Rev. Derrick Todd Williams

Rev. Williams is the Senior Pastor of the New Pilgrim Baptist Church (NPBC) of Zachary, LA. His service and leadership has given him experiences he will cherish for a lifetime. These experiences enabled him to become an advocate for others and to promote issues that are of importance in his community and in school.  

During his six years at St. John Bible Institute, a regionally accredited institution his scholarly leadership helped bridge gaps between people, and biblical and secular research. He and his wife Cynthia Vessel-Williams are involved in community outreach efforts designed to help seniors, youth and those with special needs.  Their passion is supporting education and health needs for all people.   

Reverend Williams retired after 25 years from the Baton Rouge Police Department in 2019 as a Sergeant. During his tenure with the BRPD, he served as the Commander of the Misdemeanor Investigations Division, he worked as a detective in the Narcotics Division, Forgery Division, Armed Robbery Division, and Sex Offender Registration Office. 

Currently, Pastor Williams, serves as the Vice-President for the Capital Area Reentry Coalition (CAPARC). He is a certified Grief and Suicidecoach, receives support from the Wilson foundation to expand his personal and church involvement in the community. In addition to Biblical education, (NPBC) conducts programs for parents and the youth in their Saturday and Evening programs, regarding behavior modification, family relations, civic issues, crime prevention, and health. He is very proud of their current remodeling project for their fellowship hall, Children’s Church and Education Center.

These facilities will help to enhance current services to strengthen our community and promote the common good by providing a meaningful alternative for poverty that meet physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. We affirm the integrity of seniors and seek to further enhance each person’s self-worth.

Dr. Sarah Barlow

Dr. Sarah Barlow is currently Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs at Baton Rouge Community College. For over 10 years Dr. Barlow has served BRCC in roles in both Academic and Student Affairs, most recently serving as the Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs.

After earning her BA and MA in English from the University of Toledo in Toledo OH, Dr. Barlow moved to Louisiana to continue her education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. There she taught classes and focused on studies in Creative Writing, Composition Theory, Women’s literature, and American literature, and earned her Ph.D. in English in 2010. She began teaching full-time at Baton Rouge Community College that fall. As a faculty member, Dr. Barlow became the chair of the Faculty Senate Assessment Committee, a Faculty Senator, a General Education Committee Member, and a Faculty Mentor.

In 2014, Dr. Barlow became Chair of the English and Humanities Department where she served 40 full-time and adjunct faculty in multiple disciplines. In addition to creating the schedule of courses, observing and evaluating faculty, participating in program review and course assessment planning, assisting with curriculum development and articulation planning, addressing student concerns, and resolving conflict, she developed and co-chaired a New Student Orientation Model, multiple open house and advising events, and collaborated with enrollment services, advising and financial aid to enhance communication between units.