Baker is a private, liberal arts university that educates traditional and non-traditional students through small classes, innovative instructors and rigorous coursework. A History of Excellence & Support It started as an attempt to tame the rough Kansas territory more than 150 years ago. It evolved into a comprehensive and highly respected university serving nearly 4,000 students across seven campuses in Kansas and Missouri. Baker University was chartered on February 12, 1858. Named for Osmon Cleander Baker, a distinguished scholar and bishop of what is now the United Methodist Church, the school holds the honor of being the first university in Kansas. Baker graduates have gone on to successful careers as writers, scientists, explorers, teachers, business professionals, performers, politicians, academicians, visionaries, trendsetters and more. Four graduates have been named Rhodes Scholars and one has earned a Pulitzer Prize. Baker has four schools: College of Arts and Sciences School of Professional and Graduate Studies School of Nursing School of Education