Reflecting on the first month of 2023, January was a season of exciting change for many. A new year brings a strive for resolutions and getting into good habits. For some that is getting into the gym, for others that means prioritizing God’s word. For us here at The Baptist College of Florida this past month was a catalyst in promoting a culture of excellence in who we are and what we do. Doing that has come with its fair share of changes. One of the more recent changes involved one of our amazing professors, Dr. Tonya Gardner. A member of our BCF family for several years now, Dr. Gardner has served in various roles, including Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling. Now, she has taken on a new role as the Division Chair of our General Education Division.
Dr. Gardner brings a track record of academic credibility that will help her equip students with both competency and compassion. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Social Science Education from Mississippi University for Women, a Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and received her Doctorate from Liberty University in Community Care and Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. When asked about the kind of culture she wants to foster in her division, she responded with, “I would like to create a culture where everyone feels supported and understands their importance in the program.” If you were to ask any student who has taken one of her classes, this is something she truly does practice in and out of the classroom. Dr. Gardner wants to make it a priority in her division to understand and help each student learn in the way that is best suited for them because it is important to acknowledge that everyone is different and learns in a distinct way because of their personality. With a laid-back leadership style, welcoming to all attitudes, and a great love for the students and faculty of BCF, Dr. Gardner will do amazing things in her new role. She understands the school’s emphasis on loving like family and has truly embraced that in how she serves each student who comes under her influence and care.
Now on a personal note you can find Dr. Gardner listening to everything from classical music to jazz, and chances are if you have any songs that fit into those categories, you can go jam out with her any day. Dr. Gardner likes to think of herself as an open book, so she is full of transparency and honesty. Her life is also marked by compassion with one of her biggest dreams being to buy a big house and take in all the kids aging out of the foster care system. If that doesn’t show you her love for people, and especially students, I don’t know what will! Hopefully, this gives you a window into the heart and mind of Dr. Gardner, a member of our faculty who is determined to come alongside others and equip them for Christ glory among the nations. So please join us here at The Baptist College of Florida in welcoming the new Chair of the General Education Division, Dr. Tonya Gardner!
- Emily Robinson, Staff Writer.