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Sisyphus No More – An Academic Book by BPC Professor of Social Sciences

/ Academics, Christian Studies and Humanities, Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty Achievements / By

By Evan Riekhof
BPC Marketing Coordinator 

 

MOUNT VERNON — Brewton-Parker College’s (BPC) Associate Professor of Social Sciences and Director of Prison Programs, Dr. Roger C. Byrd, will have an academic book published by Rowman and Littlefield on December 15, 2020. Dr. Byrd’s upcoming book, entitled Sisyphus No More: The Case for Prison Education, will explore how prison education has many desirable outcomes for the inmate, their families, and the community as a whole.

Dr. Byrd began studying prison education while doing his doctoral dissertation and plans to use the book in his courses. According to Dr. Byrd, the title is taken from the story of Sisyphus in Greek mythology. For his sins, Sisyphus was compelled in the afterlife to roll a boulder up a hill only to have it break away and roll back to the bottom. Sisyphus did this for all eternity. The book’s cover, designed by Dr. Byrd’s wife, is an image of Sisyphus with a modern look. Dr. Byrd explained, “The parallel I was attempting to draw is the fact that inmates often never can fully complete their sentences because of the enormous obstacles they face upon release. Prison education helps to enable them to overcome some of these obstacles.” Dr. Byrd believes other instructors could use the book in classes preparing students to become teachers, policy-makers, corrections professionals, and community advocates.

Dr. Byrd plans to use the book in the Political Science department in the Criminal Justice (CJ) 320 Community Re-entry for Offenders course. BPC plans to add the book to its catalog of courses, and Dr. Byrd has been contacted by Ashland University, Georgia College and State University, and others expressing interest in using his book.

Currently, Dr. Byrd is working on a Georgia History book targeted for high school students called, There is My Country. The book will feature a collection of biographies of Georgians who made the trek west in the period immediately preceding and just after the Civil War. Included are the stories of “some very interesting characters (frontiersmen, soldiers, women, African-Americans, Native Americans, lawmen, and outlaws) that left the Peach State for various reasons and wound up on the American frontier,” described Dr. Byrd. A book of devotionals that Dr. Byrd has written over the years is also in the works.

Dr. Byrd plans to have a book signing for Sisyphus No More: The Case for Prison Education at BPC in early Spring 2021 as well as at Wheeler Correctional Facility. Dr. Byrd’s forthcoming book is now available for pre-order on Amazon and Rowman and Littlefield’s websites. Rowman and Littlefield typically publish heavily in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.

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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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