Baker University

Baker faculty encourage students to pursue their passions, challenge themselves, and take charge of their own education.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH
As part of a National Science Foundation grant, biology students have identified and analyzed the DNA of tardigrades. Through these projects, students have written and published peer-reviewed scientific papers, discovered and described species new to science, established new records for Kansas and North America, identified new arboreal ecology for tardigrades, and suggested new distribution patterns.

BAKER CORE
The Baker Core is a unique approach to general education that develops essential skills in critical analysis, writing, oral communication, and information literacy. Instead of simply checking off requirements to meet credit hour totals, students gain a comprehensive, broad base of knowledge through integrated, multidisciplinary courses that support a theme of their choosing: identities and systems, power and justice, sustainability and progress, exploration and imagination.

AWARD-WINNING MEDIA
The Baker Orange online news, radio, and video repeatedly receive high distinctions from the Associated Collegiate Press, Kansas Associated Collegiate Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and Kansas Association of Broadcasters.The Orange has earned a place in the ACP Hall of Fame and two Pacemaker awards, one of the highest honors in college journalism. Several Baker Orange staff members have earned the distinction of KACP journalist of the year.

BK 100: FIRST-YEAR SUPPORT
Baker sets up students to succeed by focusing on an optimal first-year experience. Learning how to manage the demands of college doesn’t happen in a day, so orientation lasts the entire first year. Instructors and peer mentors guide all first-year students through topics such as enrollment, advising, academic planning, study skills, wellness, time management, and resume building. Guest speakers are integrated into first-year courses to teach students how to use Career Services and student support services as well as how to embrace academic integrity.

NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP AND ASTRA PROGRAM
The Noyce Scholarship and ASTRA Program train excellent STEM teachers who will inspire the next generation of innovators to develop solutions to our biggest challenges. Through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant from the National Science Foundation, Baker students will be awarded a scholarship of $11,000 during their junior and senior years as they tackle a demanding course load that culminates in a double major in education and either biology, chemistry, or mathematics.

The program also addresses interview skills, grant writing, leading a STEM club, managing workplace stress, and conducting field research at the Baker University Wetlands. ASTRA graduates will be provided support to attend local, state, and national meetings to facilitate networking and continue to learn STEM best practices.

SEARLS CENTER
The Fred E. Searls, Jr. Business Innovation Center houses the Business Innovation Lab and Baker Economic Development Office, which support data analytics and entrepreneurship initiatives. Students receive exceptional hands-on opportunities in economic analysis, research, and entrepreneurship. The Searls Center also hosts a speaker series for students, in which business leaders who are Baker graduates share about their career path and impact on their industry. They also describe how students can take advantage of Baker resources to reach their career goals.

PRIMARY TEXTS
The primary texts program gives students an opportunity to encounter significant writers and thinkers by emphasizing original works rather than textbooks. By focusing on the primary texts, students  read the original works by important writers and thinkers rather than read secondary sources that summarize these writers. Primary texts provide additional depth and nuance that can be understood only by reading original works, not textbooks about a writer or their ideas. Interdisciplinary in nature, the program encourages students to read primary texts from a range of disciplines and perspectives.

Baker University is a small school that offers big opportunities.

SERVICE LEARNING
Through community service projects, Baker students develop their leadership skills while helping to create meaningful social change. Projects such as the Big Event and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service are organized by Baker students to reach beyond the campus and connect with agencies such as Habitat for Humanity and Harvesters Community Food Network. The fraternities and sororities on campus are also well known for their philanthropic efforts.

SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel was moved, stone by stone, from the village of Sproxton, England, in 1996 to serve as the spiritual center of the university. University ministry is ecumenical in nature, open to all people of faith regardless of practices and denomination. Thursday worship services are lively, musical, joyful, and relevant to students. University ministry also hosts a variety of leadership and community service opportunities.

SCHOLARS SYMPOSIUM
The Scholars Symposium highlights student research and academic achievement. During this annual celebration and discussion of student scholarship, undergraduate students from every discipline present research in a variety of formats including poster presentations, oral presentations, performances, and visual art displays. During the event, more than $263,000 in scholarships are awarded.

INTERNSHIPS: PUTTING KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST
Baker University faculty and Career Services staff have forged relationships with businesses and organizations that are eager to host Baker interns, and our vast alumni network actively supports students. Through these experiences students get a firsthand look at their career options that either reinforces their choice and expands their skills or allows them to continue exploring and make more informed decisions about career goals.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Baker students are encouraged to design and conduct independent research projects. These are often published or presented at conferences where Baker students frequently win awards. Because of Baker’s small size, students conduct research alongside full professors rather than teaching assistants. Many student projects are funded by generous department funding.

BAKER WETLANDS AND DISCOVERY CENTER
Just 10 miles from Baker’s campus is the Baker University Wetlands, 927 acres of rich, national wildlife. The Discovery Center includes classroom and lab space. The Wetlands is a paradise for student biologists, ecologists, biochemists, and pre-health professionals. This exceptional environment gives students a unique opportunity to explore and conduct research on biological and ecological processes in one of the most diverse habitats in Kansas.

