The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs announces the establishment of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Award for Public Service.
Created as a tribute to Baker’s enduring legacy, the award recognizes an exceptional young national leader whose work embodies a deep commitment to public service, meaningful civic engagement and the advancement of democracy. The inaugural recipient will receive $25,000 and be honored during the Baker School Gala in Knoxville on Nov. 14.
“Howard Baker was a statesman who brought a calming hand to partisan divides and consistently sought common ground to resolve our nation’s differences,” said Marianne Wanamaker, dean of the school. “Senator Baker began his elected political journey as a student at the University of Tennessee. He firmly believed that young people should find a path into public service — even if only for a few years. This award reflects that belief by recognizing a rising leader making a meaningful impact early in their public affairs career.”
The Baker School Board will annually select the award recipient from a pool of nominated individuals. To be eligible, a candidate must be an early-career professional, 40 or younger at the time of the award presentation, who exemplifies a commitment and track record of public problem-solving as an elected official or in another public service role. Selection is based on a demonstrated ability to find common ground and advance solutions to difficult challenges, a commitment to working through America’s democratic institutions to institute change, respect for diverse perspectives and a commitment to civil discourse.
“We believe it’s important that acts of true statesmanship are celebrated and emulated,” said James H. Haslam II, chair of the Baker School Board. “Senator Baker set a towering example of such statesmanship on issues ranging from environmental protection to entitlement reform, national security and government integrity, and that example should inspire everyone in public service for all time to come.”
In addition to $25,000, the Baker Award includes recognition on a commemorative plaque at the Baker School. Nominations are open and will be accepted through Sept. 1.
About Howard H. Baker Jr.
Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr. was a distinguished statesman, a respected bipartisan leader and one of the most influential public servants of the 20th century. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate from 1967 to 1985, including service as both minority leader and majority leader. He earned a national reputation as “the Great Conciliator” for his ability to bridge political divides and forge consensus.
Baker played a pivotal role during the Watergate hearings and later served as White House chief of staff under President Ronald Reagan and as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2001 to 2005. A 1949 law graduate of UT, Baker remained deeply committed to civic responsibility and public service throughout his life, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
About the Baker School
The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs traces its roots to the founding of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2003. The center served as a hub for nonpartisan dialogue and leadership development by fostering education, research and civic engagement on issues of public importance. Building on that strong foundation, UT officially launched the Baker School in 2023, expanding its mission to include undergraduate and graduate degrees in public policy and public affairs. Now entering its second academic year, the Baker School is preparing to welcome its second class of public affairs majors — emerging leaders who will carry forward Baker’s commitment to thoughtful governance, public service and bipartisan cooperation.
The Baker School prepares skilled public problem-solvers who are prepared to take leadership roles in their communities. The first and only institution of its kind at a public college or university in Tennessee, the school offers academic programs, research opportunities and outreach initiatives that foster thoughtful dialogue and informed decision-making at the local, national and global levels.
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Media Contact:
Tyra Haag (865-696-1941, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)
Kate Reagan, (865-974-0942, kmahar@utk.edu)