Ten Leaders To Know: Melissa Baker [Full Profile]
December 1, 2025 | 10 Leaders To Know
Company: Tippie College of Business, The University of Iowa
Title: Assistant Dean, Student Experience
Birth City: Creston
Current City: Cedar Rapids
Q: How did you get where you are today?
A: That's a big question. I would say I'll give credit to growing up in small town, rural Iowa surrounded by incredibly supportive family and friends that continue to be my foundation even though I moved away when I went to college. My dad was a farmer and my sister and I were shown the value of hard work from a very early age. My family valued higher education and expected me to go to college. I continued to find that strong community at the University of Iowa as a student and now as an employee. I have also been blessed with amazing teachers from Mrs. Levine in first grade to Dr. Jodi Linley, my grad school advisor.
Q: Where do you look for inspiration or to generate new ideas?
A: I often look to current students and recent alumni. Asking questions and getting new perspectives from these individuals help me to remember where the students are coming from and then I can hopefully help meet them where they are. It's so easy to make assumptions and asking questions is the best place to start.
Q: What does effective leadership mean to you?
A: Effective leaders are incredible listeners, tireless advocates for the people they work with, and they pitch in wherever needed, no matter what the task at hand.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Iowa?
A: RAGBRAI. It's where I met my husband 20+ years ago and continues to be an incredible event that showcases the beautiful people and places of Iowa.
Q: Why are you a member of ABI?
A: It's the great connector I was looking for. I learned so much through Leadership Iowa (#LI43) last year and was reminded just how much we have to offer here in Iowa. Personally, I want to try to find ways to help reduce brain drain by keeping our young people here (or attracting new ones) after graduation from college and I think this might actually be part of ABI's unspoken mission.
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