Ramblings Alumni Spotlight

John H. Baker '74, H'19
2024 Service Award Honoree

John H. Baker, professor emeritus of art, has delivered more than 40 years of dedication to teaching, service in the arts and community, and fundraising for West Chester University. A distinguished artist recognized internationally, he taught art at WCU from 1974 to 2015 and was department chair from 1996 until retirement. As both professor and chair, he had a profound impact on the personal and professional lives of students and colleagues. His impact on the University endures.

Baker challenged students while exposing them to the art of ceramics, papermaking, and museum curating. For 20 years, he served as primary advisor for all majors in studio art; was tireless in fundraising to secure scholarships for art students; played major roles in organizing and installing gallery exhibitions; and helped establish regular study abroad opportunities.

Baker’s contributions to WCU have been recognized with the Faculty Merit Award (2007), the Civility Award (2008-09), the President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership (2008), the Ram Pride Award (2018), an honorary doctoral degree (2019), and the President’s Medallion for Service (2023).

He currently serves on the boards of the Chester County Art Association, West Chester Borough Public Arts Commission, Historic Kennett Square Arts & Culture Committee, the Art Trust at Meridian Bank, West Chester, and the advisory board of WCU’s College of Arts & Humanities.

A member of the WCU Foundation Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2023, he served as president during the last five years of his tenure and established both the John H. Baker Art Gallery Endowment and the John H. Baker Endowment for Fine Arts.

Baker earned a B.A. from WCU in 1974 and an MFA from the University of Delaware in 1991. Visit his website at johnbakerstudio.com.

Pictured: John H. Baker '74, H'19 with Lisa Wright Bryant '87, Past President of the WCU Alumni Association.