UT’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs to establish the Howard H. Baker, Jr Award for Public Service
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) is proud to announce the establishment of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Award for Public Service.
This prestigious new honor recognizes an exceptional young national leader whose work embodies a deep commitment to public service, meaningful civic engagement, and the advancement of democracy. Created in tribute to Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr.’s enduring legacy, the award will be presented for the first time this November during a celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Senator Baker’s birth.
“Howard Baker was a statesman who brought a calming hand to partisan divides and consistently sought common ground to resolve our nation’s differences,” Dean Marianne Wanamaker said. “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 of Directors will annually select the Baker Award for Public Service recipient from a pool of nominated individuals. Eligible candidates must be early-career professionals under 40 who exemplify a commitment to and track record of public problem solving – whether as elected officials or in other public service roles. Selection criteria include:
- Demonstrated ability to find common ground and advance solutions to our most difficult challenges
- A commitment to working through America’s democratic institutions to institute change
- Respect for diverse perspectives and a commitment to civil discourse
The award honors actions such as sponsoring bipartisan legislation, resolving contentious issues through local ordinances, demonstrating political courage, or leading investigations that uphold integrity and drive reform.
“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 of Advisors. “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.”
The Baker Award includes a $25,000 cash prize and permanent recognition on a commemorative plaque at the Baker School. The first recipient will be recognized on Friday, November 14, during the Baker School Gala. Nominations will be collected through September 1, 2025, at baker.utk.edu.
Baker 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 as both Senate 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 U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2001-2005. A 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.
The Baker School traces its roots to the founding of the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy 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. In 2023, building on that strong foundation, UT officially launched the Baker School, expanding its mission to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in public policy and public affairs. Now entering its third academic year, the Baker School is preparing to welcome its second cohort of public affairs majors—emerging leaders who will carry forward Baker’s enduring commitment to thoughtful governance, public service, and bipartisan cooperation.