Dr. Jody Fournier visited Baker University this past spring on an unannounced, undercover trip. After spending time on campus and learning more about the institution, he called his wife on his drive back to Ohio and told her, “I said if I get offered this job… I said we really need to think about this.” Within the next few days, he accepted the offer and officially became the 31st president of Baker University on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Fournier previously served at Capital University in Ohio, where he began working after completing his doctorate. He spent 27 years at that institution and described the position as his “dream job.” Despite this, he was willing to accept the presidency at Baker because he believes deeply in the university, stating, “This place is magical.” After his campus visit, he felt Baker aligned well with the work he had been doing and the values he believed in, saying, “What I saw was different; there’s a swagger here—there is a hunger for excellence.”
He believes Baker is an institution committed to transforming students’ lives. Dr. Fournier aims to strengthen the university’s finances, increase enrollment, expand academic programs, and build additional partnerships for Baker University. He also shared that Baker has been accepted into The Gardner Institute, a national program of 30 diverse schools focused on improving student learning, degree completion and overall student success. According to Dr. Fournier, the goal is to become one of the top institutions in the nation for supporting students in achieving high levels of learning and degree completion. “My goal is for us to be a premier national private institution for learning and success and generational change and transformation,” he said.
Dr. Fournier emphasized the importance of building strong relationships, noting that this is a core element of Baker’s direction under his leadership. “The people here are amazing and will do anything for the students… we will be providing more tools while being more intentional,” he said. He shared how much he enjoys the energy on campus, adding, “I love seeing the students immersed in this place. This place is so incredible. It is really amazing seeing the students in the various activities on campus.”
When asked why he is so committed to being visible on campus and in the community, Dr. Fournier explained that meaningful leadership cannot happen from behind a desk. He reiterated his belief in Baker and his commitment to the institution. He concluded by saying, “It is such a privilege to serve in this role, and what an honor it is to be at this institution.”
And if you have ever wondered how he goes, goes, goes all the time, it might have something to do with the shot of espresso he takes before his morning run—or the five shots of espresso in his afternoon coffee.
Dr. Tina Hartley’s path to Baker University reflects a series of unexpected developments and a growing passion for higher education. After serving 33 years in the United States Army, including 20 years dedicated to teaching, Dr. Hartley discovered a deep appreciation for academic leadership. She began her educational career as a member of the mathematics faculty at her previous institution, where she later advanced to the role of department chair. She remained in that position for six years prior to retiring from military service. During this time, she noted that she “fell in love with the higher education aspect,” which significantly shaped the next phase of her professional life.
Following her retirement, Dr. Hartley found that her enthusiasm for leadership aligned naturally with her desire to help others succeed. She explained, “I really liked leadership, and I love helping people grow and develop.” The combination of these interests ultimately led her to Baker University, where she now serves as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Upon arriving on campus, she was particularly struck by the strong sense of community, stating that “the beautiful campus and all the people I met were really passionate about what they do” which made a lasting impression on her.
In her role as dean, Dr. Hartley strives to advance Baker University by strengthening academic programs and supporting faculty development. She emphasized the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for faculty growth, noting that this support directly influences students’ educational experiences. She also highlighted the need to address existing gaps in academic offerings, explaining that identifying areas where additional programs or majors could benefit students is a key priority. Although she recognizes that the university is performing well in many respects, she believes that “there is a lot of things we could do better,” underscoring her commitment to continuous institutional improvement.
Outside of administrative responsibilities, Dr. Hartley is frequently seen attending various campus events, including athletic competitions and theater productions. She appreciates observing students’ involvement in activities beyond the classroom and praises the quality of Baker’s performances, describing them as “pretty amazing.” Her active participation in campus life has strengthened her sense of connection to the Baker community. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “It is really special—it is really exciting for me to start becoming a part of that community and just encourage everyone to engage in every way that they can.”
A fun fact about Dr. Hartley is her love for gas station pizza—something she considers a must-have treat. She always pairs it with a large Coke filled with plenty of ice, a simple ritual that brings her a lot of joy.
