WPWBC Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Students in the Community
CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Janice Brickhouse Saunders
In recognition of celebrating Black History Month in February 2025, please join us in honoring Dr. Janice Brickhouse Saunders as the First African American Female Postal Carrier in the City of Norfolk, Virginia - a defining moment of Black History! Upon graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Dr. Saunders enrolled in Norfolk State University (Norfolk State College at that time) and majored in Sociology with the goal of becoming a juvenile officer or owning a home for unwed mothers. But God had another plan! Eventually, she returned to college and was convinced by her counselor to minor in education. Ironically, Dr. Saunders never planned to become a teacher; it was the course in Psychology of Personal Development that allowed students to reflect on their personal, social, mental, and spiritual development that her mission in the building of God’s kingdom began. In her leadership role with WPWBC and in maintaining a collegial environment conducive to learning and manifesting God's Word, Dr. Saunders serves as our Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs; the Director of the Writing, Supplemental Instruction, and Tutoring Center; and as a Lead Instructor in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. She also serves as an Evangelist with the New Mount Joy - Food For Living Ministries Church in Suffolk, Virginia.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 KJV
CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Calvin Franklin
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Calvin Franklin as the Pastor Designate and his wife, Minister Tabitha Mann-Franklin, as Leading Lady-Elect of New Paul's Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance in Suffolk, Virginia where Dr. Sylvester Silver, Sr. is the General Overseer. The church is located at 720 Hosier Road in Suffolk, Virginia. Dr. Franklin completed his Doctorate in Theology degree in 2021 with the William P. Wiggins Bible College. We thank him for his service first as a student and now as an Instructor, as he teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate programs here at WPWBC.
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 KJV
CONGRATULATIONS to Elder Bernell Sherrod, Sr.
Please join us in congratulating Elder Bernell Sherrod, Sr. as being installed as the Assistant Pastor of New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministry on Sunday, January 14, 2024. The church is located at 307 County Street in Suffolk, Virginia and Elder Terrell O. Wiggins is the Pastor. Elder Sherrod currently serves as an Assistant Instructor for the General Bible One course here at WPWBC, while his wife, Sister Denise Sherrod, serves as the Registrar and Director of Student Affairs. We thank Elder Sherrod for his years of service in our ministry and we congratulate him on this season in his life.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV
CONGRATULATIONS to Brother Justin Saunders
Please join us in congratulating Bro. Justin Saunders on his recent appointment to the Virginia African American Advisory Board by Governor Glenn Youngkin in January 2026. We are sharing this news as Justin Saunders is the son of our Interim President and grandson of our President Emeritus here at WPWBC.
Remarks from Justin Saunders: I am glad to close 2025 and begin 2026 with my appointment by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Advisory Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia. During this 4-year term, I will uphold my oath to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia on the African American Advisory Board.
CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Tony Evans
In March 2026 Bishop Michael Golden, Jr., Mother Jacqualin Holmes, and the Saints of the Iconic Virginia Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction sponsored the Workers Conferences at New Mount Joy Food for Living. Dr. Tony Evans was the featured minister on Wed., Mar. 4th at 7pm and Thurs., Mar. 5th at 11am. Many WPWBC affiliates attended his sessions during the conference to experience his preaching and teaching in person as his textbooks and materials across the curriculum here at the College. WPWBC's Office of the President was also able to request a meeting with Dr. Evans during his visit, and the following individuals represented the College during that meeting. Pictured above left to right are: Dr. Sylvester Silver, Sr., First Lady Linda Silver, Dr. Tony Evans, Dr. Cynthia Brown, and Dr. Sheila Cheeks.
CONGRATULATIONS to Evangelist Cheryl Haines
Please join the Office of the Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs, Evangelist Dr. Janice B. Saunders, in announcing the recent recognition of Evangelist Cheryl Haines as the recipient of the Educators Inspiring A Generation 2026 Award for her commitment to student success, innovative teaching practices, and leadership in educational communities in Poughkeepsie, New York. Evangelist Haines is an Instructor for the General Bible III – Third Year Course in the Undergraduate Program here at WPWBC. As part of WPWBC's Juneteenth: A Celebration by Information inaugural series, we recognize how powerful knowledge can be in moving an idea, an individual, a family, a generation and an entire ethnicity of people forward in this life. We are proud of the progress made by our community of students and leaders as a whole and particularly of those affiliated with the Bible College. We are continuing to make history, and we applaud the accomplishments of our affiliates because we give God all the glory. This moment signifies the current day push for education equity and it underscores how our community has created our own schools to ensure we have access. Much like the founding of WPWBC. Congratulations, Evangelist Haines! Many teachers were nominated throughout New York State, but very few were chosen to be recognized as outstanding educators who have given dedicated and excellent service in education. In addition to the School District-wide Educator’s Award, Senator Rob Rolison also gave Evangelist Cheryl Haines an Award of Distinction from his local district for all she does in Poughkeepsie, New York. Her work and efforts have not gone unnoticed with all she does for the community’s students.
