REV. DENNIS M. BAKER, S.J. | PRESIDENT | LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD Rev. Dennis M. Baker, S.J. was appointed President of Loyola Blakefield in October 2023 after a robust international search. His educational leadership experience includes service as President of Xavier High School in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, from 2016-2021. He attended Fordham University, where he earned a B.A. in History and an M.S. in Philosophy. He also holds an M.S. degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Niagara University, a Master of Divinity degree from Boston College, and an M.Ed. from Columbia University. Raised in Upstate New York, Fr. Baker is an avid sports fan, experienced scuba diver, exercise enthusiast, and is enjoying getting to know his new hometown. Fr. Baker shares his thoughts on what distinguishes Loyola Blakefield from other schools and what he hopes to achieve in his position.WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOUR SCHOOL FROM OTHER INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN OUR AREA?As a Catholic, Jesuit school, we are not only an apostolic arm of the Catholic Church, but part of a vast global network of schools who all trace their roots through a nearly 500-year tradition of teaching and learning. Our God-centered educational philosophy is centered upon relentless intellectual inquiry, service to others and spiritual growth. The Jesuit educational model is exceptional – not simply because it has stood the test of time, but because of its ability to adapt and evolve. We shape young people who become leaders but also ensure that our school community focuses beyond what our graduates will achieve in college or in their careers. We are concerned with the kind of people they will become after graduation. That is, we want them to think about how they will transform the world for God’s greater glory with the education they receive.WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR ROLE?As President, I am committed to being deeply involved in school life and making the most of every available moment. My goal is for my office to be a welcoming space for every member of our community, enabling me to support them fully. Working alongside our leadership team and Board of Trustees, I am dedicated to maintaining our commitment to access and affordability. This involves nurturing and growing our endowment to ensure that more young men have the opportunity to attend Loyola. As a priest, my mission is to minister to all who seek a closer relationship with God, which includes celebrating the sacraments, and being an integral part of the faith journey that unfolds here at Loyola.This article is part of the 2024-2025 Guide to Baltimore Independent Schools.