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Baker University
Baker University
Baker University
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Baker University is a private university in Baldwin City, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1858, it was the first four-year university in Kansas and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.[3] Baker University is made up of four schools. The College of Arts and Sciences and the undergraduate courses in the School of Education (SOE) are located on the campus in Baldwin City. The School of Professional and Graduate Studies (SPGS) and the graduate branch of the SOE serve nontraditional students on campuses in Overland Park, Kansas, and online. The School of Nursing, which is operated in partnership with Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, offers a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) and an online Master of Science in nursing (MSN).[4] Enrollment in all four schools has grown to a student population of more than 3,000, with about 900 students on the Baldwin City campus.

Key Information

History

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The Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel was moved stone by stone from the village of Sproxton, England, to serve as the spiritual center of the university. The chapel was dedicated at Baker in 1996 by Lady Margaret Thatcher, former British prime minister, whose father had preached in the building.
Old Castle Hall, built in 1857–58 as the original home of Baker University
Parmenter Hall, the most recognizable building on Baker's main campus.
Baker Wildcats football team (white uniforms)
Baker pep squad leading cheers at a game

Baker University was founded in 1858 and named for Osman Cleander Baker, a Methodist Episcopal biblical scholar and bishop. The school—which is the oldest, continually operating institution of higher learning in the state—was the first four-year university in Kansas and funds were raised by local donations and donors from the East. Baker's first president, Werter R. Davis, a minister and Civil War officer, served from 1858 to 1862. The original campus building, now known as Old Castle Museum, houses a museum of the university and Baldwin City.[5][6]

Athletics

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Main article: Baker Wildcats

The Baker athletic teams are called the Wildcats. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing as a founding member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) since its inception in the 1971–72 academic year. The Wildcats previously competed in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) from 1902–03 to 1970–71.

Baker competes in 26 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball, flag football and wrestling; and co-ed sports includes cheerleading, dance and eSports.

Baker was one of the first NAIA schools to take part in the Champions of Character program, which emphasizes respect, servant leadership, integrity, sportsmanship and responsibility. Since 1978 women have been competing in intercollegiate sports at Baker.

Colors

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Baker has only one official color: cadmium orange. The only other school in the country to have orange as their only official color is Syracuse University.

Campus life

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Residential life

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Baker University has three residence halls and two apartment buildings for students living on campus. Gessner Hall provides suite style living arrangements for 152 male residents. It was built in 1966, and the building was renovated in 2012. Irwin Hall provides suite style living arrangements for 150 female residents. The newest residence hall is the New Living Center, which houses 190 students in 48 rooms. The New Living Center is the largest on campus, with three stories and six wings totaling 52,000 square feet.[7][8]

Fraternities and sororities

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Greek life at Baker University began in 1865. Seven students founded a Phi Gamma Delta house. Additional students were initiated over the next couple years, but the fraternity was short-lived at Baker.[9][10] Today, there are several fraternities and sororities on campus.

Notable people

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Alumni

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Case Hall, a Carnegie library (2009)


Faculty

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Baker University

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from Grokipedia
Baker University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the , located in , and founded on February 12, 1858, as the first four-year institution of higher education in the state and west of the . With a parklike campus featuring historic buildings listed on the , the university emphasizes personalized learning, innovative instruction, and a values-based community that promotes academic excellence and student engagement. The institution comprises four schools—the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing, and School of Professional and Graduate Studies—offering more than 50 programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees, and certificates, delivered through on-campus, online, and hybrid formats to serve students across and globally. As of fall 2024, Baker enrolls 2,017 students, including 1,520 undergraduates and 497 graduate students, fostering small class sizes and close faculty interaction in a close-knit environment. Renowned for its strong , Baker ranks first among private colleges in for graduates' earnings potential, according to the Center on Education and the Workforce, and has received national recognition as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction in areas such as , , , and military support. The university maintains a rich tradition of class organizations dating back to 1891, with unique gates, colors, and events that build among students, and its arboretum-designated campus supports . Baker's alumni include notable figures such as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Harold Jackson (class of 1975), Super Bowl-winning coach , and CEOs and , co-founders of , reflecting the university's impact on leadership in , , and business.

