Paul J. Baker

Friend of U-High

Dr. Baker is a Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) at ISU.  His degree work was all done in Sociology – Baldwin-Wallace College (BA, 1960), Kent State University (M Ed, 1961), Duke University (Ph D, 1967), University of Chicago (Post Doctoral Fellowship, 1971).  He joined the ISU faculty in 1965 and spent his first 20 years teaching in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Dr. Baker spent the next 20 years in the Educational Administrations and Foundations (EAF) Department.  This came at a time when the organization of schools and the study of school reform have been mandated, but without the tools given to make the needed improvements.  His career has since been dedicated to learning how to help school leaders and students take advantage of the opportunities to make their schools better.

Dr. Baker is well-known nationally through his many publications and presentations.  He has worked with others to secure in excess of $500,000 in grant money for the University to pursue Education Reform study and he has received teaching excellence awards from the University and his Department.

Even though Dr. Baker retired in 2001, he’s had a hard time backing away from these same issues that have continued to exist unresolved.  He has now worked with ten doctoral students as they’ve finished up their dissertations.  He likes to teach a class a semester; recently that class has been Organizational Development of Schools.

Also since his retirement, he has donated his time and expertise serving as a “friendly critic” to the UHS principal and the leaders of the UHS Keystone Council on a variety of issues related to shared governance.  This has been ongoing for over 3 years.

In order to be able to do this, he has spent countless hours in the U-High building talking with faculty and administration, reviewing policies, and learning the history of the school.  He has come to have a deep understanding of the climate and philosophy of the building – what makes U-High the unique place it is.  He has done all of this work as a means of assistance to the College of Education and the school.

In recognition of his selfless efforts, Dr. Baker is being recognized as a Friend of U-High.