Senior Associate VP, University Development Bob Baker retiring

April 27, 2022

The following is a guest post from Vice President for University Advancement Mark Petersen.

Dear friends, 

Today, I share the news that Bob Baker, a stalwart presence in University Advancement and an anchor for the University’s development efforts since 1978, will retire in June. 

Bob has contributed his skills to nearly every facet of the advancement enterprise. In his time at Wake Forest, he led corporate and foundation relations, development for the professional schools, planned giving, major gifts and alumni relations. Bob has seen the University through three major fundraising campaigns, and as senior associate vice president for development, he was a driving force behind the $1 billion Wake Will campaign.

He has inspired and maintained a high standard of excellence in fundraising. His commitment to exceeding goals and pushing beyond what we imagined has made it possible for thousands of students to attend Wake Forest. His focus and determination added funding for new faculty positions, led to the construction of buildings on campus and created several centers and institutes.  

Bob has wielded his legendary good humor to welcome people into the Wake Forest community, calm concerns among alumni, parents and friends, and secure support for the University for generations to come.  

Not only did he make time for Wake Forest, he is also an active member of the Winston-Salem community. He has long served in his church and on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. His family – including his wife, Dianne, three children and seven grandchildren – are the most important part of his life, and in retirement, they will have more time to spend together. 

Please join me in thanking Bob for his decades of service to Wake Forest and congratulate him as he enters this new chapter of his life.