History

Founding and Early Development

Baker University was founded in 1858 by the Kansas Conference of the , making it the first four-year university in the state of . The institution received its charter on February 12, 1858, signed by Territorial Governor , which authorized the establishment of the university along with two other private colleges in the . It was named in honor of Osmon Cleander Baker, a prominent biblical scholar and bishop of the , reflecting the university's religious affiliations and mission to provide education grounded in Methodist principles. The site in Baldwin City was selected for its central location in the and its strong anti-slavery stance, as the town had been established by abolitionists amid the conflicts of "." Initial classes commenced on November 22, 1858, in the newly constructed Old Castle building, which had been erected between 1857 and 1858 as the university's first permanent structure and served as the primary facility for early instruction. Under the leadership of its first president, Rev. Werter R. Davis, who served from 1858 to 1862, the university opened with an initial enrollment of approximately 20 students, focusing primarily on preparatory education to build a foundation for in the setting. During the Civil War era, operated in a region marked by intense abolitionist activity, contributing to the broader anti-slavery efforts in eastern , though the institution itself emphasized educational continuity amid the turmoil. A preparatory department was established from the outset to offer secondary-level courses, preparing students for collegiate work and reflecting the university's role in developing Kansas's early educational infrastructure. The university achieved a key milestone with its first commencement in 1866, when it awarded its inaugural bachelor's degrees, marking the transition to full collegiate status after years of preparatory focus.

Growth and Modern Era

Throughout the 20th century, Baker University experienced steady institutional expansion amid economic and social challenges, transitioning from a small to a multifaceted institution with diverse academic offerings. In 1930, Baker merged with Missouri Wesleyan College, incorporating its programs and enhancing its offerings. Enrollment grew notably in the early 1900s, rising from 587 students in 1900 to 981 by 1905, driven by increased demand for higher education in . Campus infrastructure also developed during this period, including the construction of Mulvane Hall in 1925 to house art and library facilities, which was later expanded in 2011 as the Ivan L. Boyd Center. The posed significant financial strains, leading to a marked decline in enrollment from 520 students in the 1930-1931 to 400 the following year, as economic hardship reduced family resources for tuition. further exacerbated these difficulties, with national trends of male student departures causing enrollment dips at colleges like , though specific figures for the university during the war are not detailed in records. Post-war recovery was bolstered by the , which facilitated a surge in veteran enrollment across U.S. higher education, enabling to expand housing like converting the first floor of Parmenter Hall into a men's to accommodate growing numbers in the late 1940s. In the latter half of the century, introduced specialized schools to broaden its scope, establishing the School of Professional and Graduate Studies in 1988 to serve adult learners and the School of Nursing in 1991 through a partnership with Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center. The was formally organized in 2005, building on earlier teacher preparation efforts. A notable modern milestone came in 1996 with the dedication of the Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel, a historic structure relocated stone-by-stone from and officiated by former British Prime Minister , whose father had preached there as a lay minister. Into the , Baker has evolved by emphasizing online and professional programs through its School of Professional and Graduate Studies, attracting working adults and expanding access beyond traditional campuses. This shift contributed to total enrollment surpassing 3,000 students in the early before declining in subsequent years.

