Colleges of Distinction honors colleges and universities each year that are committed to providing an exceptional education. The award reflects Baker University’s dedication to hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and outstanding student outcomes.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Baker University has been recognized as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction in business, education, nursing, career development, and military support.
Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has recognized schools for their successful implementation of high-impact educational practices and hands-on learning that ensures a supportive and enriching environment that equips students for future academic and career success.
“The biggest way Baker has prepared me for my next step is that my skills communicating in a professional setting have increased. With smaller class sizes, you’re going to be asked to participate professionally more. This will translate to the real world well, particularly in the interviewing process. Career Services here has helped me tailor my resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter,” said Bennett Colwell, who graduated in 2024. “The faculty at Baker don’t only just care about the school or the numbers, but also about the students. That’s been communicated to me since day one, and I’ve felt it ever since.”
Business
Baker’s business program was honored for its broad curriculum with hands-on experiences and a liberal arts foundation that prepares graduates to enter the workforce with strong leadership skills and the ability to succeed. Students across disciplines engage in coursework that cultivates quantitative and qualitative critical thinking skills as well as soft skills like leadership, public speaking, and information literacy.
Baker business students participate in practical, hands-on experiences through internships, networking events, and consulting projects. In addition, the program prioritizes business ethics, emphasizing the broader responsibilities of companies toward customers, employees, investors, communities, suppliers, and the environment.
Education
Recognizing its outstanding curriculum and outcomes for education majors, Colleges of Distinction granted this award for the preparation Baker provides students to lead their own classrooms after graduation and as a testament to the quality of its hands-on approach to learning, leading, and succeeding. Starting from the first year, students in the School of Education engage in real-world teaching experiences in schools in urban and rural settings with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and of different sizes.
Students enrolled in the School of Education have numerous opportunities to establish professional connections in their field through job placement, student teaching, directed field experiences, advisory councils, and networking activities.
Nursing
Baker University’s School of Nursing has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its commitment to training the well-rounded, thoughtful, and skilled nurses of tomorrow. Students gain hands-on experience through mandatory residencies and clinical work, preparing them for real-world nursing practice.
The School of Nursing provides high-quality academic advising, major-specific guidance, and career counseling tailored to the needs of nursing students.
Career Development
The Colleges of Distinction Career Development award recognizes Baker’s Office of Career Services for its breadth of resources that support student success beyond graduation and its commitment to helping students advance in their desired career.
Students are introduced to Career Services during new student orientation and during their first semester. Emphasis is placed on career and major exploration across all fields of study. Services include self-assessments, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and networking support. Regular workshops, career fairs, and mock interview sessions enhance job search skills and provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback.
Military Support
Baker was recognized for its comprehensive programs that enable service members to thrive in and beyond the classroom and its commitment to removing the barriers that can impede academic success. Baker offers flexible educational options tailored to the needs of military students. These include online degrees, flexible enrollment choices, and prior learning credits for service, which provide opportunities for seamless academic progression.
The VA certifying official serves students using VA education benefits and resources such as the GI Bill and VA Vocational Rehabilitation. Baker also offers tuition discounts for veterans, active-duty military members, and spouses.
View Baker University’s College of Distinction profile.
