Bob Baker Memorial Scholarship

The Bob Baker Memorial Scholarship at the University of Memphis was established in 1997 to honor a truly exceptional individual who lived his life as a shining example of leadership and service to others. A history teacher, principal and coach who spent his entire career with the Memphis City School system, Bob truly made Memphis a better place and Memphians better people.
Bob began his career at the UofM as a highly recruited Tiger basketball player in 1960 from Lexington, Tennessee. His basketball career was ended by a knee injury, but through it all Bob remained the same affable friend who was always cheerful and supportive. Bob was virtually everyone?s best friend. Bob was constantly checking in on friends and expressing his interest in everyone he knew in an old-fashioned way that doesn’t exist anymore.
One could tell a million anecdotes about this unforgettable man, but the real story about Bob is that he simply just loved being around people. Bob’s professional life as a coach, teacher and principal is remembered by countless persons from all walks of life who were forever touched by his influence.
Teaching history was his passion. But he also loved coaching and reaching out to youngsters who sometimes desperately needed help. Bob truly made a difference by being a person of integrity who really cared.
In honor of Bob and his family, this scholarship was established to assist students in the Department of History.