Baker University, located in Baldwin City, Kansas, stands as a beacon for academic professionals seeking meaningful careers in higher education. As the oldest university in the state, founded in 1858 by the United Methodist Church, it offers a close-knit community where faculty and staff contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple campuses, including the main Baldwin City site, Overland Park, Topeka, and online offerings. Jobs at Baker University span faculty positions in liberal arts disciplines, administrative roles, and support staff opportunities, all emphasizing teaching excellence, student mentorship, and community engagement.
The university enrolls around 2,000 students, fostering an environment where educators can have a direct impact. Whether you're interested in higher ed faculty jobs or administrative positions, Baker prioritizes candidates passionate about liberal arts education. Its small class sizes—averaging 15 students—allow professors to innovate in teaching methods, from interactive seminars to hands-on research projects with undergraduates.
Established just before Kansas became a state, Baker University has a rich history tied to the region's pioneer spirit. Named after Rev. James A. Baker, it began as a preparatory school and evolved into a four-year liberal arts college. Today, it maintains Methodist values while embracing modern education, with schools of business, education, and nursing leading enrollment.
This heritage influences its hiring practices, seeking faculty who align with values like integrity and service. Over 160 years, Baker has produced notable alumni, including politicians and business leaders, creating a legacy where employees shape future influencers. Historical milestones, such as becoming co-educational in 1873 and launching graduate programs in the 1990s, highlight its adaptability—qualities valued in job candidates.
Baker University organizes into three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education and Professional Studies, plus the School of Nursing. Faculty jobs at Baker University often align with these, such as assistant professor of biology in Arts and Sciences or clinical instructor in nursing.
Key areas include:
Administrative roles cover admissions, student affairs, and IT support. For a deeper dive into university job types, including lecturer and professor roles, visit our guide. Staff positions in athletics or library services also abound, supporting the university's Division II sports teams and 200,000-volume library.
To secure jobs at Baker University, candidates typically need strong academic credentials. Faculty positions require a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the field— for example, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing roles or PhD in organizational leadership for business.
Research focus varies: science faculty emphasize undergraduate research, often funded by internal grants up to $5,000 annually. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (at least 2-3), and grant-writing success, such as NSF or private foundation awards.
Skills and competencies sought:
Entry-level roles may accept master's degrees with promise of doctoral pursuit.
Understanding key terms enhances clarity for jobs at Baker University:
The application process for jobs at Baker University begins with monitoring the careers page or platforms like higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and campus visit.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Postings close 4-6 weeks after opening; hires start fall or spring semesters.
Baker University actively promotes diversity through the Council on Diversity and Inclusion, which oversees bias training and affinity groups for underrepresented faculty. Recent efforts include the 2022 Inclusive Excellence Plan, increasing hires from diverse backgrounds by 20%. Partnerships with HBCUs for exchanges and scholarships for minority students support an equitable environment. Employees participate in annual DEI workshops, ensuring inclusive curricula like global studies courses.
In Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University's 36-acre campus blends historic buildings with modern facilities, including a fitness center and trails for outdoor activities. Faculty benefit from a 10-12 hour teaching load per semester, leaving time for research and family. Wellness programs offer gym memberships, counseling, and flexible hours. Community events like Homecoming foster belonging, while proximity to Lawrence (15 minutes) provides urban amenities. Parental leave policies (12 weeks) and sabbaticals enhance balance, with 85% of employees reporting high satisfaction in surveys.
Baker offers competitive salaries—assistant professors around $65,000, full professors $90,000+—plus benefits like tuition remission for dependents. Its location in the U.S. heartland provides affordability (cost of living 20% below national average). For career advice, explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, and higher ed jobs. Institutions like Baker value long-term commitment, with average faculty tenure over 10 years.
Ready to apply? Check post a job for employers or browse openings. Learn about professor salaries and university salaries for benchmarks. For research roles, see research jobs.
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