Deanna Wagner’s journey to Baker University began with a conversation and an unexpected opportunity. When Dr. Jody Fournier, the new president of Baker University, mentioned a newly created position within student affairs, Wagner was immediately intrigued. After hearing about the role and what it would require, she decided to visit the campus herself. Over the spring, she and her parents made the road trip from Ohio, eager to explore the possibility of a fresh start and a new adventure.
With the transition in leadership over the summer, Baker University sought additional support within student affairs. Wagner noted that Dr. Fournier often used the phrase “needing more muscle” to describe the need for stronger leadership in that area. Stepping into this role, Wagner now collaborates with students, staff, and faculty to create positive and engaging experiences for the Baker community. Whether she is helping to build new student organizations or strengthening existing ones, her focus remains centered on fostering belonging and connection on campus.
A significant part of Wagner’s work involves improving retention and persistence rates. She is committed to identifying practical steps Baker can take to support students more effectively. Wagner emphasized that the institution is already filled with people who “care so deeply about students and making sure that you all feel empowered to do new things,” a mindset she has admired since her arrival. She believes that courage plays an essential role in students’ willingness to take the next step in their academic and personal lives, and she is grateful to be part of that journey with them.
Wagner also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility, expressing that “our ownership in a student’s success is really important.” She views the Gardner Institute partnership as an opportunity to unite individuals across campus to improve student support. While Baker continues to dream about ambitious long-term goals, Wagner believes that immediate, practical improvements can significantly enhance the student experience.
Her decision to leave her previous institution was rooted in trust—trust in Dr. Fournier’s leadership and trust in the community she found at Baker. “Everyone that I have met here genuinely wants to work together to do what is best for students,” she noted, emphasizing that this type of collaboration is the environment she wants to be part of.
So far, Wildcat Welcome Week has been one of her favorite campus experiences, especially the silent disco. She also enjoys the creativity and collaboration among student organizations, including SAC’s memorable Jody Look-Alike Contest. And for a fun fact: Wagner’s go-to gas station snack combo is pizza-flavored Combos and Sour Patch Watermelon, always paired with a Diet Coke.
Reverend Blake Stanwood, a 2012 alumnus of Baker University, now serves as a visible and influential leader on campus—continuing a relationship with the institution that began long before his professional role. Reflecting on his graduation night, Stanwood notes that he felt an immediate pull to remain connected to Baker: to the campus, the region, and the people who shaped his undergraduate years. At the time, he did not realize this deep-rooted connection would eventually lead him back as a member of the university’s staff.
Following graduation, Stanwood pursued seminary education and built his career in ministry. Despite moving forward professionally, he frequently returned to Baker for events such as STAG and homecoming, often reconnecting with former professors and younger students who were approaching their own graduations. Some summers even brought him back to campus through a suburban conference ministry camp, reinforcing the familiarity and comfort he felt at his alma mater. When once asked about his “dream ministry,” Stanwood responded without hesitation that serving Baker University would be an honor—an aspiration that ultimately became reality.
As a student, he was highly engaged in chapel life, particularly during his freshman and sophomore years. He credits Dr. George Wiley as a pivotal influence, explaining that Dr. Wiley created a meaningful fusion of academics and faith that significantly shaped Stanwood’s personal growth. Now, as a campus minister, he aims to cultivate that same supportive environment for today’s students. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space—never one of chaos or discomfort—recognizing that students arrive with diverse backgrounds and needs. He hopes to be someone students can call, text, or meet with during moments of questioning or transition.
Stanwood is enthusiastic about the opportunity to engage in relational ministry, describing plans to collaborate with ambassadors and transform the chapel into a warm, cozy environment for student connection. He also continues to cherish long-standing traditions, such as returning to Delta Tau Delta each year for STAG. He values the mutual respect shared across generations of alumni, who return from all walks of life to celebrate the community Baker has built.
If he could revive one tradition from his student days, he would bring back “authentic serenades,” recalling the joy of reconnecting during homecoming and celebrating how far everyone has come. To Stanwood, Baker University remains “a very sacred place”—one with tremendous potential to impact the world when the community acts with intention and unity. He is hopeful about Baker’s future and encourages collective leadership, stating, “Let’s all steer the ship the same way, and let’s be intentional all together about what we’re doing.”
A fun fact about Reverend Stanwood: his go-to gas station snack is kettle-cooked jalapeño chips paired with an original black can of Green Monster.
