WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll University Athletics mourns the passing of former Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Joe Baker, who passed away at the age of 77.
Baker served as Carroll University's first full-time Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, beginning his tenure on July 1, 2010. He guided the Pioneers for eight years before officially retiring on June 18, 2018, concluding a 48-year professional career dedicated to athletics, education, coaching and administration.
During his time leading Carroll's 22-team NCAA Division III athletics program, Baker played an important role in a period of significant growth and change for the Pioneers. His tenure included the addition of men's and women's lacrosse, the development of Haertel Field, the rebranding of the university's athletic identity and Carroll's return to the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin in 2016.
Baker also helped oversee significant improvements to Carroll's athletic facilities, including developments and renovations at Haertel Field, Schneider Stadium, the Dennis Punches Track and Field Complex, Kilgour Field and the Van Male Athletic Complex.
While new programs, facilities and conference affiliation helped shape the future of Pioneer Athletics during his tenure, Baker consistently centered his work around the student-athlete experience. Known for his humble, kind and easygoing demeanor, he became a familiar presence throughout Carroll Athletics, regularly attending home events and offering a handshake or an encouraging word to student-athletes, coaches, parents and alumni.
When Baker announced his retirement in 2018, he reflected on the lasting connection he had developed with the university and its people.
"As I depart Carroll (and, notice that I did not state leave Carroll because it will always be with me), I will approach the next phase of my life with a bit of anxiety from the fact that I am stepping away from a way of life I have known for many years," Baker said at the time. "However, when I think back to my time here, I will sit back and cherish those lasting memories and the people who created them."
A native of Newark, New Jersey, Baker was a standout three-sport athlete at Weequahic High School, competing in football, basketball and baseball. He had an opportunity to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization but instead chose to pursue higher education, earning his bachelor's degree in physical education from Montclair State University in 1970.
Baker began his professional career as a high school teacher and coach before moving into collegiate athletics. His career included stops at Montclair State, Rutgers University, Colgate University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. His 24-year teaching and coaching career eventually led him into collegiate athletic administration.
Prior to arriving at Carroll, Baker spent 12 years as Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 1998-2010. During his time there, the Eagles captured 25 national championships and 83 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles.
Across nearly five decades in athletics, Baker's impact extended beyond wins, championships, facilities and programs. He remained committed to teaching, coaching and mentoring young people while helping student-athletes reach their potential in the classroom and in competition.
Baker was inducted into the Weequahic High School Athletic Hall of Honor and the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame. He also earned his master's degree in sports administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1996.
Following his retirement from Carroll, Baker and his wife, Delaine, relocated to Florida, where they spent more time with their family.
Baker is survived by his wife, Delaine, three sons, sisters, seven grandchildren and extended family. He also leaves behind generations of student-athletes, coaches, colleagues and friends impacted by a career devoted to athletics, education and helping others.
