Jimmy H. Baker
Bio
Mr. Jimmy H. Baker is a native of Coffee County Alabama. He attended high school in New Brockton, and
later earned a BS degree in Business Administration from Troy University. He earned a graduate degree in
Economics and Education Administration and an Education Specialist degree from Auburn University, where
he was also certified in school administration. He served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Professionally, he has taught history and social studies at the high school level; coached football and basketball
at Daleville High School; served as Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Education for the
Daleville Board of Education; and Superintendent of the Coffee County Board of Education. In 1979, he was
appointed to serve as the State of Alabama’s Assistant State Superintendent of Education of Finance and served
in that role for four years.
After serving as president of an investment banking firm, Mr. Baker managed the gubernatorial campaign for
Governor Fob James. He was appointed as State Finance Director from 1994-95, where he developed and
assisted in the passage of the funding formula known as the Foundation Program. Later, he was appointed as
Deputy State Superintendent of Education to implement the new funding program. He returned to the
Finance Department as Director during Gov. James’ administration, after successful implementation of the
program.
Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in the development of partnerships with businesses including
medical evacuation, real estate development and governmental affairs. As an educator, he has chaired and
served on numerous committees including the Alabama Textbook Committee, the State Tenure Commission,
and the Alabama Association of School Administrators
After joining the Alabama Community College System, first serving as governmental affairs consultant, he
was appointed Chief of Staff in January 2016. Mr. Baker was appointed as acting chancellor of the Alabama
Community College System in August of 2016. On March 15, 2017 he was named Chancellor of the Alabama
Community College System.
Chancellor Baker was selected “Alumnus of the Year” on November 3, 2018 by Troy University’s Alumni
Association; received the Doctor of Law Degree on July 26, 2019, during Troy University’s Summer
Commencement Program and named a Distinguished Community College State Director by Phi Theta
Kappa’s Honor Society February 2021.
He is married to Joy, a retired teacher, and they are the parents of two daughters and proud grandparents to
four grandchildren