SACS approves Brewton-Parker Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies Degree Program

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MOUNT VERNON — Brewton-Parker College announced today the approval of its Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies Degree Program following approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The program will build upon an existing Worship and Church Music concentration offered by the Division of Christian Studies and Humanities.

Although the program has been in dormancy since 2009, Brewton-Parker has worked diligently to gain reinstatement of the program. Because of a rich history of more than 50 years in music, the College has continued to: recruit students for its Choir, Voice Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble; continued to hire full-time qualified faculty members; and maintained its music facilities.

“As I have traveled about meeting Brewton-Parker College alumni and friends, I have consistently heard about the amazing impact that the music program had over the years,” stated Steve Echols, BPC president. “Churches were excited to have the large choir and other music groups from BPC. Many students came to BPC because they were so impressed with the music program and the students who were involved in it. The number one inquiry to me has been, ‘When is BPC going to get the music program back?’”

Years of work

Echols also added, “We rejoice over the wonderful news of full SACS approval for a music major at BPC! For the past four years, David Wilson has been working diligently to rebuild the program. We now have Matt Haley as another full-time music faculty member and other part-time faculty members to help us grow the program. We believe that the program is going to expand rapidly and that we are going to see great response from Georgia Baptist churches and the communities throughout south Georgia. Already we are seeing doors open as Voices of Truth will be singing at the Georgia Baptist Convention this November. This engagement will be a tremendous opportunity to spread the word that the music major is back at BPC.”

“I want to especially thank Dr. Wilson and our provost, Dr. Brian, for their diligent work in making this possible,” Echols said. “Approval from SACS for new majors has become increasingly difficult and complex. Many hours of work went into the proposal. Thanks to them and to others that assisted, BPC has received one of the most encouraging signs for our academic programs in recent years. Above all we thank God for the doors He is opening for Brewton-Parker College!”

Robert Brian, BPC provost, is also excited about bringing back the program. “We are beyond excited about the reinstatement of our music program. We see this approval by the Commission on Colleges as a restoration of trust and the first step in our long-range planning for continued expansion of programs that best serve our students and the community.”

'Excited to see where God takes us'

“We are excited about what God is doing with the music program at Brewton-Parker College,” stated David Wilson, BPC assistant Pprofessor of Worship and Church Music. “Recently, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) approved the Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies Degree program. This has been a long hard process but God has been faithful. Music as a degree program is back at Brewton-Parker College and I am excited to see where God takes us.”

Hildegard Jo Stanley, retired chair of Brewton-Parker College’s music division and consultant to the president for External Relations, is excited about the announcement as well.  “Why do I remain at BPC?” Stanley asked. “To see this day! My heart is rejoicing and I claim two promises for my life. ‘Be ye strong … for your work shall be rewarded’ 2 Chronicles 15:7 and Romans 8:28. We sing ‘This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!’ Psalm 118:24.”

The program is expected to begin August 2016. The college’s next Open House event will be Tuesday, Nov. 1. If you are a prospective student or know of a prospective student who is interested in Brewton-Parker, register online at www.bpc.edu or contact the Office of Admissions at 912-583-3265 or admissions@bpc.edu.

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