Inauguration of Joshua Baker
Celebrating Midwestern University's Newest Chapter
Presidential Inauguration
September 11, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Downers Grove, Illinois Campus
The celebration will be livestreamed.
You are cordially invited to the inauguration of Joshua C. Baker, O.D., M.S., as the 10th President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University.
Dr. Baker is a senior academic leader with extensive experience in healthcare education, university administration, and clinical training environments. An optometrist, military veteran, and educator, he has demonstrated leadership in academic governance, institutional strategy, accreditation oversight, and interprofessional health sciences education.
Inauguration Events
Downers Grove, IL
Join us on the Downers Grove campus for the investiture and inauguration celebration.
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Location: Cardinal Hall
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Reception to follow in the lobby
Glendale, AZ
Join us on the Glendale campus for the inauguration celebration.
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Location: Auditorium
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Reception to follow in the lobby
Midwestern University President & Chief Executive Officer
Meet Dr. Joshua Baker
Dr. Baker's career reflects a strong commitment to advancing academic excellence, expanding access to high quality clinical training, and supporting student success across a multi-campus graduate healthcare institution in Illinois and Arizona.
"I'm committed to ensuring the University provides current and future generations of students with all of the necessary teaching, tools, experiences, and technologies so that they can be among the most qualified and productive healthcare professionals in the field."
Guiding Our Next Chapter
"We are confident that Dr. Baker is the leader to steadily guide the University as we continue to invest in improvements that strengthen our academic programs, develop our faculty, improve our campus environment and infrastructure, and enhance the student experience."
- Janet Bolton, Chair Midwestern University Board of Trustees
