Wittenberg University - Political Science

Dr. J. Robert Baker

"Hi! Welcome to the Political Science Department! I'm Dr. Baker. Please feel free to ask any questions at any time--just e-mail any faculty member. I guarantee they'll respond shortly! Enjoy your visit!"

937-327-6105
jbaker@wittenberg.edu

Academic Background

B.A.

M.A.

Ph.D.

Central Methodist College (1982)

University of Missouri (1984)

University of Missouri (1987)

Awards and Recognitions

Recipient of the 1990 Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Excellence in Teaching; the Central Methodist College Young Alumni Award, 1994; and the Outstanding Service to Springfield Award, 2004.

Publications

Textbooks: Readings on American Subnational Government; and The Lanahan Readings in State and Local Government. Articles: The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics, The Journal of Legislative Studies,Urban Affairs Review,State and Local Government Review, Western Political Quarterly, Legislative Studies Quarterly, and Southeastern Political Review on such topics as small city board systems, state political culture, U.S. state legislators, and Congressional behavior. Delivered papers to the International Political Science, American Political Science, Midwest Political Science, Southern Political Science, and Southwestern Political Science Associations.

Courses Taught

POLI 101
POLI 221
POLI 222

POLI 223
POLI 260
POLI 320
URBN 171

POLI 491

American National Government
State and Local Government
Urban Politics

Intro to Local Government Administration
Methodology
Public Administration
Introduction to the City

Local Government Management Internship

Research Interests

I'm currently involved in research projects examining the origin and effectiveness of neighborhood organizations in Springfield, OH, and a multistate study of why people volunteer to serve on local boards and commissions.

Other Interests/Info

I am Chair of the Clark County Steering Committee on the Federally Qualified Health Care Center

I am on the Board of Trustees of Rocking Horse Center, a pediatric health care center for at-risk children and youth, and I served as President of the Board for 3 years; currently serve as Vice-President.

I recently served on the Clark County Combined Health District Board for several years, and have provided election night coverage/analysis for WIZE/WBLY radio stations in Springfield.

I enjoy running and my personal best marathon time is 3:46 in the 1998 Indy Marathon. I also enjoy playing golf, and going to different professional stadiums to watch baseball games. I'm a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan.

I've been a member of the Wittenberg faculty since 1987.

I have two children--Maddie and Miles; and two stepchildren--Wes and Katy.

2006 Vitae