St. Cloud State University’s Dr. J. Scott Baker has been named one of the state’s top educators.
Baker, an associate professor of secondary education, was honored by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence as a 2025 Educator of the Year in the Excellence in Teaching category.
“My work has always been about uplifting and providing space for preservice teachers to express themselves; this award means that their voices are being heard,” Baker said. “Any successful educator will tell you it is always about the students, and this is exactly how I feel with this recognition. I am grateful for the students, my secondary education colleagues and the excellent work we do at SCSU to elevate our students.”
The Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence acknowledge and provide systemwide recognition for consistently superior commitment to student learning and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence at the colleges and universities of Minnesota State.
“Scott’s exceptional dedication and innovative contributions to the field of education reflects the mission and historical foundation on which SCSU was built,” added Melissa Hanzsek-Brill, interim dean of the College of Education and Learning Design. “His willingness to tackle challenging and controversial topics in a way that invites engagement and learning in a supportive environment is truly commendable.”
Baker was one of three SCSU employees to receive awards from Minnesota State.
Dr. Melanie Guentzel, director of graduate student services, was recognized as a 2025 Outstanding Service Faculty recipient. Dr. Jungwon Ahn, assistant professor of environmental and technological studies, was named a 2025 Outstanding Educator.
Award winners will be formally honored at a luncheon on April 16 in St. Paul.
