Donald Baker

Dr. Baker arrived at the University of Oklahoma in the fall of 1988 and spent his career teaching research and social work practice theory.  Dr. Baker worked extensively with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services bringing in twelve million dollars in funding in the areas of substance abuse prevention services and the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Dr. Baker served as Director of the School of Social Work from 2005 until his retirement in 2013. During this period Dr. Baker worked with university president David Boren to launch a new vision for the social work program by renaming it the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work and a new building to better serve the university and the professional social work community. Dr. Baker worked for twelve years as both member and vice chairman of the Institutional Review Board for the University. For his contributions through leadership, research and service to the University and the State Dr. Baker was given a Governor’s Commendation upon his retirement.