Campuses and Facilities

Baldwin City Campus

The Baldwin City Campus of Baker University spans 26 acres in a rural setting within , approximately 40 miles southwest of Kansas City. The layout centers around tree-lined streets and green spaces, blending historic stone and brick structures with modern facilities to create a cohesive environment that supports academic, residential, and recreational activities. Key historic buildings contribute to the campus's architectural heritage, with three structures listed on the . The Old Castle, constructed in 1857 as the university's original building, now functions as a preserving early educational artifacts and . Parmenter Hall and Case Hall, both dating to the , exemplify the campus's enduring classical design. Collins House, the president's residence, also serves administrative purposes and hosts university events. Academic facilities support a range of disciplines, including the Owens Musical Arts Building, which houses the music program and features McKibbin Recital Hall for performances. Mulvane Hall accommodates and coursework, providing laboratories and classrooms for hands-on learning. The New Living Center, opened in 2008, integrates student suites with dedicated academic spaces such as classrooms and a . Recreational and support infrastructure enhances campus life, with Mabee Memorial Hall containing the fitness center and administrative offices for athletics. Outdoor athletic fields, including Liston Stadium and North Park Soccer Fields, facilitate sports and community events. The Collins Library offers research resources, maintaining a collection of 117,903 volumes alongside digital archives. Theatre activities occur in Rice Auditorium, seating 885 for productions and concerts, and the adjacent Darby Hope Theatre in Parmenter Hall. Several residence halls provide housing options for students. Sustainability efforts define the campus's environmental approach, highlighted by the Ivan L. Boyd Arboretum, dedicated in 1978 and featuring a diverse tree collection for education and beautification. Baker has earned Tree Campus USA recognition multiple times for initiatives promoting tree care and student involvement in . Modern structures like the New Living Center incorporate energy-efficient designs to reduce environmental impact.

Other Locations and Online Programs

In addition to its primary campus in Baldwin City, Baker University operates extended locations to serve a broader range of students, particularly working adults and those pursuing specialized training. The Overland Park campus, located at 7301 College Boulevard, Suite 120 in , houses the School of and Studies (SPGS), which was established in 1988 to provide accelerated degree programs tailored for adult learners. This campus offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as , organizational , and through hybrid and evening formats, enabling students to balance professional commitments with their studies. Since its inception, SPGS has focused on flexible, cohort-based learning models that emphasize practical skills and career advancement. Baker University also maintains a presence in Topeka through its School of , established in 1991 in partnership with Stormont Vail Health at the Pozez Education Center. This site delivers and health-related programs, including the (BSN), with a that integrates instruction and hands-on clinical training. The partnership facilitates direct access to clinical experiences at Stormont Vail Hospital and affiliated facilities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced practitioners. Complementing its physical locations, Baker University provides a suite of fully programs designed for non-traditional students seeking flexibility without geographic constraints. These include digital degrees in , , (such as ADN-to-BSN and pathways), and liberal arts, delivered through asynchronous courses and interactive platforms to accommodate varied schedules. The offerings, managed primarily through SPGS and the , support working professionals, , and remote learners by prioritizing accessible technology and faculty support. As of fall 2024, Baker University's total enrollment stands at 2,017 students, with approximately 1,264 at the Baldwin City campus and the remainder distributed across the Overland Park (268 students), Topeka (161 students), and online formats, reflecting a growing emphasis on professional and digital education. This distribution underscores the university's strategy to extend its reach beyond traditional residential programs, serving a majority of its student body through accelerated, hybrid, and virtual modalities.

Academics

Organizational Structure and Programs

Baker University is organized into four academic schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the , the School of Nursing, and the School of Professional and Graduate Studies. These units are administered by deans who collaborate as equal partners under the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, with decisions guided by senates, councils, and the University Academic Council. This structure supports a range of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing liberal arts foundations, professional preparation, and alignment with the university's United Methodist heritage, which promotes values of , , and . The College of Arts and Sciences offers over 40 undergraduate majors in fields such as , , , and , with a focus on through internships, opportunities, and hands-on projects. Undergraduate programs, including , , , , and , are housed here and accredited by the for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The provides undergraduate certification programs alongside graduate degrees, accredited by the for the of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to ensure rigorous preparation for K-12 roles. The School of Nursing delivers (BSN) and (MSN) programs, with tracks for pre-licensure, RN-to-BSN, and advanced practice; these are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and feature clinical partnerships at local hospitals and settings for practical training. The School of Professional and Graduate Studies oversees accelerated undergraduate degrees for adult learners and graduate offerings, including MBA programs in and (ACBSP-accredited), as well as MSN and education doctorates. Unique programmatic features include an honors program for high-achieving undergraduates involving advanced seminars and independent research, interdisciplinary studies majors that allow customized curricula across disciplines, and robust study abroad opportunities in over 20 countries to foster global perspectives. In response to post-2020 demand for flexible healthcare , the of expanded online tracks, including accelerated RN-to-MSN bridges and post-master's certificates, enabling completion in as few as two years. Overall, Baker confers approximately 575 degrees annually across its bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Admissions, Enrollment, and Rankings

