New Director of the Academic Success Center for Brewton-Parker College

Dr. Frank Sharpe, the new Director of Academic Success Center.

MOUNT VERNON — Brewton-Parker College (BPC) recently announced Dr. Frank Sharpe of Laurens County as the Director of the Academic Success Center (ASC). As the Director, Dr. Sharpe will facilitate educational support and tutoring services to BPC students and plans to expand the online tutoring services. The ASC also offers specialized help with student papers at the Writing Center. 

Before accepting this position, Dr. Sharpe taught full-time last fall and taught remote classes in BPC’s prison and Youth Challenge programs in the spring. Prior to joining BPC, Dr. Sharpe was a Junior Fellow with the Blount Program at the University of Alabama. Education has always been a priority for Dr. Sharpe as both of his parents and his older brother are teachers.

Dr. Robert Brian, BPC’s Provost, shared his enthusiasm by saying, “I am very excited that Dr. Frank Sharpe will be joining us this fall in the key role of ASC Director. Over the spring and summer, we have strengthened our capacity for spotting students showing early signs of disengagement or those who just need more academic support. Dr. Sharpe will be leading a team of tutors, advisors, and mentors charged with making student success an attainable goal for all Barons.”

Dr. Sharpe understands some of the challenges that come with being a college student. “Students are already in a new environment with high expectations.” He sees the services provided by the ASC as a way to be more actively engaged in the success of students and meeting those expectations. Dr. Sharpe hopes to see growth in the number of students progressing in their classes and successfully making it to graduation. “I want them to know we’re on their side. Combine that with the chance to help people on a personal level and then I think we’ll really have something to feel good about.”

The work of the ASC is valuable to both students and BPC according to Dr. Sharpe. “Your time in college is valuable, not just because of tuition, but because you will only be here for so long. These four years will go by before you know it, so do the best you can without looking for shortcuts.” He believes we need to provide a strong support system for students who are struggling, stating, “This is important to both our success as an institution and the morale of the students.” 

Dr. Sharpe said his favorite Bible verse is, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). Regarding Servant Leadership, Dr. Sharpe stated, “Service is one of the most meaningful things we can do in our world. And I think servant leadership is leadership with its heart in the right place.” In his new position as Director of Academic Success, Dr. Sharpe looks forward to seeing Brewton-Parker grow and prosper while staying true to its mission and core values. “It’s just an honor to be a part of that.”

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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