Baker University Joins National Student Success Initiative

Baker University, a premier private university rooted in liberal arts education and academic excellence, announces a new partnership with the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education (Gardner Institute), a national leader in student success initiatives. This collaboration marks a significant step in Baker University’s commitment to enhancing the undergraduate experience, with a particular emphasis on students’ first and second years. Baker University is one of only 10 higher education institutions nationwide to participate in Gardner Institute’s third cohort, and the only one in Kansas or its surrounding states.

Through the Gardner Institute’s multi-step approach, they will synthesize data and first-hand experience to develop initiatives that will support student success. Baker University joins colleges and universities across the country in a five-year effort to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive and graduate. The program is supported by Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ECMC Foundation, and The Kresge Foundation.

“This partnership is about more than improving retention – it’s about reimagining how we support students from the moment they step on campus,” said Dr. Jody Fournier, President of Baker University. “By engaging in this transformative work with the Gardner Institute, Baker is making a long-term investment in the success of every student and embarking on a bold new era of excellence for the institution.”

The initiative begins this fall with two campus-wide surveys focused on identifying insights into Baker University’s strengths and areas for growth, with a focus on the first two years of undergraduate education. Gardner Institute research shows that at least 76% of all attrition occurs sometime during or immediately following the first two college years. Later this semester, Baker University faculty and staff will participate in a process called Sensemaking, where leaders will guide the university community through the survey findings, foster conversations across departments and identify and prioritize projects in a five-year plan.

“Our data-driven work with the Gardner Institute will help us determine which student success strategies are most effective and which need to be reimagined,” said Dr. Deanna Wagner, Vice President for Student Affairs at Baker University. “By breaking down silos and creating space for innovation, we’ll be better positioned to support students academically, socially, and personally.”

Baker University’s participation builds on proven models at other universities that have partnered with the Gardner Institute to redesign early undergraduate experiences and significantly improve outcomes. Dr. Fournier and Dr. Wagner serve as leaders of this partnership, as both successfully rolled out student success initiatives with the Gardner Institute at Capital University.

“We are honored to collaborate with President Fournier, his leadership team, and Baker University’s faculty and staff to advance their strategic vision for student success,” said Dr. Andrew (Drew) Koch, CEO of the Gardner Institute. “As we launch our third cohort and continue to support the work of our first two cohorts, Baker’s engagement means so much. Together, we will strengthen both their campus transformation and the broader movement toward change that helps all students and institutions thrive.”

About the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education

The John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with colleges, universities, philanthropic organizations, educators, and other entities to increase institutional responsibility for improving outcomes associated with teaching, learning, retention, and completion. The Institute supports postsecondary education’s efforts to ensure that every learner earns a credential that leads to a meaningful career and a highly fulfilling life. Through its work, the Institute will advance higher education’s broader mission of expanding opportunity and success for all students.