Warren J. Baker received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Notre Dame and his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. Baker was admired by his colleagues around the United States for his leadership on policy issues, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and research.

During Baker’s 31 years of leadership, he oversaw dramatic growth of the campus, expanded Cal Poly's applied research programs with a number of new centers and institutes, and established the President's Cabinet advisory group. He also introduced 20 new undergraduate majors, 72 minors, and 15 new master's degree programs. The new programs he introduced helped ensure student competency in a wide-range of areas and helped raise Cal Poly's status as a national recognized polytechnic institution. Cal Poly first became recognized as the best public master’s-level university in the west by U.S. News & World Report during his tenure, and continues to receive this honor on an annual basis. 

Baker steered Cal Poly toward greater support from industry, alumni, and friends. He oversaw an aggressive upgrade and expansion of campus buildings and facilities that approached $1 billion. This support helped preserve and enrich Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing educational model and helped tens of thousands academically motivated students become resourceful professionals, one of Baker's biggest passions.