President Baker dies
Date 3/25/1999 12:00 AM | Topic: News Luther College Interim President Richard C. Hemp regrets to announce that Luther President Jeffrey D. Baker died Monday, March 22, about 9:30 p.m. at his home in Cambria, Calif.
Baker, 57, who served as Luther's eighth president from 1996-99, was with his wife, Shirley, and their sons, Christopher and Craig, at the time of his death. The college received word of his death Tuesday morning.
Baker was forced to step down from the office of president March 19 due to declining health. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 1998.
He is survived by his wife Shirley and their three grown children, Christine, Craig and Christopher. Funeral arrangements are pending.
The college is planning a commemorative service for President Baker. Information about that service will be announced.
President and Mrs. Baker moved from Decorah to their home in Cambria, Calif., March 20. His final public appearance at Luther was March 16 when the college held a celebration chapel service honoring the Bakers and their contributions to the college and community.
Before coming to Luther, Baker served 1993-96 as commissioner of higher education for the Montana University System. He was dean and vice president for academic affairs at Carroll College, Helena, Mont., 1988-93. He had a 30-year career as a teacher and education administrator.
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Baker served as a U.S. Air Force pilot and instructor 1964-70. He earned the master of business administration degree from Arizona State University and the doctoral degree in economics from the University of North Carolina.
Luther Regent Richard C. Hemp, retired vice president of the Maytag corporation and former chair of the Luther Board of Regents, is serving as interim president. Regents are conducting a presidential search with the goal of having a new president in office by the end of summer.
--
[ Comment, Edit or Article Submission ]
