by: Michelle Barnhart
This year, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognized 26 college administrators with their Distinguished College Administrator Award. The award is given to college vice presidents, deans, or directors serving at postsecondary institutions with an active PTK chapter. In order to receive a nomination, the administrator must display a great deal of support toward the honor society as well as overall student success.
Among those nominated is Parkland’s very own Derrick Baker, Dean of Learning Support. He was nominated by Parkland’s PTK chapter. “Dean Baker has always been tremendously generous, not just through financial support, but also with his time, often attending meetings and always willing to meet with the officers and members outside of our normal meeting schedule,” said Lori Garrett, Parkland’s PTK advisor. “He has shown phenomenal support of our efforts and has been actively engaged in helping us strengthen both our College Projects and our Honors in Action Projects.”
A document detailing the nomination, provided by Garrett, explains some of the ways in which Baker contributes to PTK. Financially, he is the first administrator to set up annual meetings with the advisor to discuss budgeting. “He asked Professor Garrett for a proposed budget based on anticipated expenses, not to impose restrictions, but so he could be sure to set enough money aside,” Garrett detailed in the document.
“Dean Baker has always been tremendously generous, not just through financial support, but also with his time, often attending meetings and always willing to meet with the officers and members outside of our normal meeting schedule”
Baker is also very engaged with PTK. He attends every induction ceremony, drives the advisor, honorees, and guests to the All-Illinois Academic Team banquet, and has even offered his home for cookouts and social events. He also helps PTK plan for their Honors in Action and College Projects, expanding on their ideas and suggesting personnel with whom they should collaborate.
When asked what winning this award means to him, Baker told the Prospectus, “It means a lot that the students want to nominate me.” He said it was a nice surprise from PTK and that he greatly appreciates the recognition.
Baker started part-time at Parkland in 2008. He taught math, philosophy, and humanities courses until February of 2015 when he was appointed Director of Professional Development and Instructional Technology. He held this position for a little over a year before finally being appointed Dean of Learning Support in July 2016. Currently, he oversees three main areas of the college: PDIT, the Center for Academic Success (CAS), and works with them to provide seamless support both to faculty and to students.
Baker is also able to grant academic exceptions. Students may request to drop or withdraw from a course after the deadline, to have a grade excluded from their GPA, or to receive accommodations for medical reasons. Of course, not every request will be granted, but Baker is happy to work with those who may be under extenuating circumstances.
Baker also hosts a workshop for Student Leadership Academy titled “Strength Finders”, in which participants come to identify their biggest strengths and learn how to use and expand on them in the world. Some of Baker’s own strengths are planning, thinking ahead, and working with others; three things that make him a fantastic fit for this role.
As mentioned before, Baker is heavily involved in Phi Theta Kappa. He encourages students to get involved in PTK if they have the chance because it offers a lot of great leadership opportunities and opens many doors.
“If a student is looking for a way to get involved, grow their own leadership experience and experience their own events and programming, this is a great place to go,” he said.
In his personal life, Baker has five kids, ranging in ages from three to 13. As a family, they enjoy playing basketball and camping in different places. Some of their favorite campsites are Kickapoo, Turkey Run, and Clinton Lake.
Lastly, when asked what he enjoys about working at Parkland, Baker said he enjoys the people, the environment, and the quality. He recognized Parkland as an institution that does things well and is headed in the right direction.
“Being at Parkland is like being on the winning team,” he said.
