CIOLook names Vicki L. Baker one of its “Visionary Leaders in Education”

July 10, 2023

Albion College economics and management professor Vicki L. Baker has been recognized as one of the “Visionary Leaders in Education” by CIOLook.com magazine.

The award was given to 10 educators worldwide who stand out “as trailblazers tirelessly working to transform the way we teach and learn,” according to the magazine. CIOLook is a global business magazine platform that explores the perspective of successful entrepreneurs, business owners and innovators who drive business around the globe.

Baker, who appears on the cover of the current publication, told CIOLook: “Throughout my academic and professional journey, I am someone who learns by doing. So, it’s likely not surprising I employ this approach with my students.” You can read the entire article at the CIOLook website.

Baker said the honor is shared with everyone at Albion who supports teaching and learning. She said the support she receives from faculty and staff at Albion is critical to helping students.

“Anytime you get recognized for the work that you do, you feel proud,” said Baker, the E. Maynard Aris Endowed Professor in Economics and Management and department chair at Albion College.“But it takes a village to make those experiences happen and that support is what makes Albion College a great place.”

Albion College Interim Provost Lisa Lewis said Baker’s focus on people is what sets her apart.

“Vicki cares about helping people – students, faculty, and staff – in their individual journey to become better,” Lewis said. “This recognition demonstrates the impact of her many contributions to so many here at Albion College and beyond.”

Baker was named one of only 36 American Council for Education Fellows for 2023-24. She was recognized as a “Top 100 Visionary” in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning for 2020-2021 and is a Fulbright Specialist Alumna.

Prior to joining Albion in 2007, Baker was in executive education at Harvard Business School. Baker is a co-founder of Lead Mentor Develop, an academic career and professional development consulting group that helps businesses, nonprofits and higher education in the areas of mentoring, faculty development and leadership.

Baker is the author of seven books on the topic of career advancement and her research focuses on faculty and leadership development, mentoring and liberal arts colleges. Her forthcoming book is “A Toolkit for Mid-Career Academics: Cultivating Career Advancement.” Baker recently published her seventh op-ed piece in Inside HigherEd, “A Title Does Not a Leader Make.”

Her work has been featured in national and international media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, USA Today, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Huffington Post. She also lectures and holds workshops around the country on the issues of mid-career faculty development.

Baker received her doctorate in higher education and her master’s degree in management and organization from Penn State. She received an M.B.A. in administration from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“I really love doing what I do,” Baker said. “It is the nature of the work itself that brings me so much joy. I have a profound sense of gratitude for the personal and professional aspects of my life. This really has been the perfect storm of everything aligning, and Albion College has supported me across all of these areas.”