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Home Center for Athletic Academic Services Staff Bob Baker

Dr. Robert (Bob) Baker

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  • B.A. in English, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • M.S. in Social Work, U.T., Knoxville
  • M.S. in Sport Management, U.T., Knoxville
  • Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, East Tennessee State University

Bob Baker joined the University of Memphis staff in August 2011 as the Associate Director with the Center for Athletic Academic Services. He was named Interim Director in November, 2012 and then was officially promoted to Director in March 2013. Prior to joining the University of Memphis staff, Bob was employed at East Tennessee State University from 2006 through 2011 as the Director of Academic Services and Assistant Athletic Director, Academic Services.

Bob has responsibility for all activities related to the athletic academic compliance and eligibility of student-athletes; oversees all center operations and staff and acts as liaison with athletic and campus faculty, administration, and staff. In the role of Director, he is responsible for center and fiscal management, APR, GSR and football initial eligibility and admissions.  As a member of the athletic department's senior staff, Bob serves as the Sport Administrator for Men's Soccer. Bob has been a member of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) since 2006 and has served on the Legislative Affairs Committee, the Atlantic Sun Conference Liaison and currently serves on the N4A's Strategic Planning Committee.

Bob previously worked at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2002-2006) as the Project Director of a college prep program for disadvantaged students and as an academic mentor for freshman football student-athletes at the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center. Prior to that, Bob spent 8 years in the counseling/mental health profession working with juvenile offenders and programs for at-risk youth.

While not in the office, Bob enjoys exercise, playing golf and enjoying time with his family at home. Bob and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters, Abigail, age 18, and Elyse, age 15.

Favorite Quote: "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi