Baker College names Naketa Jones new Senior Instructional Designer

Naketa Jones has recently been named as the new Senior Instructional Designer at Baker College in Michigan. She has a background in workforce development, technology, and education, and as such, will bring a wide range of experience to this important position at the college.

Jones began as an Adjunct Instructor at Baker College in the Culinary Institute of Michigan, which is a Division of Baker College in Port Huron, back in 2023. There she taught Critical Thinking and Composition. While there, she took an interest in Artificial Intelligence (or AI) and the role it could serve in education, and became one of the louder voices advocating for integrating that and similar technologies into pedagogical approaches. She presented talks on this subject to faculty conferences and also served as part of the leadership on Baker’s AI Committee. The Committee worked to develop new professional development programs, policies, and strategies with the goal of embracing artificial intelligence to improve the student learning experience.

Jones’ background is singular in that it combines creating educational content for universities and businesses while also studying and advising on AI ethics. She offers a unique perspective when it comes to creating a bridge between the university system and cutting edge technology, especially when it comes to applying it practically and ethically. She has designed new programs to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the new challenges presented by AI both thoughtfully and responsibly, while keeping in mind that technology should be used as a tool for empowerment. 

In an article posted on Baker College’s website, Jones was quoted about her new position, saying, “I am thrilled to join a team of innovators at Baker College who can tackle challenges and embrace the exciting future of education and technology. We are a team that is unafraid to roll up our sleeves and navigate a ship into somewhat uncharted waters.”

Prior to coming to Baker College, Jones held a position as a Senior Director for community based programs in Ohio, where she specialized in workforce training and development. Her skillset includes compliance initiatives, ethics, curriculum development, and project management. She also founded Human Driven Tech, which is a nonprofit organization that works to “bridge the digital divide.” There, she worked to improve equitable access to technology education for a range of marginalized communities.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from The University of Toledo, as well as a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Bowling Green State University. She also holds certifications in Leadership Professional in Ethics and Compliance (LPEC) and Hogan Assessment Systems. Other accolades include winning first place in a pitch competition through the organization TechTown Detroit. She has also presented new research on the impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace and education at such events as the International Leadership Association Conference. Jones is expected to present this year at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (or UPCEA) Annual Conference.

Jones also noted her passion for preparing students for fulfilling lives and careers after graduation, advancing research, and fostering collaboration across the board. She hopes that in this new position she will be able to contribute to research and publishing efforts on topics such as leadership, workforce development, assessments, and curriculum. “Our role as faculty and administrators is more than teaching curriculum—it is to inspire, develop, and engage students in impactful ways. My goal is to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and ensure that students’ well-being and learning remain at the forefront of everything we do,” Jones said.

More information about Baker College can be found at the school’s website here.