Baker University's admissions process is designed to be accessible, with an acceptance rate of 94% for the fall 2024 incoming class. Applicants typically submit an online application through the university's portal, along with high school transcripts; scores are optional but recommended for those with GPAs below 2.5. Admitted students generally have an average high school GPA of 3.43 and SAT scores ranging from 970 to 1130, or ACT scores between 18 and 22. As of fall 2024, Baker University enrolls 1,264 full-time undergraduates on its Baldwin City campus, with a total enrollment exceeding 2,000 students including 497 graduate students across all locations. The student body is diverse, with approximately 58% female students and 42% male; racially, about 69% identify as , 10% as or African American, 9% as or Latino, and the remainder as other ethnicities or multiracial, representing around 23% underrepresented minorities. Roughly 40% of undergraduates come from out of state, contributing to a vibrant mix of regional and national perspectives. In national rankings, Baker University is recognized for its value and student outcomes, placing #384 among National Universities in the 2026 edition and #294 for . It also earned of Distinction honors for 2024-2025 in the categories of , and , highlighting strong career preparation in these programs. The university maintains a first-year retention rate of 74% and a six-year graduation rate of 59%, reflecting solid support for student persistence. Financial aid plays a central role in accessibility, with 100% of full-time undergraduates receiving some form of assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The average financial aid package totals $31,134 (as of 2024-2025), helping to offset costs; for the 2025-2026 , undergraduate tuition is $35,500, with total estimated expenses including reaching $47,500.

Student Life

Residential and Campus Life

Baker University offers a range of on-campus housing options at its Baldwin City campus, designed to accommodate over 500 undergraduate students across three primary residence halls and two apartment buildings. Gessner Hall, built in 1966 and renovated in 2012, provides suite-style accommodations for 140 male residents, featuring air-conditioned rooms with semi-private bathrooms, lounges, laundry facilities, and a . Irwin Hall houses 150 students in similar suites and has been co-ed since 2014 to address housing needs, including amenities like a and daily custodial services. The New Living Center, opened in 2008 as a co-ed facility, is the largest hall with capacity for 180 students and includes unique features such as a community kitchen, classroom, and proximity to academic buildings. For upperclassmen, Horn & Markham Apartments offer 95 spots in furnished four-bedroom units with shared kitchens and in-unit laundry, while The Lodge provides 34 beds in spacious two-person rooms with private bathrooms and on-site recreational options like a mini-golf course. Campus services are tailored to support the residential experience, with a majority of Baldwin City undergraduates (63%) living on campus to promote a vibrant atmosphere. Dining options center on the Susanne Richardson Teel Dining Hall in the Long Student Center, providing all-you-can-eat buffets with daily salads, soups, deli selections, and entrees, supplemented by casual spots like the Common Ground coffee shop and Malt & Main Late Night Grill. needs are addressed through Student Health Services, which offers medical consultations and referrals to local providers such as LMH Health for . The Student Counseling Center delivers confidential individual sessions for concerns like , stress, and interpersonal issues, while Career Services supports resume development, interview preparation, and placement to aid professional growth. In November 2025, Baker University joined the John N. Gardner Institute's national student success initiative to enhance support for student retention and achievement. Daily student life emphasizes engagement and well-being, with opportunities through the Student Senate, which represents undergraduates, allocates funding for campus initiatives, and facilitates communication with administration. Intramural sports leagues, open to students, faculty, and staff, foster recreation across activities like soccer and , while Baker Serves coordinates volunteer programs linking students to local service opportunities for community impact. Safety is prioritized in this close-knit environment, evidenced by low reported crime rates, including an average of 2-3 burglaries annually on campus from 2022-2023 and minimal incidents of violence or theft. Diversity initiatives enhance inclusivity for residential students, including dedicated support for LGBTQ+ individuals through the Baker Total Equality Alliance, a student-led group promoting awareness and , alongside the university's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group that organizes educational events. International students, representing about 5% of undergraduates, receive tailored assistance via the International Student Services office for compliance, cultural adjustment, and academic integration, ensuring a welcoming environment for global perspectives.

