Each month we connect with alumni who are making a difference in their careers and communities and find out how Baker helped them along their way.
Emily Fleming, ’05, ’12 MSSL
Principal, Madison Elementary in the Gardner-Edgerton School District
What was the first moment that made Baker feel like home?
I don’t know if I can think of a specific moment when I realized Baker was home. There was always a feeling of safety, care, and a level of comfort from my first college visit. However, my parents always talk about the moment they knew it was my home away from home. I became very ill and ended up hospitalized, and every day someone was checking in on me. Making sure I was getting better, working with me to catch up on classes, asking how I needed to be supported when I was able to return, etc. That was the point where my family really knew that I was OK and taken care of, even though I was so far away.
What was your favorite class and why?
I fell in love with teaching reading because of Merrie Skaggs’ Reading Foundations class. It was fascinating and powerful and actionable. It sparked a lifelong interest in teaching all kids to read.
Who made the biggest impact on you while at Baker?
There were so many people that made an impact on me while I attended Baker. Peggy Harris, Harold Frye (graduate classes), Trilla Lyerla, and the Drs. Buehler are just a few that come to mind that had a significant impact on me academically. Ira DeSpain, Ruth Sarna, Linda Gastelum, and Kathy McCrary all nurtured me and took care of me as a human. Attending Baker was about so much more than acquiring a degree and that is because of the people. They see you for who you are, not just as a student, and guide you to become your best self.
What are two things you would tell current students?
Take advantage of every minute of it. Get involved. Go to the events. Make it home. I’ve been away from Baker’s campus for almost 20 years, and I still have dreams about being back.
It’s OK to take a path you didn’t expect. My majors went from nursing to music to education, and I found my passion. I never in my life would have imagined being part of Greek life, but joining a sorority is something that I am thankful for every single day. Allow yourself to go where your heart leads you.
How did your Baker experience shape your journey?
One of my favorite things as a teacher and now as a school leader is mentoring future educators. I think that comes from the way I was guided as a student at Baker. I want to put the same level of care into the college students that I get to work with as was poured into me. I am committed to caring for and bringing up others because that was done for me.
Can you briefly describe your career path since graduating from Baker?
As a result of an Interterm class, I was driven to begin my career in Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools. I was a classroom teacher and finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year, instructional coach, and assistant principal in my 13 years there. I also became a Baker grad a second time, getting my Master of Science in School Leadership degree during those years. I have now been an elementary school principal for the last six years in the Louisburg School District and Gardner-Edgerton School District. I recently was honored to be part of the Baker Educational Advisory Committee, as well!
What do you love about Baker the most?
The connections I made then and the connections I continue to make now have made a difference in my life. There’s so much truth to the sentiment “I bleed orange.”
