LuAnn Baker, Lyon College’s new director of Wellness and Health, brings wealth of valuable experience with her to the job.

January 22, 2007

One of the most qualified and experienced medical health professionals in the area has become Lyon College’s new director of Wellness and Health.

LuAnn Baker officially took over the position on Jan. 4, bringing with her a wealth of training and experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the five-year program at UAMS and is both a registered nurse and a registered nurse practitioner.

A long-time Batesville resident, Baker worked in the intensive care unit at UAMS before moving to Batesville with her husband, Dr. Robert Baker of the Batesville Family Practice Clinic.

She worked in dialysis nursing until 1998, when she joined the intensive care unit at White River Medical Center. There, she became one of the original members of the hospital’s first heart bypass team.

"When they created the unit, they took a group of nurses and gave them intensive, specialized training in Little Rock," Baker said. "I was one of them."

Eventually, Baker decided to try something completely different and she became a kitchen and bath designer for Home Depot.

"I liked it," she said. "It was a lot of fun."

However, the "tug" of nursing began pulling at her again.

"I like making a real difference in people’s lives," Baker said. "There’s nothing more rewarding."

When she heard about the opening at Lyon College, she jumped at the chance to continue her career in nursing.

"I decided it was the kind of opportunity that doesn’t kind come around very often," she said.

Some of the most pressing issues facing students today include alcohol and drugs, safe sex, counseling, a healthy, fit lifestyle, and dealing with depression and stress. Baker said she will provide assistance in all these areas.

She will also be responsible for assuring Lyon’s compliance with state law regarding immunization records on all students.

Additionally, she’ll host a flu shot clinic for faculty and staff in December, and she’ll be participating in various Student Life activities such as screenings, student walks, and wellness programs.

"Students come in for a range of things like pains, wounds, counseling and even allergy shots," Baker said.

She’ll be in the Morrow Building clinic from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday when classes are in session.