Traditions and Organizations

Baker University fosters a vibrant campus culture through a variety of longstanding traditions that emphasize community, history, and student involvement. One of the most cherished customs is Traditions Night, where incoming freshmen classes enter the through designated historic gates associated with their class organizations—a practice originating with the class of 1891. These organizations, including Senatus Romanus (class of 2025), King Arthur’s Court (2026), (2027), and Columbian Commonwealth (2028), each maintain unique colors, symbols, and rituals, such as Roman banquets or Arthurian pageants, culminating in seniors exiting through the same gate during graduation ceremonies, symbolizing the completion of their academic journey. Homecoming week, held annually in late September or early October, highlights Wildcat spirit with events like tailgates, bingo nights, and a bonfire that brings students, alumni, and the community together for celebration and reflection. Annual Founders Day, observed around February 12 to commemorate the university's 1858 chartering by the Methodist Episcopal Church, features guest speakers, chapel services, and reflections on Baker's heritage as Kansas's oldest four-year university. Campus lore also includes ghost stories tied to the Old Castle, the university's original 1858 building, where students and faculty report paranormal experiences like unexplained noises and apparitions, adding a layer of intrigue to the historic site now serving as a museum. Over 50 student organizations enrich extracurricular life, with 93% of undergraduates participating in clubs, allowing students to pursue interests in academics, service, and . Examples include Earth We Are, an environmental club that promotes through awareness campaigns and projects like campus cleanups; performing arts groups such as vocal ensembles, instrumental bands, and program, which stage productions and recitals open to all majors; and Baker Serves, which organizes volunteer opportunities and service trips to local and international sites. Religious life reflects Baker's United Methodist affiliation, with ecumenical programming open to all faiths, including weekly chapel services every at 11 a.m. in the Clarice L. Osborne Memorial , featuring guest speakers and student-led reflections. Ambassadors coordinate these events and facilitate service initiatives, such as trips to and , fostering spiritual growth alongside academic pursuits. The Student Senate serves as the primary leadership body, representing undergraduates on the Baldwin City campus, advocating for student needs, and allocating funds for events and organizations to enhance campus and . While discussions on implementing a formal honor code have occurred to promote , the university emphasizes ethical standards through its policies and student-led initiatives.

Greek Life

Greek life at Baker University traces its origins to 1865, when seven students founded the Phi chapter of , marking the institution's first . This chapter initiated additional members over the following years but was declared extinct in 1870 amid university opposition to secret societies. Early efforts to establish other Greek organizations faced similar challenges, with anti-fraternity prejudice contributing to their short-lived status during this period. Greek life experienced a revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, beginning with the installation of the chapter of in 1895, the first national sorority on campus. This was followed by the Omicron chapter of in 1908 and the Sigma chapter of shortly thereafter. Fraternities reemerged around the , including the Gamma Theta chapter of in 1903 and the founding of the local Zeta Chi in 1905, recognized as the oldest independent fraternity west of the . Today, Baker University supports four active fraternities—Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Zeta Chi—and three sororities—Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, and Zeta Tau Alpha—governed by the Interfraternity Council and College Panhellenic Council, respectively. Approximately 42% of the student body participates in these organizations, with members maintaining a collective GPA of 3.4 through in-chapter tutoring and study hours. Greek chapters operate from off-campus houses located near the Baldwin City campus, providing dedicated spaces for members. These groups play a central role in student social life, emphasizing , , and . Chapters host events supporting causes like and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, raising more than $19,000 for local organizations in fall 2021 alone despite pandemic challenges. Leadership opportunities arise through council positions and campus-wide roles, while members participate in and social mixers. The university strictly enforces a no-hazing policy, aligned with state law and national standards, to ensure member safety. Annual traditions such as Greek Week promote inter-chapter collaboration and competition, strengthening bonds and contributions to the broader campus community.

