Georgia CommonsHR 1406: Brewton-Parker Christian University; commend
Last action February 18, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution honors Brewton-Parker Christian University for its history and recent transition to university status, and commends its president, Dr. Steven F. Echols, for his leadership.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes Brewton-Parker Christian University, a school founded in 1904 near Mount Vernon, Georgia as Union Baptist Institute. The text traces the school's founding, including a land donation from Warren C. Crawley, Sr., a formerly enslaved man, and describes the school's growth over more than a century. The resolution formally honors the university for its Georgia Baptist heritage and its recent change to university status, which took effect July 1, 2025 after approval from its accrediting body. It also commends Dr. Steven F. Echols, the university's leader, for guiding the school through this transition. The Clerk of the House is directed to send copies of the resolution to the university and to Dr. Echols. The resolution does not change any Georgia law.
What the bill does
- Formally honors Brewton-Parker Christian University for its history, Georgia Baptist heritage, and service to students and communities.
- Commends Dr. Steven F. Echols by name for his leadership in guiding the school's transition to university status.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send copies of the resolution to the university and to Dr. Echols.
- Creates no new law, funding, or regulation; it is a ceremonial statement by the House.
Who it affects
Brewton-Parker Christian University, its president Dr. Steven F. Echols, and the school's students, faculty, and affiliated Georgia Baptist churches are named in the resolution. It has no legal effect on other individuals or institutions.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences; it is a symbolic gesture recognizing an institution's history and recent milestone. Its main real-world effect is that the university and its president receive an official copy of the House's public commendation.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses recount the university's founding in 1904 as Union Baptist Institute and its land donation from Warren C. Crawley, Sr.
- The first resolved clause honors the university for its heritage and service across Georgia.
- The second resolved clause commends Dr. Steven F. Echols for his leadership during the school's transition to university status, effective July 1, 2025.
- The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the university and Dr. Echols.
From the bill
“the members of this body honor Brewton-Parker Christian University in recognition of its rich history, Georgia Baptist heritage, and continued commitment to Christ-centered higher education”
“the House of Representatives commends Dr. Steven F. Echols for his faithful leadership and stewardship in guiding the institution through a season of renewal”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Leesa Hagan (R, HD-156)
- Angie O'Steen (R, HD-169)
Topics
- higher education
- Georgia colleges and universities
- legislative honors
- Brewton-Parker