Former president of the University of North Dakota (UND), Kendall Baker, passed away on Thursday, November 27, in Windsor, Colorado. Baker served as president from 1992 to 1999 and played a pivotal role during the catastrophic Flood of 1997, which significantly impacted the Grand Forks community.
Throughout his tenure, Baker collaborated closely with city officials and emergency services to manage evacuations and establish emergency housing solutions. According to a press release from UND, he was instrumental in relocating the Emergency Operations Center during this crisis.
Reflecting on his time at UND, Baker once stated, “We talk about our years at UND all the time, and we talk about the flood for days.” He emphasized his and his wife Toby Baker‘s enduring connection to North Dakota, Grand Forks, and the university. In a 2016 article, he expressed their unwavering support for the university’s athletic teams and academic programs, highlighting the pride they felt for the institution.
Academic and Professional Background
Kendall Baker earned a degree in political science from the University of Maryland in 1963. He continued his education at Georgetown University, where he received both a master’s degree in 1966 and a doctoral degree in 1969. Before his presidency at UND, Baker held significant academic positions, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University from 1982 to 1987, and vice president and provost at Northern Illinois University from 1987 to 1992.
After his time at UND, Baker became the tenth president of Ohio Northern University, a role he maintained until his retirement in 2011 as president emeritus. Following his retirement, he and Toby Baker relocated to Windsor, a town near Denver, Colorado.
Legacy and Contributions
Baker’s impact on the university and its community was profound. He was featured in a video produced by UND in October 2020, where he discussed the unique spirit of North Dakota. “Enthusiasm and commitment… they’re contagious,” Baker noted, emphasizing the dedication of the students and faculty at UND.
In addition to his leadership during the flood, Baker navigated significant financial challenges, including implementing the university’s first major budget-cutting process in decades. His first day as president was marked by a directive from the North Dakota governor to cut state agency budgets by 10%.
Baker also oversaw the development of the Bronson Property, which has since become a vital part of the university’s campus. This area is now home to the Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, among other facilities that enhance the university’s offerings.
As the university community mourns his passing, Kendall Baker’s contributions to the University of North Dakota and the Grand Forks area will be remembered for their lasting impact on the institution and its students.
