Dr. Roger Boyd, ’69, and Dr. George Wiley are the latest additions to Baker University’s Faculty Hall of Fame. They were inducted at a faculty appreciation reception on February 14. The Faculty Hall of Fame was established in 1990 and comprises 33 members.
“Their legacies serve as testaments to the excellence and enduring impact of Baker University faculty throughout our history. I’d like to thank them for their tireless efforts, passion for education, and commitment to students,” said Acting President Hoot Gibson, ’73.
Dr. Roger Boyd
Dr. Roger Boyd taught biology at Baker University from 1976 to 2005 and was known for his passion for the natural world and conservation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baker University, a Master of Science in biology from Emporia State University, and a Ph.D. in zoology from Colorado State University.
His impact on students spans decades in the classroom, on Interterm trips to Costa Rica and Mexico, and in the field at the Baker University Wetlands, the Boyd Arboretum, and the Boyd Prairie. “Even after retiring from the classroom, Dr. Boyd continued to share his knowledge with students,” said Dr. Erin Morris, chair of the Department of Biology and Chemistry. “He has given decades of energy, inspiration, and leadership to the Baker community.”
As director of the Baker University Wetlands from 1983 to 2015, Dr. Boyd was instrumental in negotiating with state and local governments during various phases of development affecting the Wetlands. During this time he oversaw the construction of the Wetlands Discovery Center and significant expansion and restoration of the wetlands habitat. Today the BU Wetlands is the most visited natural area in Douglas County and is one of the top five most visited birding sites in Kansas.
Dr. Boyd has over 80 publications and has surveyed or collected birds all over the world, including China, Paraguay, and Peru. He also performed surveys for the Army Corps of Engineers studying threatened species.
In accepting his award, Dr. Boyd said, “Highlights for me were the dedications of the Boyd Science Center and the Wetlands Discovery Center. And I’m thrilled to share the Hall of Fame wall with my father.” Mulvane Hall was renovated to create the Ivan L. Boyd Center for Collaborative Science Education, and Ivan Boyd was inducted into the Faculty Hall of Fame in 1992.
Dr. George Wiley
Dr. George Wiley taught religious studies from 1977 to 2012 and was known for his calm, warm, and joyful manner in the classroom. He created a respectful environment and encouraged student participation and discussion. He also served as chaplain of the university from 1977 to 1986. Dr. Wiley’s kindness and compassion consoled many Baker University students in the aftermath of the fire at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house that took the lives of five young men.
Dr. Wiley earned a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and from Emory University a Master of Divinity cum laude and a Doctor of Philosophy in Historical Theology.
In addition to his responsibilities to Baker University, as an ordained Episcopal priest, he remained involved in his faith community and shared his gifts for preaching and church leadership.
In accepting his award, Dr. Wiley commented that he was thankful to Baker for hiring an Episcopal priest to serve as chaplain and an instructor and has valued his relationships with United Methodists among the Baker community. “I’ve always been grateful to get to know so many pastors and laypeople who are United Methodist. It’s been meaningful,” he said.
In his courses, Dr. Wiley emphasized the importance of tolerance and appreciation of world faiths and an understanding of religious pluralism. In 2011, Dr. Wiley participated in the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education conference, and his presentation on the Christian roots of antisemitism was lauded by the participants and organizers.
“I’d like to share that George Wiley is the professor I think of when I imagine both a prototypical professor and a genuinely kind, compassionate human being. Simply put, his presence in my world has enriched me for nearly 30 years,” said Dr. Robyn Long, ’00, professor of psychology, who took classes from Dr. Wiley and later joined him as a faculty member.
Faculty Hall of Fame recognition is the highest award Baker University confers upon faculty. Inductees must have served as full-time faculty members a minimum of 15 years and received off-campus recognition through service in professional organizations, scholarly publications, or fine arts performances. Faculty Hall of Fame members have demonstrated exceptional teaching ability and provided constructive citizenship in the community. Above all, Hall of Fame members have demonstrated personal character and professional skill that touched and enriched the lives of their students.
Faculty Promotions
Also honored at the reception were faculty who were promoted and awarded tenure.
Dr. Regan Dodd was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor, Dr. Jessica Elam was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor, Dr. Ryan Gibb was promoted to full professor, Dr. Scott Kimball, ’99, was promoted to full professor, Dr. Jamin Perry was promoted to full professor, and Dr. Amanda Schuster was awarded tenure and promoted to full professor.
“Over the past four months in my role as acting president, I have had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant academic life here at Baker,” said President Gibson. “I have seen the incredible dedication of our faculty, and it fills my heart to recognize their achievements and contributions.”