SCHOOL LOCATION
Baker University is located in Baldwin City, Kansas, a community of approximately 4,000 people. It is 20 minutes south of Lawrence and 45 minutes west of Kansas City.

ATHLETICS
Baker Wildcats know how to win. Teams consistently compete deep into postseason play, and Baker boasts 10 national champions since 2012 in track and field and wrestling. Baker athletes also excel in the classroom, with numerous scholar-athlete and scholar-team awards each year.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Heart of America Athletic Conference
25 varsity sports

Men: baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, wrestling
Women: basketball, bowling, cross country, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling
Coed: athletic bands, cheer, dance, esports

Mascot: Wildcats
Colors: Orange

The foundation of Baker’s liberal arts education is teaching students how to think, speak, write, and find answers so that they may contribute actively to a global community. These skills prepare them for any career, even those that don’t yet exist.

FOLLOWING A PASSION FROM HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH A FACULTY POSITION
Lauren, a psychology major, has studied eating disorders and body image issues since she was in high school, where she co-founded REbeL, a nonprofit organization that educates students about body image issues and creates mentorship programs. She carried this interest to Baker and became the first American to receive an honorary research fellowship at Huntercombe Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she worked on the Ravello Project, a major study about the neuropsychological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa. She was one of two George Mason University Ph.D. students awarded the National Science Foundation’s 2014 Graduate Research Fellowship, one of the most prestigious grants for graduate researchers. As a member of the faculty of Harvard Medical School, her research focuses on understanding the neurobiology of eating disorders,

STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE LEADS TO PEACE CORPS ASSIGNMENT
Sam, a sociology major, learned about sustainable farming methods during his study abroad semester in New Zealand. He was able to combine his love of travel and interest in farming during his two-year Peace Corps assignment in Zambia. “Joining the Peace Corps has been a lifelong goal,” he said. “I got to implement sustainable farming techniques. My job was to encourage farmers to plant perennial trees and shrubs that will not only provide fruit but also help with soil fertility, structure, stop soil erosion, and increase food security.”

WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION PREPARES GRADUATES FOR MED SCHOOL
For generations, Baker University has earned a reputation for preparing students for medical school. Two recent graduates were accepted into the University of Kansas School of Medicine’s early decision program. “Brandon got involved in undergraduate research and has published papers on his work,” his advisor noted. “Abbey took advantage of a study abroad opportunity to learn more about the medical system in the United Kingdom. Both students demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity about the world. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they are both brilliant.”

“I feel my experience at Baker has fully equipped me to take on the adventure of medical school,” Brandon said. “The factual knowledge I’ve learned is obviously important, but it’s also been a place where I’ve experienced a lot of emotional and spiritual growth, which is equally vital for success.”

Tuition & Cost

Tuition: $34,550
Fees: $650
Room: $4,360 – $6,820
Board: $5,430

Aid

The average award package for Baker students is $31,000, which includes grants, scholarships, aid, and loans.

SCHOLARS SYMPOSIUM
Each April, more than $263,000 in scholarships are awarded during the Scholars Symposium, which highlights student research and academic achievement.

EDWARD LIN HARTER AND SYLVIA LLOYD HARTER SCHOLARSHIP
Harter Scholars receive full tuition for four years at Baker and have the opportunity to spend a semester at Harlaxton College in England. This is Baker’s most prestigious award. Eligibility is determined by GPA and ACT or SAT score. Qualified candidates who have been admitted to the university will be sent an invitation to Scholarship Competition Day to visit campus and interact with faculty while competing for Baker’s highest scholarship.

ADA HOPKINS LAKE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
The Lake Scholarship includes full tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meals, and books for four years, provided the student maintains a minimum GPA. Students eligible for this need-based award will be notified in their acceptance packet. (Awarded every two years.)

PRESIDENTIAL AND DEAN SCHOLARSHIPS
Presidential and Dean scholarships are awarded based on participation in Academic Scholarship Competition Day and are in addition to other scholarships awarded by Baker University. Eligibility for these scholarships is determined by GPA. Qualified candidates who have been admitted to the university will be sent an invitation to visit campus and interact with faculty while competing for these scholarships.

JOANNE M. HOWARD, PHD, ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
The Howard Scholarship is awarded to a woman pursuing a career in medicine (MD, DO, PA), pharmacy, professor of sciences, medical research, or pharmaceutical research. It is renewed annually if the student maintains a 3.5 cumulative GPA and continues to meet the other criteria. Eligibility for this need-based scholarship is determined by GPA and career plans. Qualified candidates who have been admitted to the university will be sent an invitation to visit campus and interview with faculty.

NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP AND ASTRA PROGRAM
The Noyce Scholarship and ASTRA Program train excellent STEM teachers. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, Noyce Scholars will be awarded a scholarship of $11,000 during their junior and senior years as they tackle a demanding course load that culminates in a double major in education and either biology, chemistry, or mathematics.

TALENT-BASED AWARDS
Students who exhibit special talent in studio art, mass media, creative writing, vocal and instrumental music, theater, and athletics may be eligible for a scholarship. Award amounts vary according to funding, the number of applicants, and the student’s contribution to the activity.