Board renews Murray’s contract for five years

During their February meeting, the Baker University Board of Trustees unanimously supported the renewal of Dr. Lynne Murray’s contract as University President through 2022. Citing her strong leadership, increased enrollment and fundraising, community outreach, and strategic planning, the board feels Dr. Murray is positioning Baker University for future growth and success.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve as Baker University’s president under Mr. [Gordon] Lansford and the entire board of trustees,” Murray said. “Together, we have set an aggressive course for the future of this historic university. I’m proud of Baker’s outstanding faculty, staff, alumni, and students for the goals they’ve accomplished during the last three years, and I’m eager to embark on an aggressive course for future growth.”

Since Murray’s appointment, the university has launched several key academic programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Sports Management, and a Law Early Admission Program (LEAP) partnership with Washburn University. The 3+3 LEAP partnership allows Baker University undergraduates to enter Washburn University School of Law after three years and earn a Juris Doctor in six. The university also has several new undergraduate and graduate program proposals in front of the Higher Learning Commission for accreditation.

Enrollment at the College of Arts and Sciences in Baldwin City has also increased since Murray’s appointment. Baker’s fall 2016 incoming class was its second largest since 2009. Baker has already set a new high-water mark for applications for its fall 2017 class and has received more than twice the number of deposits from committed students than at this time last year.

On the fundraising trail, Baker has secured a $1 million matching gift for an endowed chair of business leadership, multiple million-dollar planned gifts from legacy donors, a $300,000 contribution to the Rice Auditorium renovation from the Sunderland Foundation, and a state-of-the-art Anatomage table for exercise science, anatomy, and biology classes.

Lansford, Baker University’s chairman of the board of trustees and current CEO of JE Dunn Construction, is pleased to have re-signed Murray for the next five years.

“The university has made important strides during President Murray’s tenure and the board is excited to watch her strategic vision come to life over the next five years,” Lansford said.