Tanya Parks
Co-Pastor
While I claim Louisville, Kentucky as my hometown, I’ve been privileged to call many places “home” – most recently, Baton Rouge! I have lived in Alabama, where I studied church music at Samford University, and Virginia, where I earned a Master of Divinity degree from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. My husband Jon and I have been married since 2000 and have two children, Abigail and Kaitlyn.
I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running, walking, etc. I love to read and spend time with my family. We love to travel to new places!
I’ve found a home in many places, and I feel blessed to have served in several roles in my career – as a college recruiter, youth minister, preschool teacher, Kindermusik practitioner, and high school chorus director. Before UBC, Jon and I served as Field Personnel in Kosice, Slovakia with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Since moving to Baton Rouge in 2021, I have served UBC as Minister to Children and Retirees and as Interim Director of the Mothers Day Out Program. Now I’m excited to follow this new calling to serve as Senior Co-Pastor!
In all these roles, I have come to believe that God calls each of us to missional living, no matter our profession. I love to help people find their God-given gifts and use them to serve in the church and beyond, and I’m a passionate believer that all people should feel loved and accepted as part of God’s family.
Jon Parks
Co-Pastor
I'm thrilled to be able to serve here at UBC, a congregation that has a long history of serving in this community and around the world! I consider myself lucky to be able to work alongside such a talented and passionate staff.
Though my context has changed over the years, I have always seen my calling as connecting, encouraging and empowering others to serve - and UBC is a perfect place to continue and expand that calling. I grew up and was called to ministry at University Baptist Church of Huntsville, Alabama... so UBC of Baton Rouge feels like a homecoming to me!
Through the years since then, I have served in a variety of roles - pastor, music minister, mission leader and even high school teacher - in congregations in Alabama and Virginia. Most recently. Tanya and I lived with our family for nine years in Slovakia where we worked in education and community development among the Romani people.
I enjoy running, hiking, biking and just generally being outdoors. I also love to read science fiction and fantasy, listen to history podcasts and play board games.
While focusing on teaching, preaching and pastoral care here at UBC, I also work to help members feel connected and to find their places of service in the community, and help provide opportunities for service outside the walls of the church.
Eric Fulcher
Minister of Formation & Church of the Nations
I am so excited to be a part of the UBC community and to help the church fulfill her calling here in Baton Rouge! I was born and raised in Richmond, VA, attended Virginia Tech for undergrad, and the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond for my Master of Divinity degree.
My experiences in ministry are varied, having spent time in associate ministry, youth and children’s ministry, college ministry, hospital chaplaincy, church planting, and ministry for a season in a national park. I’m excited to work with all generations of Americans and Internationals at UBC to provide opportunities for connection and growth with one another. I think the local church is at its best when those we encounter feel loved and accepted as beloved children of God created in God’s image, so that they might in turn be that same loving presence to the world around them.
In my spare time, you’ll find me playing guitar, reading science fiction, exercising, or trying my best to catch a bass at a local BREC park.
I work to develop engaging spiritual formation opportunities for all generations and stages of life at UBC, as well as provide leadership for Church of the Nations and all International ministries.
Anastasia Azore
Children's Ministry Coordinator
I’m excited to be a part of the UBC community, one filled with camaraderie and fellowship. Since joining UBC, I have felt loved by all the members of our congregation and I hope to continue this legacy of UBC.
Ignorance stands in the way of love and education stands in the way of ignorance. Over the years, I have worked in various capacities surrounding the classroom. From teaching babies fine motor skills to mentoring college students in their academic endeavors, I’ve seen it all. Since my background is in teaching, it’s only fitting that I teach you a thing or two about myself. I was born and raised in New Orleans, so naturally I am a Saints fan. I love health and fitness, archival research, and 70’s funk music. Currently, I am completing my bachelor's in History with a concentration in Secondary education along with a minor in African American studies at LSU.
My work at UBC is best summed up by Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed”. Together with the pastor, I work with children and their families to create a fun and engaging atmosphere that fosters growth for the individual, the family, and participants of the church.
Halena Nguyen
Financial and Office Manager
I was born in Vietnam but raised in New Orleans, LA & have over
10 years of bookkeeping & administrative management
experience across several sectors including non-profit, law &
franchising.
I really enjoy meeting new people and helping others. In my free
time I enjoy going hiking, kickboxing, running, skateboarding, camping & just being outdoors. I'm also into succulent plants, travel, cook & bake.
I lead the office operations and manage UBC's finances.
Damien LeBrane
Media Specialist
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, I used my passion for creative processes and technology to develop skills in graphic design. I went on to graduate from LSU with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. During my time there, I learned how to properly organize and promote a business. Here at UBC, I use my knowledge of tech and social media to bring light to all the great things happening at UBC!
Support Staff
Kay Hawthorne
Organist
Bonnie Ellis
Volunteer Office Specialist
Lolita Harris
Custodial Staff
Hiep Nguyen
Custodial Staff
