Michigan’s largest independent not-for-profit college, with 12 campus and extension sites across the state and online degree programs accessible worldwide, has announced the appointment of Dr. Aaron Maike as president of its Muskegon campus and Dr. Denise Bannan as president of the Owosso campus, effective Wednesday, Nov. 1. The announcement was made by Dr. Bart Daig, Baker College system president.
Maike, transitioning to Muskegon from his role as president of the Owosso campus, has been with Baker College since 1997. He has served as president of Baker College Owosso since 2014, and in Muskegon will replace Lee Coggin, who recently retired. Prior to his role as Owosso campus president, Maike served as president of Baker College in Allen Park. He also is familiar with the Muskegon campus he will now oversee, having served there as director of financial aid from 2003 to 2006.
Bannan, who currently serves as provost of Baker College, will maintain that position while also taking on the role of president of the Owosso campus. Bannan has been with Baker College since 1984, and has served as provost and system vice president of academics since 2008. She is reprising her role as president of the Owosso campus, which she formerly held for 13 years from 1995 to 2008.
“Both Denise and Aaron are long-time Baker leaders whom we have come to rely upon for their governance and expertise,” said Daig. “We know they are among the best of our BakerProud family, and we are confident the students, faculty, and communities they represent will be well served under their leadership.”
“I’m proud to continue serving Baker College on its Muskegon campus and honored to be recommended for the opportunity,” said Maike. “At Baker College, we are in the business of providing opportunities, and I look forward to working with and serving the students of Muskegon, and the staff and west Michigan communities that support them.”
“I’m so lucky not only to get to return to the Owosso campus, but to be following in Aaron’s footsteps,” said Bannan. “He helped to engineer many great successes here for our students and partners. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to reengage with the community that I called home for many years, and delighted for the teams in Muskegon, who I know will continue to thrive under Aaron’s leadership.”
