Dr. Jody Fournier
An introduction to Dr. Jody Fournier, the 31st president of Baker University.
A New Chapter of Academic Excellence and Innovation
A leader known for his dedication to higher education, strategic vision, and deep commitment to student success, Jody Fournier, Ph.D., officially became the 31st president of Baker University on July 1, 2025.
Jody Fournier, Ph.D., brings more than 25 years of experience in academic leadership, most recently as provost and vice president at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout his tenure, he has held roles including dean of studies, assistant dean of social sciences and education, and professor of psychology. Fournier’s expertise spans student affairs, enrollment management, accreditation, strategic planning, and institutional partnerships—all of which will be instrumental in shaping Baker’s future.
During his time at Capital University, Fournier significantly improved student retention, developed new academic programs to meet student demand, and forged key institutional partnerships. His leadership has fueled substantial enrollment gains, diversified revenue streams. and introduced forward-thinking programs in business and health care. A champion of fiscal stewardship and student-centered learning, he successfully integrated academic and student affairs to enhance the overall student experience, blending innovation and tradition—positioning him uniquely to lead Baker University.
Fournier obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in family relations and human development – child development from The Ohio State University. He earned a doctoral degree in developmental psychology from The Ohio State University. He holds numerous accomplishments and awards from the course of his career, including Capital University’s Praestantia Award recognizing outstanding teaching, Capital University’s Cotterman Award recognizing excellence in academic advising, Small College Roundtable Award for Curricular Innovation by the Ohio Psychological Association, and Community Leadership Award from Franklin County Children Services for community engagement work in Columbus.
President Jody Fournier, Ph.D."Baker’s rich legacy, unwavering commitment to student success, and outstanding faculty and staff make this institution truly special. I look forward to building on its strong foundation, anchored in Baker’s United Methodist heritage, while embracing new opportunities, innovation, and collaboration to shape a bold and dynamic future."
Baker University Presidents
Baker University’s legacy has been shaped by a long line of dedicated leaders—from its first president, Werter Davis, who guided the university from 1858 to 1862, to influential figures like Daniel M. Lambert, whose 19‑year tenure stands as one of the longest in Baker’s history.
| No. | President | Years Served | Birth / Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Jody Fournier | 2025– | — |
| 30 | Hoot Gibson, Acting President | 2024–25 | — |
| 29 | Lynne Murray | 2014–24 | — |
| 28 | Patricia N. Long | 2006–14 | b. Wheatland, MO, 1951 |
| 27 | Daniel M. Lambert | 1987–2006 | b. Kansas City, MO, Jan. 16, 1941 |
| 26 | Ralph M. Tanner | 1980–87 | b. Jefferson Co., AL, Dec. 10, 1926; d. Nov. 24, 2016 |
| 25 | R. Wright Spears, Acting President | 1979–80 | b. Clio, SC, Oct. 20, 1912; d. Feb. 10, 2015 |
| 24 | Jerald C. Walker | 1974–79 | b. Bixby, OK, 1938; d. Dec. 24, 2016 |
| 23 | Neal Malicky, Acting President | 1973–74 | b. Sour Lake, TX, Sept. 14, 1934; d. Nov. 22, 2024 |
| 22 | James Edward Doty | 1966–73 | b. Lakewood, OH, May 8, 1922; d. June 15, 2008 |
| 21 | William John Scarborough | 1956–66 | b. Lincoln, NE, Feb. 15, 1913; d. March 22, 1976 |
| 20 | Nelson Paxson Horn | 1936–56 | b. Tipton, IA, May 23, 1890; d. July 5, 1958 |
| 19 | Wallace Bruce Fleming | 1922–36 | b. Cambridge, OH, Nov. 22, 1872; d. June 30, 1952 |
| 18 | Osmon Grant Markham | 1921–22 | b. Loudenville, OH, Aug. 21, 1865; d. April 18, 1943 |
| 17 | Samuel Alexander Lough | 1917–21 | b. Carleton Co., Ontario, Canada, July 7, 1864 |
| 16 | Wilbur Nesbitt Mason | 1911–17 | b. Mechanicsburg, OH, Apr. 15, 1867; d. Dec. 19, 1952 |
| 15 | Lemuel Herbert Murlin | 1894–1911 | b. Mercer Co., OH, Nov. 16, 1861; d. June 20, 1935 |
| 14 | William Alfred Quayle | 1890–94 | b. Parkville, MO, June 25, 1860; d. Mar. 9, 1925 |
| 13 | Hillary Asbury Gobin | 1886–1890 | b. Terre Haute, IN, Mar. 25, 1842; d. Mar. 18, 1923 |
| 12 | William Henry Sweet | 1879–86 | b. Brown County, OH, July 14, 1843; d. Jan. 5, 1919 |
| 11 | Joseph J. Denison | 1874–79 | b. Bernardston, MA, Oct. 1, 1815; d. Feb. 19, 1900 |
| 10 | Samuel S. Weatherby | 1873–74 | b. Knox County, OH, Feb. 1, 1841; d. July 22, 1924 |
| 9 | Robert Latimore Harford | 1871–73 | b. OH, 1837; d. 1883 |
| 8 | Patterson McNutt | 1870–71 | b. Switzerland County, IN, Aug. 27, 1833; d. Feb. 9, 1886 |
| 7 | John Alexander Simpson | 1869 | b. Scio, OH, July 27, 1839; d. July 23, 1933 |
| 6 | Elial Jay Rice | 1867–68 | b. Sullivan, OH, Dec. 18, 1822; d. Apr. 7, 1872 |
| 5 | John Wesley Horner | 1866–67 | b. Wornelsdorf, PA, May 29, 1834; d. Aug. 16, 1874 |
| 4 | John Wesley Locke | 1865–66 | b. Paris, KY, Feb. 12, 1822; d. Dec. 29, 1895 |
| 3 | Leonard Leidy Hartman | 1864–65 | b. Saloma, PA, Nov. 19, 1828; d. March 2, 1909 |
| 2 | George Washington Paddock | 1862–64 | b. Vienna, NY, Dec. 10, 1823; d. Jan. 5, 1908 |
| 1 | Werter Renick Davis | 1858–62 | b. Circleville, OH, Apr. 1, 1815; d. June 22, 1893 |