Dr. Lori Baker will serve as interim dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences at SMSU. He began his new duties on July 1.
“Lori’s experience and leadership at SMSU uniquely prepares her to step into this role,” said Dr. Ross Wastvedt, SMSU provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. “He is well respected across campus as a faculty member and through his leadership as department chair, HLC coordinator, and director of the Writing Center. The breadth and depth of his knowledge is critical as we face the challenges facing higher education, use our strategic plan to fulfill our mission, and expand our efforts toward greater equity and equality. included.
Baker has served in an academic role at SMSU since 1997, first as a full-time professor and now as a professor of English. He received his PhD and master’s degree in English from Purdue University. He received his bachelor of arts in English with a minor in biology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Baker is a distinguished scholar and colleague who has served as director of the Writing Center, in several capacities as department chair, and as coordinator of the 2014 HLC Reaccreditation. Self-Study. He also chaired the University’s Planning Committee. He is published in history and has presented at national and regional conferences, often focusing on the relationship between the teaching, management and scholarship.
He replaces Dr. Jeffrey Bell served as interim principal during the 2021-22 academic year before accepting an administrative position at Bemidji State University.
“I am very excited to serve SMSU in this role,” Baker said. “I really appreciate SMSU and the community; it’s a great place to explore ideas and offer those opportunities to students.”
“I have been blessed to serve in various leadership roles that have allowed me to have access to people on the other side of campus, and everyone is welcome. SMSU is a great place to be,” he added. “It is an exciting time to join the President’s Cabinet with many new ideas and perspectives. I am grateful to have this opportunity to advance SMSU’s mission.”
Baker lives in Marshall with her husband, Larry Magrath. They are the parents of three grown sons: Mitch (26), Weston (23), and Daniel (21). All three started college elsewhere before returning to Marshall and transferring to SMSU.
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