Residential Life’s Baker named new dean of students

baker med

Matt Baker

Matt Baker, who currently serves as Northwest’s director of residential life, will assume new duties June 2 as the University’s dean of students.

Baker will become the second-highest ranking administrator within the Office of Student Affairs, a post left vacant in January when Jackie Elliott was promoted to vice-president of the division following the resignation of Dr. Jerry Wilmes, who returned to his former post as the University’s full-time medical director.

A graduate of Kansas State University, where he studied psychology, Baker joined the Northwest staff in 1993 as a residence hall director before leaving in 1996 to work on his master’s degree in higher education administration at the University of Arkansas.

He returned to Northwest in 1998 as residential life coordinator for student services and has subsequently held the titles of assistant director of residential life, associate director of residential life and director of residential life.

Baker completed coursework toward a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis through the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005 and anticipates receiving his Ed.D. later this year.

As dean of students, his primary role will be to serve as an advocate for Northwest’s students while working to maintain a campus climate that fosters multiculturalism, student success, personal development and integrated learning experiences.

Areas under the dean’s supervision include Campus Activities, Greek Life, international and minority affairs, leadership development, student organizations, student government, judicial affairs and student volunteer programs.

In addition, Baker will assist Elliott in implementing continuous quality improvement efforts, strategic plans and professional development programs within the Office of Student Affairs.

“Matt brings extensive knowledge to the position of dean of students in the areas of student development and growth,” Elliott said. “He understands the importance of the co-curricular experience, and how this experience contributes to student success. We are extremely excited and privileged to have someone with Matt’s background, experience and expertise in this important position.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1704
Fax: 660.562.1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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