Welcome to the Baker Center

For directions to event parking at the Baker Center, click here

In early 2003 the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy began operations at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The mission of the Baker Center is to develop programs and promote research to further the public's knowledge of our system of governance, and also to highlight the critical importance of public service. The Baker Center will also place a special emphasis on examining the role of the media in society.

Senator Howard Baker rose time and time again above party or ideological lines to craft workable solutions to critical problems facing our country. With this center, we will strive to honor him and to carry on his service to the people of Tennessee and America.

The Howard Baker Center focuses on three main areas of interest. First, the center maintains and promotes research in the papers of Howard Baker and other political collections at the University of Tennessee. These materials provide a wealth of information for scholars and students. The Center will work to assist in the solicitation of new collections. Second, the Center hosts public programs on issues of local, regional, national, and international significance. These programs are on a wide array of topics, with special interest given to the role of the media. Thirdly, the Center actively engages in innovative educational initiatives to help students of all ages better understand the American political system. These initiatives promote understanding of the responsibilities and rewards of public service, and the significance of each citizen's active involvement in government.

The Howard Baker Center operates using the proceeds from a congressionally authorized Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant. Congress awarded the grant to the University of Tennessee in 2001 to establish the Howard Baker Center. To maintain and expand its operations in the future, and to construct a dedicated facility, the Howard Baker Center will rely on contributions from donors.

A distinguished Board of Directors provides critical support and guidance for the Howard Baker Center. The Center is currently housed in the James D. Hoskins Library and will have its own facility on the Knoxville campus after the necessary funds are raised. This new building will have educational, exhibit, public program, collection storage, research, and other administrative spaces critical to its operations.

Upcoming Events

• Tapping into Water
  Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010
• Tapping into Water
  Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010
• Tapping into Water
  Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010
• Tapping into Water
  Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010

Opportunities@BakerCenter

Contact Senator Baker

Honorable Howard H. Baker, Jr.
P.O. Box 600
Huntsville, TN 37756
423-663-9148
hbaker@bakerdonelson.com