Clifford C. Baker, the former president of Alabama State University, died in Montgomery, Alabama, on November 3. He was 89 years old.
Dr. Baker earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education at Alabama State University. He went on to earn a doctorate in education at Auburn University in Alabama.
Dr. Baker served as a teacher, coach, and principal in Alabama public schools. In 1976, Dr. Baker was named assistant state superintendent of education. This was the highest position ever held at that time by an African-American in Alabama’s State Department of Education. He served in that role until 1989.
Dr. Baker came out of retirement in 1991 to become the ninth president of Alabama State University. He served in that role until 1994.