Faculty Spotlight: Courtney Baker

 

Published 10.27.2023

Dr. Courtney Baker with I/O MA students at the annual Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology (SIOP) annual conference.

 

What is your hometown or where do you consider you are from?

  • Poplar Grove, Illinois

What brought you to ECU?

  • I was looking for the perfect fit of an academic job that allowed me to engage in research and teaching and apply my mentoring mindset to working with students. ECU seemed like the perfect place for me to be!

How many years have you been at ECU?

  • This is my second year.

What do you love about ECU? What is or was your favorite aspect of being a Pirate?

  • There are two things that have made me fall in love with the department: students and colleagues. My students have challenged and motivated me this semester in ways I wouldn’t have imagined with their astute observations and drive for learning. My colleagues have been imperative to figuring out how things happen here at ECU and never bat an eye when I ask a dumb question or need some advice on something. Being a Pirate has turned out to be synonymous with having a support network of folks behind you and has made it rewarding to be here.

What do you do when you are not working or studying? What are your hobbies or recreational activities?

  • I spend a lot of time reading and in bookstores. I am currently trying to get through all of Stephen King’s novels either by reading them or listening to them on Audible. I also am a makeup hobbyist and love creating in that way (the only artistic bone I have). Finally, I love to cook and bake! I spend a lot of time stress baking and thinking through projects as I bake. My students this semester have quite enjoyed this because I bring my treats to class at times.

What shows are you watching now?

  • I am currently watching Wednesday on Netflix and Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount Plus. It is also football season so there is a lot of college and NFL football on the television.

What is your favorite restaurant in Greenville?

  • Plaza Azteca: La Rancherita

What is something many people don’t know about you?

  • I received my associate degree before I received my high school diploma