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 who exemplify a commitment to and track record of public problem solving, whether as elected officials or in other public service roles.
Selection Criteria
- 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.
The Baker Award includes a $25,000 cash prize and permanent recognition on a commemorative plaque at the Baker School.
Recipients
Mayor David Holt
David Holt was named the inaugural recipient of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Award for Public Service in 2025, recognizing his outstanding commitment to civic leadership and public service.
Mayor David Holt is the 38th Mayor of Oklahoma City and was first elected in 2018 with 78 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 2022 with the second-most votes for a mayoral candidate in OKC history. Mayor Holt also currently serves as President of the United States Conference of Mayors and as Dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law.
Mayor Holt is a member of the Osage Nation and is Oklahoma City’s first Native American mayor. In 2023, Mayor Holt was named by TIME as one of its “100 Next” most influential people in the world. Mayor Holt previously served in the Oklahoma Senate for eight years.
Mayor Holt received his B.A. from the George Washington University and his J.D. from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. His wife, Rachel, is the President & CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma, and they reside in OKC with their two children, George and Margaret.
Watch the Baker School Award Distinguished Lecture
About Howard H. Baker Jr.
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.