College of Education and Human Development

Robert Baker is Appointed New Division Director

Robert Baker has been named the new director of the Division of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism.

With his appointment, Professor Baker joins the leadership team for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University. The college consists of nine divisions under the direction of Dean Mark R. Ginsberg.

Baker succeeds Professor Russell Brayley who, after serving as founding director of the division since 2010, has since chosen to devote his energies to teaching and research upon his return from study leave.

"This new role offers an opportunity to support students and faculty as we continue to enhance our vibrant and internationally-recognized capacity for excellence in sport, recreation, and tourism," says Baker. "It is my privilege to contribute to the exciting prospects for the division's research, service, and career preparation agendas."

As division director, Baker will oversee three academic programs: Recreation Management, Sport Management, and Tourism and Events Management. The programs offer some of the most popular undergraduate majors at Mason. Among the options for students are the opportunities to earn a bachelor's of science degree, a choice of seven minors, a fully-online minor, an undergraduate certificate, and a master's degree.

Baker is also director of the Center for Sport Management and was previously the academic program coordinator for the Sport Management program in the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism.

Baker started at George Mason University in 2005. He received a doctorate in education with a specialization in higher education and athletic administration from the College of William and Mary. His master's and bachelor's degrees are from Pennsylvania State University.

Along with his CEHD colleagues, Baker's extensive work with the U.S. Department of State has spanned five years in partnership with SportsUnited, a sport-based cultural exchange program for nearly 700 young athletes and coaches from many different countries.

Baker was recently president of the North American Society for Sport Management, a founding board member of the World Association for Sport Management, and founding commissioner for the Commission for Sport Management Accreditation. He is co-author of the forthcoming book Sport Diplomacy and several other books, and has published dozens of journal articles and reports. He is also on the editorial board for the Journal of Applied Sport Management, Quest, and the International Journal for Sport Management.

 

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About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education.

For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
• Division of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu/div-srt

Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.