Faculty Feature: Jessica Stovall

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When asked about her thoughts on the state of mental healthcare in Georgia, Jessica Stovall remarked, “since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals have seen a significant increase in requests for counseling and other services, but we don’t have the infrastructure in place to meet the demand. Even with telehealth, people often face long wait lists or unaffordable session fees.” The state of Georgia falls below the national average for mental health services. Only 33% of young adults aged 12–17 in Georgia during 2016–2019 received depression care in the past year, lower than both the regional average (40.2%) and the national average (41.8%)” (Behavioral Health Barometer: Georgia, Volume 6: Indicators as measured through the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services). Mental health is an issue on the rise, and Jessica Stovall is bringing her knowledge and advocacy to Brewton-Parker College.

Jessica graduated from Williams Baptist University with a bachelor of science in psychology, and a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in marriage and family counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from NOBTS.

Originally from Omaha, Arkansas, Jessica moved to Mount Vernon, Georgia after she felt the Lord calling her to a position at BPC. She left New Orleans and moved to southern Georgia, a place where she had no family or friends. She has seen the Lord’s favor in her life as she began her teaching career at BPC and sees the Holy Spirit move through campus on a daily basis. 

She is currently an instructor of psychology and a licensed associate professional counselor who provides counseling services to students. At BPC, Jessica combines her love for teaching, counseling, building relationships, and helping students grow into the image of Jesus Christ.

Her aspirations are to invest in the next generation of counselors in southern Georgia, where mental health services are few and far between. She pours into students daily in the hopes to see them return to Mount Vernon and invest in their community after they complete their graduate studies. Her dreams also include publishing counselor education materials.

Outside of work, Jessica loves to travel. She has visited Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, and Israel. Her love for travel ties into her love of trying new plant-based dishes as well as learning espresso techniques to make the perfect coffee.

Jessica began teaching herself Spanish in the summer of 2021 in the hopes of developing a professional proficiency in the next five years. Her goal in learning a new language is to be able to provide bilingual counseling services for those who speak Spanish as their first language. 

In 2021, Jessica was awarded the Annetta Jernigan Ph.D. Fellowship for Women for her studies at NOBTS. This fellowship covers the cost of tuition for four years. Continuing her education to better serve BPC students, as well as the surrounding community, inspires students to do the same while they attend BPC and after graduation.

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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