Baker's Choice

After more than three decades dedicated to higher education food service, University of Richmond’s (UR) Terry Baker recently concluded an impressive career marked by resilience, collaboration, modernization, and culinary excellence.

In 2019, Baker was named Executive Director of UR Dining Services following a national search. Under her leadership, UR's program flourished. From climbing the ranks to secure the Princeton Review’s ninth spot for the best campus food in the country in 2022 to clinching the national Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards grand prize for Organic Krush café, Baker propelled UR to the forefront of higher education dining programs.

Baker's journey in campus dining began long before her time as a Spider. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and an MBA from The University of Rochester Simon Business School. Baker previously served as dining services director at the State University of New York-Cortland, overseeing all residential, retail, concessions, and catering activities. Before her role in New York, she spent nearly nine years at Oklahoma State University as dining services director, overseeing a program that included 31 dining operations and served more than 23,000 students.

Then came Baker’s relocation to Virginia. The 2020 global pandemic tested Baker’s resolve early in her new position, yet under her guidance, UR Dining Services not only persevered but thrived. Her successful launch of Grubhub ensured uninterrupted service, safety, and convenience for the campus community.

In partnership with the Department of Sustainability, Baker implemented composting at all retail dining locations. She also introduced LeanPath technology in the Heilman Dining Center in 2021, which has helped divert more the 350 tons of food waste from local landfills to date.

Another hallmark of Baker's tenure at UR was her active involvement in the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS), where she served as a trustee and board member. In 2022, she received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award for her exemplary service as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ambassador.

The impact of Baker's leadership is perhaps most palpable in the physical transformation of UR's dining facilities. The 2023 renovation of the Heilman Dining Center and the subsequent refurbishment of the Passport Café in 2024 significantly enhanced the dining experience for UR guests. Spiders are eagerly anticipating the completion of the new and improved 8:15 at Boatwright café space in 2025, which Baker spearheaded.

“It has been a lifelong dream to end my career in the industry at a university committed to excellence and to partner with a dining program that has the same goals and passion,” Baker said. “My dream came true here at UR.”