Brewton-Parker Names New Director of Student Activities

Emily-Oliver
New Director of Student Activities, Emily Mason

MOUNT VERNON – Brewton-Parker College (BPC) has recently hired Emily Mason as the Director of Student Activities. She graduated from Valdosta State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Emily started at BPC in 2021 as the Campus Visit Coordinator and Assistant Wrestling Coach. 

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?

Prior to being employed at BPC, I was a manager at a gym for almost 4 years. This taught me great interpersonal, planning, communication, and management skills. Once my husband and I arrived at BPC, I originally worked in the admissions department where I learned the ins and outs as well as the core values of BPC. I discovered all of the amazing things this school has to offer and built relationships with staff, students, and coaches that I am very grateful for. I am so excited to see where this new position takes me and the ways I can have a positive impact on Brewton-Parker and its students.

Q: Can you comment on changes you’ve seen happening at BPC within the student body and how you plan to accommodate these changes?

In my time at Brewton-Parker, I have seen the college completely evolve since the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, our students became accustomed to being separated and secluded, but with restrictions subsiding, the cohesiveness of our student population has grown immensely. Next year, I hope to continue to accommodate this growth by planning fun experiences where relationships can be built and grown. 

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

Our department is very focused on adding a full calendar of events next year including more clubs and organizations, game room updates, monthly movie nights, and much more. We are also working hard to plan our upcoming New Student Orientation, which we hope will be a fun and energetic experience for our incoming freshmen.  

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?

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

I believe having a cohesive community is a vital part of any person’s college experience. Building relationships and strengthening our community is the base of this role and I hope to do so through meaningful, memorable, and intentional events and activities. 

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 am a people person and fitness enthusiast with a Bachelors in Psychology. My favorite things are working out and spending time with my pug, Stanley, and my husband, Kenny. I have high hopes and dreams of building a new student activities experience at Brewton-Parker College. 

Brewton-Parker College is excited to be adding Emily Mason to our Department of Student Activities. We look forward to seeing students connect with each other and the community of Mount Vernon this fall and beyond.



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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