Baker Center Announces New Baker Scholars and Director of Undergraduate Programs
Earlier this fall, eight undergraduate students were selected as new Baker Scholars. These students will complete a policy-oriented project, either a research thesis or creative initiative, under the supervision of a faculty member. Click here for a list of these students along with information on their hometown, major and project focus.
In addition, Dr. William Park has been appointed the first Director of Undergraduate Programs. Dr. Park is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics with research and teaching interests in natural resource and environmental policy. He has won teaching and advising awards at the university level, taught seminars in the Chancellors Honors Program and served as faculty mentor to two Baker Scholars. In his part-time role with the Baker Center, Dr. Park will coordinate the academic affairs of the Baker Scholars Program, the Baker Ambassadors and the Baker Center Living and Learning Community. In particular, he will focus on assisting Baker Scholars in development of their project idea and identification of a faculty mentor as well as pursuant of opportunities to enrich their experience through activities such as workshops, internships and study abroad.
2021-2013
Baker Scholars
Lisa Dicker
Junior from Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Double Major: Political Science and Asian Studies.
Project Focus: China’s one-child policy.
Mackenzie Higgins
Senior from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Double Major: Global Studies and Spanish.
Project Focus: Educational reform.
Kristen Kennedy
Junior from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Double Major: History and Political Science.
Project Focus: Juvenile justice system.
Taylor Odle
Junior from Springfield, Tennessee.
Major: College Scholars-Leadership and Organizational Development.
Project Focus: Secondary school civic engagement programs.
Kelsey Parkman
Junior from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Major: Political Science.
Project Focus: Early childhood development programs in Third World.
Chase Pritchett
Junior from Brentwood, Tennessee.
Major: Economics.
Project Focus: Teacher quality and student achievement.
Jeremy Williams
Senior from Memphis, Tennessee.
Major: Political Science.
Project Focus: Healthcare reform.
Caleb Williford
Senior from Hixson, Tennessee.
Major: Logistics.
Project Focus: Truck weight limit regulations.
