Brewton-Parker College Honors Dr. Steven Echols for a Decade of Transformative Leadership

Courtesy of Brewton-Parker College

Brewton-Parker College recently recognized a decade of leadership under President Dr. Steven F. Echols with a surprise celebration that culminated in a historic announcement: the renaming of a prominent campus road to “Steven Echols Drive” in his honor. Held inside the Fountain- New Library, the event brought together faculty, staff, community leaders, and friends of the College to celebrate the progress of the last ten years. Among the many highlights of the event was a heartfelt speech by Mount Vernon Mayor Joey Fountain, who shared stories of Dr. Echols’ early work in restoring the campus grounds and his enduring impact on the city itself. “When he took this job, there were buildings you couldn’t even see because of the overgrown trees and bushes,” Mayor Fountain recalled. “But Dr. Echols came in and started cleaning up the campus, and immediately began laying the groundwork for the college’s comeback— and Mount Vernon has benefited tremendously.” But even more significant than the growth and numbers is the eternal impact, noted Mayor Fountain. “He would trade every accomplishment for just one more student to know Christ — and we’ve seen hundreds come to faith under his leadership.” Several others in attendance shared personal reflections and expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Echols’ leadership and legacy.

From beautifying the campus and revitalizing facilities to building new residence halls and campus buildings, Dr. Echols has led Brewton-Parker College through one of its most transformative decades in history. During this time: Total student enrollment has grown by 91%, from 805 in 2015-2016 to 1,540 in 2024-2025 academic year.

Eight new buildings have been constructed and extensive renovations throughout the campus have occurred with a new nursing building scheduled to be built in the 20252026 academic year.

Over 500 students have made professions of faith through campus ministries.

The Temple Baptist Theological Seminary was launched in 2022, with over 270 students taking courses since its inception.

A fully accredited Nursing Program was developed, with its inaugural class achieving a 100% firsttime NCLEX pass rate.

The college achieved university status, becoming Brewton-Parker Christian University, effective July 1, 2025.

The newly designated Steven Echols Drive runs through the heart of campus, from the intersection of Roberson Street to the area behind Gates Hall. The sign will be mounted in the coming weeks, sponsored by the City of Mount Vernon. During the celebration, Dr. Echols was presented with a framed resolution and a commemorative street sign to mark the occasion.

Dr. Echols was visibly moved by the occasion. “I’m overwhelmed and undeserving, but deeply appreciative of the wonderful and very gracious support and encouragement I have received. God has sent an incredibly talented and dedicated faculty and staff to BPC. They are the ones who have made our progress possible. Above all, God is the one who deserves all the glory for the blessings He has bestowed upon our school. I am excited about the future as I believe the best is yet to come.” Visit Brewton-Parker College online at www. bpc.edu.