New report builds on award-winning foundation and how educating students, strengthening workforce pipelines, and driving innovation are growing the state’s economy
Royal Oak, MI — Baker College has released its 2026 President’s Report, a comprehensive account of institutional progress, innovation, and impact that builds on the national recognition earned by the College’s inaugural President’s Report and showcases a new chapter of achievement under President Dr. Jacqui Spicer’s leadership.
The newly published report reflects the continued momentum of Baker College following the inaugural President’s Report, which received national honors from both the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and PR Daily. Those accolades established a high standard for transparency, storytelling, and strategic communication. The 2026 report expands upon with a deeper look at measurable outcomes, statewide influence, and future-focused initiatives.
The 2026 President’s Report captures a period of significant advancement for Baker College, including more than $3 billion in documented economic impact, national recognition as a Newsweek Top Online College, and selection to the FirstGen Forward Network, affirming the College’s commitment to first-generation student success. The report also highlights the College’s leadership in AI integration, dual enrollment expansion, tuition freezes, and its designation as both a Military Friendly® Silver School and a Michigan Veteran-Friendly Gold institution.
“This report is about more than achievements. It’s about leadership, accountability, and impact,” said Dr. Jacqui Spicer, Baker College President and CEO. “Higher education is being asked to do more than ever before: expand access, align with workforce needs, and deliver measurable value to students and communities. This report reflects how Baker College is meeting that challenge with intention and results.”
With six campuses serving 4,500 students and 926 non-credit learners, and supported by 988 employees, an independent economic impact analysis conducted using labor market data from Lightcast shows Baker supports: 9,512 jobs in health care and social services, 3,655 in professional and technical fields, 2,850 in skilled trades and retail, 2,206 in food service and hospitality, and 2,132 across other industries.
In total, the College contributes:
- $38.2 million added income from college activities
- $253.6 million added business income
- $45.6 million in social savings
- $701.4 million in added student income
The report also showcases Baker College’s continued national presence through championship-level esports competitions, faculty expertise recognized at state and national levels, and innovative academic models designed to meet the evolving needs of learners at every stage. Together, these elements position Baker College as a case study in institutional adaptability and student-centered strategy.
“The national recognition of our inaugural President’s Report validated our approach to telling Baker College’s story with clarity and purpose,” said Kelley Suggs, Public Relations Manager. “The 2026 report builds on that foundation, presenting Dr. Spicer’s leadership and the College’s outcomes in a way that is relevant to policymakers, employers, families, and the higher education community at large.”
Developed through extensive collaboration across campuses, departments, and community partners, the 2026 President’s Report serves as both a reflection of progress and a forward-looking blueprint. It is designed to inform stakeholders, support strategic partnerships, and contribute to broader conversations about the future of higher education.
With its publication, Baker College is actively positioning President Dr. Jacqui Spicer as a thought leader on topics including workforce-aligned education, first-generation student success, institutional innovation, and the role of private, not-for-profit colleges in regional economic development.
The 2026 President’s Report is now being distributed to institutional partners, community leaders, policymakers, and media outlets statewide and nationally.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six 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 at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.