Joseph C. Parker Jr.

M.Div. ’97, Austin, Texas

Career Experience

Joseph C. Parker Jr. is senior pastor of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, where he has served in various roles for more than 30 years. He earned a B.A. from Morehouse College in 1974, an M.P.A. from the University of Georgia in 1976, a J.D. from the University of Texas in 1982, an M.Div. magna cum laude from Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in 1997, and a D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2003. Parker’s previous work experience includes serving as an instructor of advanced civil litigation in trial advocacy at the University of Texas and as chief of litigation with the State Bar of Texas.

Board Experience

Parker has served on the Chestnut Neighborhood Planning and Citizens Bond advisory committees with the City of Austin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel board of preachers at Morehouse College and as the first African American president of the Austin Bar Association, among other organizations. He also served as the first alumnus and African American chair of Truett Seminary’s board of advisors.

Awards and Honors

Parker has been awarded the Heman Marion Sweatt Civil Rights Legacy Award and the Community Leadership Award from the University of Texas, the Founder’s Award from Austin’s NAACP, the Trail Blazers Award from the State Bar of Texas and the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, among other honors. The Austin Bar Association named the Joseph C. Parker Jr. Diversity Award in honor of his work championing the equal, ethical and fair treatment of all people.

Baylor Philanthropy

Parker’s financial support for Baylor includes gifts to the Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes Baylor Black Alumni Club Endowed Scholarship Fund and leading David Chapel to establish an endowed scholarship at Truett Seminary.

Church/Christian Mission Affiliations

Parker and his family are members of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. He currently serves on the board of directors for the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and has served on the board of directors for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.