BRUCE BAKER WAS that rare “quadruple-threat” professor. He came to Seattle Pacific University with career titles that included tech entrepreneur, corporate executive, ordained minister, and scholar. Before he retired in June 2022 as an associate professor of business, his teaching and writing
explored the intersection of technology, culture, business, and ethics — all through a theological lens.
Both undergraduate and graduate students benefited, including CHARLES HOOPER ’18, MBA ’21.
“Dr. Baker masterfully connected how we can serve and be of service in our faith and careers,” said Hooper, who is now the chief operating officer of Birch Aquarium in San Diego, California. “My growth as a leader, and how I serve in my current role, has been profoundly shaped by his teaching, faith, and
lived experiences.”
Baker served two tours of duty in the School of Business, Government, and Economics — before and after earning his doctorate in theology at University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
He taught a range of management, ethics, spirituality, and theology courses, and he contributed to the ongoing theological conversation around faith and
entrepreneurship.
Baker was active in organizing and catalyzing conversations among practitioners and theologians on cutting-edge issues in finance and technology. His research focused on ethical and spiritual issues related to artificial intelligence.
Baker was a founding board member of AI* & Faith. He also serves on the boards of ScholarLeaders International and Reconciliation Ministries, which supports Palestinian-Israeli peacemaking efforts.
“SPU was a gift to me,” said Baker. “I’ve worked at a lot of different places, but I’d never worked at a place where there was such a shared sense of mission.”
Baker is spending more time with family and writing. He is also enjoying his retirement by hiking and biking around the Pacific Northwest.
Photo courtesy Bruce Baker
