Union University Athletics

Dr. Ron Baker is a 1966 graduate of Union University where he played three varsity sports including cross country, track, and golf. 

Baker was a Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) individual champion in track in the 880 in 1964 with a time of 1:58. It was a school, conference, and track record at the time. He was also fourth in the mile race at the VSAC Championships. He was a member of three VSAC Championship teams and one TIAC Championship team. 

In cross country, Baker posted numerous top-10 finishes including leading Union to a win at Memphis State in 1962. He posted three top-3 finishes in the VSAC Championships including first in 1963 while setting a course record. Baker was second in the VSAC in 1964 and third in 1962. Baker also led Union to three runner-up finishes in the VSAC. He ran top-3 on the team in 1963 and top-5 in 1964. By the end of 1964, Baker had moved to the No. 1 spot on Union's team.

Since graduating from Union in 1966, Baker earned a Master of Divinity in 1971 from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in 1985 from Midwestern Seminary. 

Baker stayed active in sports. He was president of two youth organizations in Fulton, Missouri including the Babe Ruth League and Kid's Wrestling Club. He participated in the Missouri Show-Me Games two years, finishing second and third in the 1500 meters in the two years. He also finished second in a local 5K race in his age group. 

In addition to his success in sports, Baker has also been a church pastor since 1965. He is a member of the Trustee Board at the Missouri Baptist Children's Home and participated in "Bold Mission Taiwan" Revival Crusade in 1985.

The graduate of Poplar Bluff High School in Missouri, now resides in Fulton, Mo. He is married to Donna Clark Baker, also a Union graduate. Baker's two sons, Lance and Brandon also both attended Union.