BPC Appoints Dr. Justin E. Russell as New Provost

Courtesy of Brewton-Parker College

Brewton-Parker College (BPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Justin E. Russell as the new Provost, succeeding Dr. Robert Brian, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service. Dr. Russell, who has been serving as the Division Chair for Education and Behavioral Sciences, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the college’s mission.

Having served in a senior- level administrative position for seven years, Dr. Russell is well-prepared to step into the role of provost. As the division chair, he demonstrated exceptional leadership on the academic council and as faculty assembly chair. Dr. Russell’s collaborative style and extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education have uniquely positioned him to excel in his new role.

Dr. Russell comments, “My goal is to continue the great work that Dr. Brian started but also advance the college in other academic avenues. Good leaders know how to serve but also how to empower others to lead and succeed. I plan to ensure we are maximizing our faculty’s training, experiences, and passions within the courses they are teaching. Additionally, I would like us to become as competitive as possible with the degrees we offer, including the modality with which we deliver these degrees. If we remember that we are here to serve God by serving our students, we will only continue to grow stronger.”

For many years, Dr. Russell and his family have been part of BPC and the local community. His wife Ginger is a business owner in Lyons, while his daughter Kennedy and son Glendon are both BPC alumni.

As BPC looks to the future under Dr. Russell’s leadership, there is a strong focus on leveraging technology, fostering collaboration between departments, and maintaining academic rigor. His commitment to making an impact on a global scale while staying true to the college’s values demonstrates his forwardlooking approach to education.

Dr. Steve Echols, BPC President, said, “We are excited to promote Dr. Russell to this new role as he has proven his ability to be a forerunner in higher education. He is a dedicated leader who exemplifies a commitment to student success and understands the critical role our faculty and staff play in those objectives.”

Reflecting on Dr. Brian’s tenure, Brewton-Parker College acknowledges his outstanding achievements and transformative initiatives while serving as Provost and Senior Vice President.

Dr. Brian leaves behind a legacy of growth, including the expansion of academic programs and the development of an exceptionally capable faculty. His collaborative and servant leadership style has contributed to the college’s strengthened position in Christian higher education. When asked to reflect on his time at BPC, he stated, “The key to effective leadership is to leave a place in better hands than when we arrived. In that regard, I truthfully can say that my proudest achievement at Brewton-Parker is that my departure, to borrow a phrase from John Donne, will cause ‘not a breach, but an expansion.’” His retirement is the conclusion of a distinguished career in higher education.

Dr. Beverly Faircloth, retired Assistant Superintendent for the Montgomery County School system, is filling the division chair position for education and behavioral sciences. Her wealth of experience in education makes her a valuable addition to the Brewton-Parker College leadership team.

The college expresses its gratitude to Dr. Robert Brian for his dedicated service and looks forward to the continued growth and success under the leadership of Dr. Justin E. Russell.