Baker University names Dr. Tina Hartley as dean of College of Arts and Sciences

Baker University is pleased to announce Dr. Tina Hartley as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Hartley assumes leadership over the academic and administrative staff and is responsible for driving the college’s strategic vision and academic excellence forward from the Baldwin City, Kansas, campus.

Hartley brings over 35 years of leadership experience as a scholar and educator, mathematics professor, strategic leader, and department head. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Hartley will provide a fresh and unique perspective, leading with accountability and a commitment to upholding Baker’s prestigious academic standards.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Hartley to Baker University and couldn’t be more excited to have her demonstrated leadership, strategic mindset, and changemaker approach as our new dean,” said Dr. Matthew R. Bice, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, and leader of the dean search committee. “There are many parallels between Dr. Hartley’s background and the vision of Baker University. Her commitment to student success, faculty development, and innovative curriculum design will undoubtedly strengthen our academic community.”

Hartley served as department head at the U.S. Military Academy for five years, leading a department of 80 staff and faculty and enrollment of over 2,000 students annually. There, she managed all aspects of department operations, budget and resourcing, hiring and faculty development, curriculum development, and community and external partnerships. Under her leadership, the department developed one of the first undergraduate data science programs in the country and increased research funding by over $2 million annually.

Before her tenure as department head, Hartley served in roles of progressively increasing responsibility within the department to include leading academic programs and serving as deputy department head. In addition, she served as a strategic leader for the Academy for almost two decades, leading boards and committees that encompassed multiple aspects of university administration to include long-term strategic planning and operations, accreditation, admissions, and major curricular reform initiatives. She began her career after college as an Air Defense Artillery Officer for the United States Army, leading and mentoring teams, driving critical missions, and training and enhancing capabilities of soldiers.

Currently, Hartley serves as a faculty member of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

“I am honored to join Baker University and lead the College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about fostering academic excellence, supporting faculty and creating opportunities for students to thrive. Baker’s rich history, commitment to student success, and dedication to a well-rounded liberal arts education align perfectly with my values as an educator and leader. I look forward to working in Baldwin City alongside the talented faculty, staff, and students to build on the university’s tradition of excellence and innovation,” Hartley said.

Hartley obtained her bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences as a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Washington, and earned a Ph.D. in Computational Mathematics from George Mason University.

Hartley will assume her role July 1. As dean of the College or Arts and Sciences, she will serve as chief academic officer encompassing 34 majors housed on the residential campus in Baldwin City, providing vision and leadership to support and guide the development of innovative undergraduate academic programs. Hartley will play a central role in accreditation, strategic planning, curriculum development and review, budget, and more.

“Hartley’s leadership, experience, and dedication to academic excellence make her a tremendous addition to Baker University,” said Baker University President Hoot Gibson. “We look forward to the impact she will have on our students and faculty and the future of Baker University.”