About Jerry Baker

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Mr. Jerry E. Baker was born on March 18, 1931, and has been one of the most influential members of the Western Kentucky University family. Mr. Baker graduated from Bowling Green Business University in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. While a student here, he was a part of Pi Tau Nu where he served as an active member. In 2001, Mr. Baker received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from WKU.

As a professional, Mr. Baker held many influential positions in the workplace. He served as a board member of Citizens First Bank, Kentucky Arts Council, Bowling Green Warren County Community Foundation, and the Commonwealth Health Foundation. Simultaneously from 1999 to 2010, he held the title of Chairman of Airgas Mid America, and then retired in 2011 when he assumed the position as a consultant for the company until his retirement in 2013. He received many awards and honors including induction into the Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky’s Business Hall of Fame, WKU Philanthropist of the Year in 2006, WKU Foundation Board of Directors Volunteer of the Year in 2002, and induction in the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

He has created an unparalleled legacy of success and value to the workforce that surrounds him, specifically through the scholarship funds he set up at WKU, including a $10 million endowment. Annual investment earnings from the endowment will be gifted to the University to enhance the Jerry E. Baker Student Scholarship Fund, which was initially created through a direct bequest by Mr. Baker. The scholarship fund provides support for students pursuing a major or minor in music, dance, theatre, art or horticulture, and available scholarship funds are divided among the five programs.

In the first year, the University received more than $500,000 from the Baker Foundation to be awarded as scholarships for WKU students. Combined with Baker’s previous support for scholarships, the Jerry E. Baker Student Scholarship Fund will annually award around $500,000 in scholarships to WKU students. This endowment enhances Baker’s previous scholarship support of music, dance, theatre, art and basketball.

Announced in 2006, Baker’s estate plans offered the University the choice of management of Baker’s residence, the Baker Arboretum and the Downing Museum or a $10 million endowment for student scholarships. After careful consideration, University officials and Baker Foundation leadership have elected for WKU to utilize the scholarship endowment and for management of the properties to remain with the Baker Foundation.

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More about Jerry Baker:

TOPDollar Scholarship Portal - Jerry Baker Scholarships

Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum

Baker Foundation Commits $10 million Endowment for Scholarships (WKU News)

Baker Foundation Pledges $10 million to Western Kentucky University (Philanthropy News Digest)

Jerry Baker, Renowned Philanthropist, Dies at 86 (Bowling Green Daily News)