For 115 years, Baker College has evolved alongside the changing needs of students, communities, and the workforce. Today, as higher education institutions across the country face unprecedented change, Baker College President Dr. Jacqui Spicer is earning recognition for her vision, leadership, and commitment to student success.
This year, Dr. Spicer has been featured in national and regional publications highlighting her leadership philosophy and the innovative work taking place at Baker College. Most recently, The Education Magazine featured Spicer among its “10 Leaders Transforming Education, 2026,” highlighting her approach to expanding access, removing barriers to student success and preparing Baker College to meet the changing needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce. The feature, “Dr. Jacqui Spicer: Building Opportunity Through Higher Education,” explores her first-generation college experience and vision for Baker College’s next chapter.
Earlier this year, Education Technology Insights featured Spicer in its article, “Steering Higher Education Through Transformation,” recognizing her perspective on navigating the evolving educational landscape. The Argus Press (Owosso, MI) also profiled Spicer during Women’s History Month in “Baker College’s First Female President Leads with Purpose, Perspective.”
Together, these features showcase a leader focused on guiding Baker College through a critical period of growth, technological advancement, and industry alignment. As the college’s first female president and a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Spicer brings a deeply personal understanding of education’s power to change lives.
“These recognitions are really a reflection of the incredible work happening across Baker College,” said Spicer. “Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners are collectively shaping the future of education by creating opportunities that are accessible, relevant, and transformative. I am honored to share that story.”
As Baker College’s first female president and a first-generation college graduate, Spicer brings a deeply personal understanding of education’s power to change lives. In her interview with the Argus Press, Spicer reflected on how her own experience as a first-generation student continues to shape her leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their goals.
The national feature in Education Technology Insights highlights her perspective on leading through a period of transformation in higher education. As institutions adapt to changing student needs, emerging technologies, and industry demands, Baker College continues to focus on delivering flexible, career-centered programs that prepare graduates for long-term success.
Under Spicer’s leadership, Baker continues to expand opportunities with affordable tuition, innovative academic programs, award-winning faculty, and achievement rates often exceeding national averages. Crucial to this success are strategic partnerships with McLaren Health Care, Corewell Health, and Trinity Health which ensure graduates gain the specific skills and professional connections needed to thrive in Michigan’s high-demand careers.
“Dr. Spicer’s leadership exemplifies the values that define Baker College,” said Michael Muscat, Vice President for Growth Marketing. “She leads with purpose, integrity, and a true commitment to student success. The recognition she is receiving nationally and locally speaks to both her influence as a leader and the impact Baker College is making throughout Michigan and beyond.”
These recent media features showcase the institution’s growing reputation as a college committed to evolving alongside the changing needs and priorities of today’s students by expanding flexibility and nontraditional pathways to education. This momentum is reflecting internally as well. Baker College was recently named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® for the third consecutive year in the West Michigan, Metro Detroit, and National categories, celebrating excellence in workplace culture and employee engagement.
Baker College was also recently highlighted through its participation in AMERICA 250, a national documentary series that debuted on USAToday.com in July. Baker was selected as a featured higher education voice in the series, with its segment focusing on technology and artificial intelligence integration in higher education. The documentary highlighted Baker’s long-standing commitment to workforce-focused learning and student-centered education.
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.
