Award of Service recipient continues to support ±«ÓătvBusiness, Communication students
While serving as spirit chair of the Nenamoosha women’s social tribe at Mississippi College, Dr. Beth Baker Janser ‘85 said she found her heart.
She was initially attracted to ±«Óătvbecause of its strong commitment to academic excellence grounded in Christian values. The University appealed to Baker Janser’s sense of community, and its supportive faculty provided an opportunity for her to grow intellectually and spiritually.
But it was serving as a Student Government Association and Nenamoosha officer that provided some of the most formative and joyful experiences of her college years.
“As an SGA officer, I loved being part of a team that worked to make student life more vibrant and inclusive,” said Baker Janser, a faculty member at Palm Beach Atlantic University and a resident of Boca Raton, Florida. “And as spirit chair of Nenamoosha, rallying our tribe during competitions, decorating for events and leading chants brought out my creativity and enthusiasm.
“I’ll never forget the late-night banner-making sessions, the laughter and the deep sense of sisterhood that defined our tribe. They remain some of my most cherished memories.”
Baker Janser has carried that experience throughout an impressive career that has spanned the finance, retail, medical and education fields. She earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Vanderbilt University and holds an MBA from Millsaps College and a BSBA from MC.
She now serves as a research supervisor at the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Ethics and Organizational Behavior at Palm Beach Atlantic, a Christian university, where she mentors emerging scholars and professionals. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through Christian leadership, strategic thinking and evidence-based practice.
Baker Janser and her husband, Kevin, established the Dr. Beth Baker Janser Scholarship Fund in 2003 in the ±«ÓătvSchool of Business and continue to provide support for the development of the Baker Janser Student Media Center in the ±«ÓătvDepartment of Communication.
In recognition of her contributions to Mississippi College students, Baker Janser is scheduled to receive the Award of Service during the National Alumni Association Awards Brunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Anderson Hall on the second floor of the B.C. Rogers Student Center as part of MC’s 2025 Homecoming festivities. The award recognizes ±«Óătvalumni who have demonstrated extraordinary service to ±«Óătvstudents.
“Receiving this award is both humbling and heartwarming,” Baker Janser said. “It reminds me of the many moments – big and small – that made my time at ±«Óătvso impactful.
“I remember the late-night study sessions in the library, heartfelt conversations with professors who truly cared, and the joy of campus events that brought us all together. Homecoming is a beautiful reminder that while we may go our separate ways, the bond we share through Mississippi College remains strong. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this legacy.”
“Dr. Beth Baker Janser’s dedication to Mississippi College is an inspiring example of servant leadership and love for her alma mater,” said Jake Donald, ±«Óătvdirector of alumni and family engagement. “Her commitment to supporting ±«Óătvthrough her time, generosity and encouragement has made such a positive impact on the ±«Óătvcommunity.”
Reid Vance, ±«Óătvprofessor and chair of Communication, said Baker Janser’s support of his department has allowed ±«Óătvto take its journalism and public relations programs to another level.
“From its initial planning stages, Beth was involved in the visioning and design of our new Baker Janser Student Media Center, a space that’s become a home for student collaboration and instruction in Aven Hall,” Vance said. “Our students’ excellent work and our ability to recruit new students has been greatly enhanced by her generosity.”
In addition to her professional career, Baker Janser’s volunteer work with the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Junior League of Boca Raton and numerous animal rescue organizations has earned her recognition and awards for service to her community.
She said Mississippi College has been a cornerstone in both her personal and professional journey.
“Personally, it gave me lifelong friendships and a deep sense of belonging,” she said. “Professionally, it laid the foundation for my career in leadership and education, instilling values of integrity, service and faith that continue to guide me.
“The mentorship I received and the opportunities to grow intellectually and spiritually have shaped who I am today.”
Sign-up For Our Newsletter
Get the latest news about Mississippi College delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Along College Street e-newsletter.
