Baker was the tenth president of Oakwood University from 1996 to 2010. Under his leadership the university experienced significant growth including increased enrollment; enlarged land holdings; construction and/or purchase of five major facilities; major renovations on numerous campus structures; and development of a comprehensive award-winning technology network. Fund-raising efforts were remarkable with approximately $90 million raised through donations and grants. During his tenure the campus received awards for academics, beauty, and community service. For the length of his tenure Oakwood University was listed in "US News and World Report" as among the best colleges in the Southern region. Baker served on the White House Advisory for HBCUs for five years; testified before several congressional committees; and received awards from the White House, UNCF, Alumnus of the Year from his alma mater, and many civic and educational organizations. Also during his presidency, Baker completed marathons to raise funds for student scholarships on all seven continents and the North Pole, and 35 of the 50 states in the U.S., that raised more than $500,000 in a scholarship endowment.