The year 2024 marks a special milestone for Charlotte Baker, faculty resource coordinator for the College of Medicine. This year, Baker celebrates 50 years of service to the University of Kentucky.
Baker joined the University of Kentucky in 1974, working in nursing services. Less than 18 months later, she joined the College of Medicine and has never looked back.
“I cannot imagine working anywhere else,” said Baker. “The College of Medicine has truly been my home away from home. I am so appreciative for the many opportunities I have had here over the years.”
In her early career, Baker was a member of the admissions team. She recalls admitting students, such as Raleigh Jones, MD, Todd Cheever, MD, and Steve Haist, MD, and watching their fledgling careers take shape. Years later, when Baker had joined the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA), their paths crossed again as she coordinated Dr. Cheever’s faculty appointment and served alongside Dr. Jones on the College of Medicine Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee.
Dr. Jones recently retired following a 35-year tenure as founding chair of the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery; Dr. Cheever was appointed as division chief of academic medical education in Dec. 2023 and will continue to serve as acting associate dean of Bowling Green Campus until his replacement is found; and Dr. Haist was named associate dean for curriculum and assessment in 2022 after serving four years as the inaugural associate dean of our Northern Kentucky Campus.
In the early days of her career, Baker remembers using a mimeograph machine to copy student memos and announcements. She also served as registrar for nearly a decade before joining OFA. In OFA, Baker was responsible for compiling hard copies of dossiers—nine per person— before delivering them to the Main Building via wagon. She recalls traveling from department to department with that wagon before making the trek to the Office of the Chancellor (later renamed Provost).
Though the dossier process has gone mostly digital today, Baker says her work remains roughly the same. And she has no plans to retire anytime soon.
“Charlotte is a pillar of our College of Medicine community. Her vast institutional knowledge and commitment to furthering our mission are evident in everything she does,” shared Alyssa Huddleston, assistant dean of administration.
Baker is described by her colleagues as a hard worker, thoughtful, and detailed. In her current role, Baker coordinates all College of Medicine faculty appointments. She also coordinates the promotion and tenure process at the College of Medicine and oversees the appointment, promotion, and tenure processes for the College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, and College of Dentistry.
When she’s not at work, Baker enjoys spending time with her grandson, Joseph, her church family, and her dogs, Bambi, Maggie, and Bella.
We are grateful for Charlotte’s many contributions to the College of Medicine over the last 50 years. Please join us in congratulating her on this momentous milestone!