Naketa Jones, Senior Instructional Designer
Baker College announces Naketa Jones as a new Senior Instructional Designer. With a background in education, technology, and workforce development, Jones brings a wealth of experience and passion to this vital role.
Jones’s journey at Baker began in December 2023 as an Adjunct Instructor at The Culinary Institute of Michigan, a Division of Baker College in Port Huron, where she taught Composition and Critical Thinking. Early on, she recognized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and became a leading advocate for integrating advanced technology into teaching practices. Her presentations at faculty conferences and leadership on Baker’s AI Committee have shaped innovative strategies, policies, and professional development programs that embrace AI to enhance student learning.
With a unique background that combines studying and advising on AI ethics with creating educational content for businesses and universities, Jones offers a distinctive perspective on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and its ethical, practical applications. Her ability to design impactful programs equips learners to navigate current challenges responsibly and thoughtfully, ensuring technology is a tool for empowerment.
“I am thrilled to join a team of innovators at Baker College who can tackle challenges and embrace the exciting future of education and technology. We are a team that is unafraid to roll up our sleeves and navigate a ship into somewhat uncharted waters,” Jones shares.
Before joining Baker, Jones served as a Senior Director for community-based programs in Ohio, specializing in workforce development and training. Her expertise also extends to project management, curriculum development, ethics, and compliance initiatives. As the founder of Human Driven Tech, a nonprofit focused on bridging the digital divide, she has provided equitable access to technology education for underserved communities, further cementing her dedication to education and empowerment.
Jones has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from The University of Toledo, and a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Bowling Green State University. Her certifications include Hogan Assessment Systems and Leadership Professional in Ethics and Compliance (LPEC). Additionally, she won first place in a pitch competition through TechTown Detroit and presented groundbreaking research on AI’s impact on education and the workplace at esteemed conferences such as the International Leadership Association Conference. She is set to present at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) Annual Conference in 2025.
Jones is passionate about fostering collaboration, advancing research, and preparing students for successful careers and lives beyond college. She aspires to contribute to research and publishing in areas such as curriculum, assessments, workforce development, and leadership. “Our role as faculty and administrators is more than teaching curriculum—it is to inspire, develop, and engage students in impactful ways,” Jones said. “My goal is to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and ensure that students’ well-being and learning remain at the forefront of everything we do.”
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about Baker College, and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.