where are they NOW?
ROBERT BAKER Educational Leadership, Ed.D. Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis ETSU, 2016
Why did you choose ETSU for your education? I was an employee at ETSU at the time that I began my doctoral program and chose the ELPA program after I met with Dr. Jim Lampley, and learned more about the coursework and focus of that program.
What is your current position and/ or research? I currently serve as the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. While I am not currently conducting research, my previous research area and dissertation study was on how concussions impact student-athletes’ return to learn. The knowledge obtained from this research helps me daily to understand what my student-athletes experience, and enables me to advocate for/assist them with their recovery from concussions.
What does your current position/ research entail? I oversee all aspects of studentathlete development, including three divisions (academic counseling, academic enrichment, student-athlete enhancement) and over 100 combined
full and part-time employees. I have a dual direct report role to the Provost and Deputy Athletic Director, which allows me opportunities to be involved at a high level on campus academically and athletically. My job ultimately is to work closely with coaches, administration, faculty and staff to ensure that our student-athletes make progress toward earning their bachelor’s degree while also preparing for life after sport.
How did your time at ETSU prepare you for your career? First and foremost, my five years of work at ETSU (2006-2011) prepared me with a rock-solid foundation for success and advancement in intercollegiate athletics. I will genuinely cherish forever the experiences and relationships developed during this time period at ETSU. Furthermore, my advanced degree challenged me at the highest level in the development of my analytical, administrative and leadership abilities. I consider myself to be an effective leader and developer of people (studentathletes, coaches and staff members), and attribute this partially to my work experience and education obtained from ETSU.
What professors/advisors were instrumental in helping you get to this point? Dr. Jim Lampley was the first person in ELPA that I developed a connection with, and he was very influential in my educational decision. Once established in my studies, I found Dr. Catherine Glascock to be an incredible resource and was very thankful to have worked with both of them. Additionally, Dr. Brian Johnston was and still is an amazing resource for me personally and professionally. He was assigned to me as a staff mentor when I first began employment in 2006; great friend throughout my employment and was an incredibly helpful resource as I worked on my dissertation study and research on concussions. Brian Johnston is ultimately an ETSU hero for the impact he has had on so many lives, including mine.
What advice would you offer current or future graduate students? Your experience as an ETSU graduate student will go by very quickly, so cherish every moment and experience. Take great care in the relationships you develop, and continue to cultivate those relationships after your graduation and as your career develops.
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