A change of hands, but not a change of ideals: Hunter Baker, NGU’s soon-to-be new provost
C.J. Eldridge, News and Feature Editor
As the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever. This proves ever true for North Greenville’s provost position, slated to be filled January 1.
Nathan Finn, director of the institute for transformational leadership, stepped down to pick up a more teaching-oriented position, making way for Hunter Baker. But a change of person doesn’t mean a change in the programs. Baker, filling the role of chief academic officer, doesn’t want to begin his tenure with anything drastic.
“I think that you have to go to a place and really know it before you commit to what you want to do,” Baker said. “If you’re the coach hired for a sports team, your plan is going to vary depending on the kind of players you have.”
His plan as provost is to go in and get to know the people and the institution first. He understands that professors would prefer this as well, as he’s been in that position before.
Currently, he is in his 14 year at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, Baker is a professor of political science and the college of arts and science’s dean. He isn’t the only Union staff member to be pulled to NGU either–he’s the fifth.
President Gene Fant, the former vice president of academic administration there, and Baker worked with each other for years. They are both involved with the Impact 360 Institute in Pine Mountain, Georgia, as well.
But old relationships are not Baker’s only motivation to become provost.
“I wanted an opportunity to serve as a provost, to be in charge of the overall academic operation. And this was the opportunity,” he said.
One of his goals as provost is to lead faculty through thinking about vision and strategy. He wants them to think about what NGU’s future looks like–what strengths and opportunities the university has.
Baker has spent ample time in the world of academic leadership. Prior to this, he was all over the south getting his education: a B.S. at Florida State University, a M.P.A. at the University of Georgia, his Ph.D at Baylor University and his J.D. at the University of Houston Law Center.
Baker came to NGU on October 19 and 20 to visit campus and meet with the board of trustees.
He said, “I’ve had a great experience with the trustees so far . . . It’s all made easier because we all share the same basic vision, which is that we want to have a strong and effective Christian university.”
Admiring the unique spots on campus, Baker particularly liked the prayer chapel. He explained that he had never seen anything like it “anywhere ever.” He also called attention to the mountains surrounding campus and how gorgeous everything looked.
He believes in the university and the opportunities it presents.
“The reason that I am in the world of Christian universities is because this is my life’s vocation. I’ve been called to pursue the work of Christian higher education . . . I feel like God directed me this way,” Baker said. “Seeking to integrate faith and learning under the lordship of Christ–that’s the most important thing to me.”
