Ole Miss Names Bradley Baker Dean of Students

The Olive Branch native started the role Monday (Jan. 12) after serving as interim dean of students since Sept. 2, 2025. He was selected following a national search process that included feedback from the campus and Oxford community.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my alma mater," Baker said. "Ole Miss has shaped my life in profound ways, and I've long admired how this role supports students both inside and outside the classroom. Working collaboratively with colleagues across campus, we will continue to create an environment where every student has the tools and opportunities to thrive.

"Students can expect someone who is accessible, visible and supportive. Whether celebrating their successes or helping them navigate challenges, my goal is to ensure every student knows they have someone in their corner."

As dean of students, Baker will oversee several areas that shape and influence the student experience, including the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union, the Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct, UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy, and Confidential Advocacy, Support and Education.

Baker's steady leadership in moments that require care, clarity and consistency stood out to Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for student affairs.

"He leads with care and clear expectations," Mead said. "Bradley brings fairness and consistency to hard decisions, and he builds trust across campus."

During his time as interim, Baker said he learned that clear communication and close collaboration are essential in the role, whether the work involves routine questions about policies or tougher conversations about student well-being.

"As a student leader, I'm excited to see Bradley Baker named dean of students," said Jack Jones, Associated Student Body president and a senior public policy major from Murray, Kentucky. "Mr. Baker is a true champion for students, and I'm confident he will be the kind of dean our students deserve."

Previously, Baker served as director of the Ole Miss Student Union, a position he held since 2012. In that role, he oversaw student organization governance and programming, co-chaired the university's First Amendment Support Team and managed a budget of more than $2 million and more than 7,500 annual facility and space reservations. Before that, he spent more than six years as the coordinator of student affairs programs.

Looking ahead, Baker said his focus is to support student success while strengthening co-curricular experiences, connecting students to campus resources and ensuring his staff feel supported and equipped to do their jobs.

Mead said success will be measured by how students experience support and fairness.

"Success in this role will look like a campus where students feel supported and respected and confident they will be treated fairly and consistently," she said. "Students should see clear processes, compassionate support during challenging moments and a coordinated approach that helps them thrive academically, socially and personally."

Top: Bradley Baker speaks at the dedication of Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union. Baker, who served for more than a decade as director of the Student Union, has been named as assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services