Delbert Baker
Delbert W. Baker | |
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| Born | 1953 |
| Education | Oakwood University, Andrews University, Howard University, Harvard University |
| Church | Seventh-day Adventist |
| Writings | 20 authored/edited books |
Offices held |
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Delbert W. Baker is a Seventh-day Adventist minister, author, educator, and administrator. Formerly the tenth president of Oakwood University (1996–2010) and a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (2010–2015), Baker is currently the vice chancellor of the Adventist University of Africa.[1]
Education and Family
Baker was born in 1953 in Oakland, California. He holds a BA in Ministerial Theology from Oakwood College, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University, and a PhD in communications from Howard University. He is married to the former Susan Lee, a physical therapist and educator.[2] The couple has three adult sons.
Career
Baker's professional experience includes ten years of pastoring (1975–1985), seven years as editor of Message (1985–1992), and four years as vice president and professor of Religion at Loma Linda University and Medical Center (1992–1996).[3] He has authored or edited over 20 books, most notably The Unknown Prophet, From Exile to Prime Minister, and Telling the Story, and written over 500 articles.[4]
Baker was the tenth president of Oakwood University from 1996 to 2010.[5] Under his leadership the university experienced significant growth including increased enrollment;[6] enlarged land holdings; construction and/or purchase of five major facilities;[7][8] major renovations on numerous campus structures; and development of a comprehensive award-winning technology network.[9][10] Fund-raising efforts were remarkable with approximately $90 million raised through donations and grants.[11][12][13] During his tenure the campus received awards for academics, beauty, and community service. For the length of his tenure Oakwood University was listed in U.S. News & World Report as among the best colleges in the Southern region.[14] Baker served on the White House Advisory for HBCUs for five years; testified before several congressional committees; and received awards from the White House, UNCF, Alumnus of the Year from his alma mater, and many civic and educational organizations.[15] Also during his presidency, Baker completed marathons to raise funds for student scholarships on all seven continents and the North Pole, and 35 of the 50 states in the U.S., that raised more than $500,000 in a scholarship endowment.[16]
From 2010 to 2015 Baker was a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In 2012 and 2013, he coordinated the worldwide Great Controversy/Great Hope Global Sharing Program that distributed more than 142 million copies of the Ellen G. White classic The Great Controversy.[17] In response to increasing crises and global hot spots, Baker provided leadership for the establishment of the worldwide GC crisis leadership preparation project that resulted in all SDA world divisions developing and maintaining crisis readiness. In collaboration with the Health Ministries Department, Baker also coordinated the establishment of the global comprehensive health ministry program and worked with efforts to stem the spread of Ebola in West Africa. In 2013 he led out in a successful campaign for the release of Seventh-day Adventist minister Antonio Monteiro from prison after being falsely incarcerated for 22 months in Togo, Africa.[18]
In November 2015 Baker accepted a call to be the vice chancellor (president) of the Adventist University of Africa, located near Nairobi, Kenya.[1]
See also
- General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
- Historically black colleges and universities
- Loma Linda University
- Oakwood University
- Adventist University of Africa
- Seventh-day Adventist Church
References
- ^ a b "News". news.adventist.org. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
- ^ "SOM Faculty Profile". umaryland.edu. Archived from the original on 2012-03-03. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
- ^ "Adventist Review Online - Delbert Baker Takes Reins at Adventist University of Africa". www.adventistreview.org. 23 November 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
- ^ Baker, Delbert W. (10 September 2013). The Unknown Prophet. Review and Herald Pub Assoc. ISBN 9780828027427. Retrieved 25 February 2018 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Oakwood College Presidents," in Service into the 21st Century: The Oakwood College Constituency Report: 2001-2006, pg. 41.
- ^ "YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 25 February 2018.[dead YouTube link]
- ^ "Adventist Review : Oakwood College". Archived from the original on 2010-11-20. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
- ^ "Oakwood University | Holland Hall". Archived from the original on 2008-10-20. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
- ^ Hannah, Gina, "Oakwood Shows New Program," The Huntsville Times, April 19, 2003, 1B.
- ^ Haskins, Shelly, "Oakwood Revives Working Aspect of its History with High Tech," The Huntsville Times, March 2, 2003, C1.
- ^ Peifer, Bruce, "Advancement and Development Report," Realizing the Vision: Oakwood College Constituency Report: 1996-2001, pgs. 28, 29
- ^ Cotton, Sabrina R., "Service through Fiscal Management," Service into the 21st Century: The Oakwood College Constituency Report: 2001-2006, pgs. 20-22
- ^ Gates, Jacquelyn B., "Service Through Gift Investments," Service into the 21st Century: The Oakwood College Constituency Report: 2001-2006, pp. 32-35.
- ^ U.S. News & World Report [dead link]
- ^ Kesner, Kenneth, "Oakwood's Baker gains High-Profile Board Seat," The Huntsville Times, December 24, 2006, 11A.
- ^ "Oakwood President Completes Antarctic Ice Marathon on Schedule || Oakwood University". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
- ^ "The Great Hope Project - Home". greatcontroversyproject.adventist.org. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
- ^ "Reflections on a Ministry in Prison: An interview with António Monteiro dos Anjos - Ministry Magazine". Ministry Magazine. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
External links
- Oakwood University
- General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church
- Adventist University of Africa
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