Baker to retire

By Deborah Lilly

After working in private industry for 14 years and completing a tour of military duty, Ted Baker experienced a call to ministry. In 1969 he came to Anderson University, bringing with him a wife and three children. To meet financial obligations during his first year, he worked at the Physical Plant supervising students. After nine months, he was asked to join the staff at the Business Office as bursar. He took the job but continued his studies, advancing to the School of Theology after earning his bachelor’s degree in 1972. By the time he earned his master’s degree in ministry in 1976, he and his wife, Mary, realized after prayerful consideration that God had already placed him in ministry at AU.

Baker worked as the university bursar for 16 years. Viewing his job as a ministry, he says, “My philosophy was to do everything I could to help every student who came through my door and remain financially responsible to the institution.”

Baker moved to the Development Office as the director of annual programs. His responsibilities included scholarship development, visiting and corresponding with pastors and churches across the country, representing AU at state and regional minister and lay meetings, and directing the Matching Church Scholarship Program, which accounts for $1.2 million a year in student aid. He taught a freshman orientation class for 13 years and two seminary courses.

Baker was ordained in the Church of God in 1981. He believes that when life is focused on Christian ministry, fulfillment comes when you invest your gifts in service to others. Over the years, Baker and his wife have placed a high priority on building bridges within the campus and church communities.

Baker’s work has not gone unnoticed. Even though he doesn’t display them, he has received awards from community organizations, the Church of God, AU student groups, the AU Alumni Association, local churches and national church organizations. He has been named “Man of the Year” by the Management Club of Madison County and again by the American Red Cross.

He is also appreciated by his colleagues. Ron Moore, senior vice president of the university, says, “Over the past 33 years, Ted has dedicated himself to the mission of AU and service to students. Through his leadership of the Matching Church Scholarship Program, he has helped thousands of students. The entire campus community is grateful for what Ted has done to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many people, both on campus and in the life of the church.”

For Baker, the rewards come from his experiences at AU. “I’m thankful for the years I’ve spent here and what it has meant to my ministry, my family and to me.” It’s an experience he shares in common with the rest of his family; Mary and their five children — Theodore Jr., Rebekah, Stephen, Mary Elizabeth and Leah — are all AU alums.

Baker retires in December. “I leave with good feelings and hope I’ve made a significant contribution to students and in the way I’ve represented the university,” he says. Always the family man, Baker looks forward to spending more time with his wife, children and two grandsons — Stephen and Aidan.