| Delbert W. Baker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1953 Oakland, California |
| Education | Oakwood University, Andrews University, Howard University, Harvard University |
| Church | Seventh-day Adventist |
| Writings | 22 authored/edited books |
| Offices held | Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists |
Delbert W. Baker is a Seventh-day Adventist minister, author, educator, and administrator. He is currently a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.[1]
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Baker was born in 1953 in Oakland, California. He holds a BA in Ministerial Theology from Oakwood University, a Masters 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: David, Benjamin and Jonathan.
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).
Baker most recently served as the president of Oakwood University from 1996-2010.[3] Under his leadership the University experienced significant growth including: increased enrollment;[4] enlarged land holdings; construction and/or purchase of five major facilities;[5] major renovations on numerous campus structures; and development of a comprehensive award-winning technology network.[6] Fund-raising efforts were also remarkable with more than $50 million raised through donations and grants.[7] During his tenure the campus received awards for academics, campus beauty, and community service. For the last twelve years Oakwood University has been listed in US News and World Report as among the best colleges in the Southern region.[8]
As pastor, professor, administrator, and president, Baker has attained distinction. He has served on the board of directors of more than ten organizations: among them, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, and the Adventist Health System. Additionally, he was 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.[9]
He has authored over twenty books, most notably The Unknown Prophet, From Exile to Prime Minister, and Telling the Story, and written over 500 articles.[10]
Baker has completed marathons on all seven continents and the North Pole and 35 of the 50 states in the U.S. As Oakwood President, he ran marathons to raise funds for student scholarships in a program that raised more than $500,000 in a scholarship endowment.[11]