Athletics

Baker University's athletic teams are known as the Wildcats and compete at the (NAIA) Division I level as full members of the , a affiliation dating back to the conference's founding in 1971. The program sponsors 26 varsity sports, with 12 for men and 14 for women, encompassing a range of disciplines such as football, , soccer, , , , , , wrestling, cross country, , , and . The addition of women's in 2023 elevated the total to 26, reflecting the university's commitment to expanding opportunities, particularly in emerging sports. , introduced in 2019, further diversifies the offerings as a competitive varsity activity. The official colors are cadmium orange and black, with orange serving as the primary hue—a distinctive choice shared only with Syracuse University among U.S. institutions, where it stands as the sole official color without a secondary complement. The mascot, WOWzer the Wildcat, embodies the program's spirited identity and has been a fixture at events since its debut in 2007. Key facilities support these teams, including the Collins Center, which hosts basketball, volleyball, and wrestling with seating for up to 1,800 spectators; Liston Stadium for football, track and field, and flag football; and Cavaness Field for softball. Post-2020 upgrades, funded in part by a $1 million Sunderland Foundation grant, have enhanced outdoor complexes through the Baker Builds Champions initiative, improving fields, lighting, and training areas to elevate competitive performance. The athletics department integrates the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative, fostering ethical decision-making, respect, and integrity among student-athletes. Approximately 56 percent of the student body participates in varsity sports, underscoring ' central role in campus life. Notable achievements include multiple Heart of America conference titles, such as the 2024 football team's second consecutive South Division championship, secured with a 16-8 victory over Baptist, alongside postseason appearances in the NAIA Football Championship Series. These successes highlight the program's competitive edge within the conference.

