Meet Delia Baker: Director of SERC and STEM Outreach Coordinator

We’re so excited to welcome Delia Baker to Central Michigan University! A Kalamazoo native, Delia is bringing her energy, expertise, and adventurous spirit to her new roles as the Director of the Science and Engineering Residential College and the coordinator of K-12 outreach programs for the College of Science and Engineering.

Delia’s story is anything but ordinary. She spent eight years in the Michigan Army National Guard, playing saxophone with the Governor’s Own 126 Army Band. After that, she joined AmeriCorps, working as a farm-to-school coordinator in Vermont, where she helped connect schools with fresh, local food.

Her career has been fueled by a love of learning and teaching. Delia earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Western Michigan University and an associate degree in business administration from Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC). At KVCC, she wore many hats, including program coordinator and technical instructor for the Wind Turbine Technician Academy. Before coming to CMU, she worked as a garden education outreach coordinator, bringing her hands-on approach to life sciences.

When asked why she chose CMU, Delia said:

“The opportunity was too good to pass up. It’s the perfect fit for my experience, and it’s time for a new chapter.”

Delia is excited to grow CMU’s K-12 outreach programs, giving kids in the Great Lakes Bay Region fun, engaging ways to explore STEM careers. She’s also looking forward to creating more activities, trips, and ways to connect for students in the residential college.

Her passion for exploration doesn’t stop at her career. In 2023, Delia and her husband, Dennis, sold their house, packed up a 23-foot travel trailer, and spent a year exploring 31 National Parks, six National Monuments, and countless trails and state parks.

When she’s not at work, Delia loves music (both playing and listening), hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, and identifying plants. She’s also excited to get involved with the CMU and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal communities.

“I can’t wait to share my love of STEM and get K-12 learners FIRED UP about CMU!”

We’re so happy to have Delia on board and can’t wait to see everything she brings to the CMU family. Welcome, Delia!