Catharine Baker: New Director of UC Student Policy Centre

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Catharine Baker, a former California State Assemblymember and advocate for higher education, has been appointed director of the University of California Student and Policy Center in Sacramento. As director, Baker will lead public programming and outreach, engaging policymakers, lawmakers, community groups, and thought leaders on national and state policy issues. Baker, who has served as a commissioner with the California Fair Political Practices Commission since 2020, has a strong bipartisan record of service, with significant legislation focused on transportation, the environment, and government accountability.

Catharine Baker Takes Up Director Role at UC Student and Policy Center

Former California State Assemblymember Catharine Baker, a stalwart supporter of higher education, has been named director of the dynamic UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento, a key hub for UC students, faculty and policymakers.

Located at 1115 11th Street, Baker will be leading public programming and outreach efforts in Sacramento, organizing initiatives like high-profile speaker events, community engagement sessions and policy briefings. The center recently hosted dialogues with prominent state officials like Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins.

With a distinguished service record in the 16th Assembly District between 2014 and 2018, Baker has been a champion for issues like transportation, the environment and government accountability. She tirelessly worked towards promoting educational quality and opportunities at UC, and served on the California Fair Political Practices Commission since 2020.

UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D, expressed excitement about Baker joining the team, stating her role would facilitate stronger bridges between the University and policymakers, promoting a prosperous, sustainable future.

Baker, an accomplished attorney, served as special counsel at Hoge Fenton. Currently, she’s on the boards of Diablo Regional Arts Association, California Women Lead, Livermore Lab Foundation and California Forward.

Chair of the UC Board of Regents, Richard Leib, praised Baker as a dedicated public servant, expecting her to significantly advance the University’s public service mission at the UC Student and Policy Center. UC Provost Katherine S. Newman also welcomed Baker’s appointment, acknowledging her commitment to higher education and service.

In her new role, Baker will foster opportunities for UC students in the Capitol and enhance student engagement with lawmakers, building on her strong relationship with the University community established during her time as a Berkeley Law student. She will also continue her efforts in promoting new investments in the University and supporting initiatives such as the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis.

Baker will assume her new role as the director of the UC Student and Policy Center on July 8, 2024.

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