Baker College announces LaTasha Ellis as the new Director of Undergraduate Business Programs. With extensive experience in higher education and the financial industry, she is committed to creating dynamic opportunities for students, enhancing program relevancy, and fostering community engagement.
Ellis’s professional journey is marked by her innovative work in business education, focusing on curriculum development, staffing, and operational management. During her previous role, she led an accelerated business program for first responders, resulting in more than 600 police officers and firefighters earning bachelor’s or MBA degrees within three years. “The barriers these officers faced at other schools transformed my approach to managing and supporting students,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Additionally, she managed youth programs and special events, creating connections within the community—and with years of managing Fiduciary Services & Operations for a bank, she brings a well-rounded perspective to the role.
Her commitment to student success and community engagement aligns perfectly with Baker College’s mission. “I was in search of a college where I could empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Ellis explains. “At Baker, I feel like I can continue to make a difference.”
Ellis holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management, an MBA, and is pursuing her DBA, furthering her expertise and insight. She envisions doing her part in maintaining a supportive environment for students and a curriculum that reflects the changing needs of the business world, ensuring programs stay relevant and impactful.
Ellis attributes much of her motivation to her father, a lifelong educator and school principal. “I watched him use his leadership and administrative skills as a principal to help failing schools transform. He poured wisdom and encouragement into his staff and the students he served, consistently and faithfully.”
“We are fortunate to have LaTasha in the College of Business. Her innovative approach to education, combined with her unwavering student-first mindset, is essential to our students’ success,” said Adam Mayhew, Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs for the College of Business (CoB). “Her vision and commitment will be instrumental in helping guide Baker College’s Undergraduate Business Programs toward a thriving future.”
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 the College of Business, and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.