Jimmy Baker Shares the Role of Community Colleges in Training Alabama’s Workforce

RCB President Gordon Martin and Rotarian Selena Rodgers Dickerson with Chancellor Baker

On March 27, 2024, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Jimmy Baker, Alabama Community College System Chancellor. He discussed how the system's institutions advance opportunities at more than 130 locations across the state. He shared how the states community colleges have transitioned from a junior college system to become integral centers focused on preparing the state’s workforce for jobs in a multitude of trades.

“We have a lot of great people in this state who are doing a lot of good things,” Baker said. “We are moving forward to find a way to provide the labor force that is needed…I see a bright future. I see a lot of opportunity.”

Bio for Jimmy Baker

Mr. Jimmy H. Baker is a native of Coffee County Alabama. He attended high school in New Brockton, and later earned a BS degree in Business Administration from Troy University. He earned a graduate degree in Economics and Education Administration and an Education Specialist degree from Auburn University, where he was also certified in school administration. He served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Professionally, he has taught history and social studies at the high school level; coached football and basketball at Daleville High School; served as Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Education for the Daleville Board of Education; and Superintendent of the Coffee County Board of Education. In 1979, he was appointed to serve as the State of Alabama’s Assistant State Superintendent of Education of Finance, and served in that role for four years.

After serving as president of an investment banking firm, Mr. Baker managed the gubernatorial campaign for Governor Fob James. He was appointed as State Finance Director from 1994-95, where he developed and assisted in the passage of the funding formula known as the Foundation Program. Later, he was appointed as Deputy State Superintendent of Education to implement the new funding program. He returned to the Finance Department as Director during Gov. James’ administration, after successful implementation of the program.

Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in the development of partnerships with businesses including medical evacuation, real estate development and governmental affairs. As an educator, he has chaired and served on numerous committees including the Alabama Textbook Committee, the State Tenure Commission, and the Alabama Association of School Administrators

After joining the Alabama Community College System, first serving as governmental affairs consultant, he was appointed Chief of Staff in January 2016. Mr. Baker was appointed as acting chancellor of the Alabama Community College System in August of 2016. On March 15, 2017 he was named Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

He is married to Joy, a retired teacher, and they are the parents of two daughters and proud grandparents to four grandchildren.