Notable People

Alumni

Baker University has produced a diverse array of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in fields such as , , , and . The alumni network, supported by the Baker University Alumni Association, fosters connections through events like annual reunions and Alumni Weekend, emphasizing the university's tradition of generous support for future generations. Graduates have demonstrated impact in , , and , with many crediting their Baker experiences for professional success. Mike McCarthy, who graduated in 1987 with a degree in , is a prominent who led the to a victory in 2011. He captained Baker's 1986 football team, which finished as national runners-up, and was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2007 during his tenure with the Packers. McCarthy later served as head coach of the from 2020 to 2024. Andrew Cherng, who earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Baker University in 1970, co-founded the Panda Restaurant Group, which operates the Panda Express chain with over 2,400 locations worldwide. He immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1966 to study at Baker, where he met his future wife, Peggy Cherng. The couple's business empire has generated billions in revenue, and Andrew has been recognized for philanthropy, including support for education and health initiatives. Peggy Cherng, who also studied at Baker University starting in 1967 and earned degrees in applied mathematics, serves as co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group alongside her husband. Her analytical expertise has been instrumental in scaling the company, and she holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri. Cherng is noted for her leadership in operations and her commitment to employee development programs. Blake Treinen, who began his college baseball career at Baker University in 2007 on the junior varsity team, became a Major League Baseball pitcher and World Series champion. Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2011 after transferring to South Dakota State University, Treinen contributed to the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series win and the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2024 title, where he pitched in the clinching Game 5. His journey from a small NAIA program to MLB stardom highlights perseverance in professional sports. Candice Millard, a 1989 graduate, is an acclaimed author known for New York Times bestsellers such as (2005), which explores Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon expedition, and (2011), detailing the assassination of President James Garfield. She earned a master's in from and has been praised for her narrative nonfiction blending history and biography. Millard has spoken at Baker events, inspiring students with her storytelling craft. James Percy Ault, who received an A.B. from Baker University in 1904, was a pioneering geophysicist and oceanographer who served as director of the Carnegie Institution's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism. During his undergraduate years, he assisted at the U.S. Magnetic Observatory on campus and later captained the Carnegie on global voyages to measure from 1909 to 1921. Ault's work advanced understanding of geomagnetism until his death in 1929. Jessa Crispin, who attended Baker University for two years in the late , is a literary critic, author, and feminist writer. She founded the influential litblog Bookslut in 2002, which became a key platform for book reviews and cultural commentary until 2016. Crispin's books, including The Dead Ladies Project (2014) and Why I Am Not a Feminist (2017), explore travel, identity, and gender, earning her recognition in literary circles. Harold Jackson, a 1975 graduate with a degree in and , is a Pulitzer Prize-winning who received the 1991 Pulitzer for Editorial Writing for his work at . He had a 45-year career in journalism, including roles at The Birmingham News and The Inquirer. In 2025, Baker University honored five outstanding seniors for their academic excellence, , and embodiment of institutional values: Ruby Boswell, recognized for in and campus initiatives; Lee Marshall; Jeff Moore; Nicholson; and Kaycee Tanner. These graduates exemplify the university's emphasis on holistic development and community impact.

Faculty and Administration

Baker University's administration is led by its 31st president, Dr. Jody , who assumed the role on July 1, 2025, bringing a strategic vision focused on student success and institutional innovation. Prior to Fournier, Dr. Lynne Murray served as the 29th president from 2014 to 2024, during which she emphasized strategic growth, including enhancements to academic programs and facilities to support enrollment and community engagement. An , , bridged the transition in 2024-2025. The university's structure includes key roles such as of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Matthew Bice, who oversees academic operations, and deans for each of the four schools: and Sciences, , and Studies, and . Historically, Baker has had 31 presidents since its founding in 1858, with early leaders like Rev. Werter R. Davis establishing its Methodist heritage and commitment to . The faculty at Baker University comprises approximately 94 members, with 56 full-time instructors dedicated to providing personalized across undergraduate and graduate programs. This results in a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, enabling close and opportunities that are central to the university's pedagogical approach. Faculty members span diverse disciplines, with strengths in , , and sciences, and the institution fosters an inclusive environment that values diversity in thought, background, and expression to enrich and . The university supports faculty development through initiatives like the Working Group, which aims to build a more innovative academic community. Notable faculty have been recognized through the Faculty Hall of Fame, which honors long-term contributions to , , and service. In February 2025, Dr. Roger Boyd, a 1969 alumnus and of , and Dr. George Wiley, of , were inducted for their impactful work in mentoring students and advancing interdisciplinary . Earlier inductees include Dr. John Buehler, a music honored in 2020 for his dedication to performing arts , and Dr. Merrie Skaggs, inducted in 2022 for her contributions to English literature and faculty leadership. efforts among faculty often focus on practical applications in and , with contributions to programs that prepare future teachers and explore environmental , though specific 2024-2025 publications highlight ongoing work in these areas without exhaustive metrics.

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  45. https://acbsp.org/members/?id=22288900
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  56. https://datausa.io/profile/university/baker-university
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  64. https://www.bakeru.edu/housing-dining/gessner-hall/
  65. https://thebakerorange.com/11730/news/irwin-to-become-a-co-ed-dorm/
  66. https://www.bakeru.edu/housing-dining/new-living-center/
  67. https://www.bakeru.edu/housing-dining/horn-markham-apartments/
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