The Board of Trustees of Midwestern University announced Sept. 17 Dr. Joshua Baker has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Midwestern University, effective Sept. 11.

Midwestern has one of its two campuses in North Glendale.

Baker served in key academic and administrative roles with the university since 2013, including senior vice president and chief academic officer and, most recently, interim president and CEO.

 “We are confident that Dr. Baker is the leader to steadily guide the University as we continue to invest in improvements that strengthen our academic programs, develop our faculty, improve our campus environment and infrastructure, and enhance the student experience.” stated Janet Bolten, chair of the board of trustees, in a press release.

The board of trustees implemented its succession plan earlier this year and convened a presidential search committee to identify and select the organization’s next permanent president and CEO.

“It is with humility and excitement that I accept the opportunity to serve Midwestern University in this new capacity, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this remarkable institution in helping our students and faculty grow, and advancing healthcare for the benefit of our communities,” Baker stated.

Baker is well-versed in the university’s operations and impact in Illinois and Arizona, as well as in the field of healthcare education and the delivery of critical healthcare services.

Midwestern University has more than $555 million in planned construction projects in various stages of development for its Downers Grove, Ill., and Glendale campuses. The university expects to invest approximately $286 million in Illinois and $270 million in Arizona.

In Arizona, the University’s five community clinics, which include the Multispecialty Clinic, Dental Institute, Eye Institute, Animal Health Institute and Therapy Institute, provide essential healthcare services through nearly 140,000 human and animal patient visits each year.

"In my new role, I’m committed to ensuring the University provides current and future generations of students with all of the necessary teaching, tools, experiences, and technologies so that they can be among the most qualified and productive healthcare professionals in the field,” Baker stated.

The organization plays a role in advancing scientific research across both campuses, receiving grants to support healthcare studies.

Baker's additional professional experience includes service in the United States Army, where he served as Chief of Optometry Service at the U.S. Army Health Clinic in Stuttgart. He was stationed in Al Asad, Iraq, from August 2007 to November 2008 and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Baker received his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in 1999, earned a master of science in secondary science education from Syracuse University in 2001, and graduated magna cum laude from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2005.

Dr. Baker and his family reside in Phoenix.