In each upcoming newsletter, we'll get a chance to meet a member of the College's hard-working staff. This month, we get to know Karen Baker, graduate programs assistant coordinator with the College of Public Health.
Background: Baker grew up in Austintown, Ohio. Her father was a crane operator for Republic Steel and her mother was a homemaker.
Education: "After high school, I never intended to go to college. Employment was encouraged over higher education. However, I started picking up classes in accounting at Youngstown State University," says Baker. She adds, "I enjoyed balancing spreadsheets! I worked full time and in 2008, my place of employment closed. I turned it into an opportunity and immediately applied for- and received - Workforce Investment Act funding to finish my associate's degree. I then applied to Kent State and graduated with honors with an AAB at 50 years old."
History with the College of Public Health: "I came from the Kent State Trumbull campus and started working at the Kent campus for the College of Public Health graduate programs in 2012," adds Baker.
Hobbies and interests: Baker says, "I love the water. I am a certified PADI Rescue Scuba Diver. I also enjoy traveling, gardening, hiking, and reading books on the social sciences and historical fiction."
Thank you, Karen, for all of your hard work and dedication to the college's students. Karen Baker can be reached at 330-672-2845, or kbaker80@kent.edu. Office: 131 Moulton Hall.