly young woman influencing our students.”

We welcome Paige as the new Director of Student Activities and can’t wait to see what she will bring to the table.

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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