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Brandon K. Baker

Strategic Communications Officer
  • bkbaker@upenn.edu
  • 215-898-3903
  • brandon baker
    Articles from Brandon K. Baker
    Tom Murphy is leading Operational Transformation at Penn. Here’s his approach
    Tom Murphy posing on Locust Walk.

    Tom Murphy, senior vice president and chief transformation officer, is chair of the Operational Transformation working group for Penn Forward, Penn’s strategic initiative to reshape how the University fulfills its missions of education, research, and service in a rapidly changing world.

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    Tom Murphy is leading Operational Transformation at Penn. Here’s his approach

    In a Q&A, Tom Murphy, who leads the Operational Transformation working group, one of six Penn Forward teams, discusses his approach to leading change in non-academic areas of Penn.

    5 min. read

    Russell Composto talks leading Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group
    Russell Composto at a conference table gesticulating with undergraduates.

    Russell Composto, chair of the Penn Forward Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group and vice provost for undergraduate education, seated with undergraduates on Oct. 13, 2025, inside College Hall. 

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    Russell Composto talks leading Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group

    In a Q&A, Russell Composto, vice provost for undergraduate education and chair of Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group, talks about the guiding principles of the team and what it means to think boldly about the future of the undergraduate experience at Penn.

    8 min. read

    Michael Weisberg on building community at Penn
    Michael Weisberg.

    Michael Weisberg has been chosen lead the continued implementation of recommendations from the 2024 University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.

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    Michael Weisberg on building community at Penn

    Michael Weisberg, a distinguished professor of philosophy, has been appointed to lead the continued implementation of recommendations from the Task Force on Antisemitism and the Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.

    7 min. read

    From framework to actions: Provost John L. Jackson Jr. talks Penn Forward
    John Jackson rests his hands on a table in front of a bookcase.

    Provost John L. Jackson Jr.

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    From framework to actions: Provost John L. Jackson Jr. talks Penn Forward

    In a Q&A, Provost John L. Jackson Jr. explains the relationship between the strategic framework In Principle and Practice and Penn Forward—a new University-wide process and action plan that will advance Penn forward for the next decade and beyond.

    6 min. read

    ‘A moment when Penn can lead in higher education’: President J. Larry Jameson introduces Penn Forward
    Penn President J. Larry Jameson

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    ‘A moment when Penn can lead in higher education’: President J. Larry Jameson introduces Penn Forward

    In a video message to the Penn community, Penn President J. Larry Jameson introduces Penn Forward, the University’s strategic planning initiative that builds on the progress of In Principle and Practice and boldly address the opportunities and challenges of the present moment in higher education.

    1 min. read

    Holistic community care at Penn Dental on Cedar
    3 Penn Dental Med students at the clinic, one is cleaning a patient’s teeth.

    Penn Dental on Cedar is one of several community sites Penn Dental Medicine operates in Philadelphia. Dental students rotate between them as part of their curriculum and learn to better communicate with and care for underserved populations.

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    Holistic community care at Penn Dental on Cedar

    Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC on Cedar is one of five community care programs the School of Dental Medicine operates. At Penn Dental on Cedar, part of the mission is to integrate dental and medical care.

    6 min. read

    A summer of student enrichment, from big ideas to bold beats
    Grade school drummers in music class.

    A West Philadelphia High School student practices the drum as part of a July summer program in partnership with the Netter Center for Community Partnerships and nonprofit Musicopia. 

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    A summer of student enrichment, from big ideas to bold beats

    The Netter Center for Community Partnerships finished its summer of programming for West Philadelphia students, impacting 640 students and six University-Assisted Community Schools.

    1 min. read

    Walking the walk with Penn’s VP of Business Services
    Michael Scales.

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    Walking the walk with Penn’s VP of Business Services

    A year into his role as vice president of Business Services, Michael Scales has built on the division’s “legacy of excellence” while being a sponge and getting to know students and staff around the division.

    4 min. read

    At Convocation, first-years called on to ‘embrace the unexpected’
    Franklin Field during Penn’s 2025 Convocation.

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    At Convocation, first-years called on to ‘embrace the unexpected’

    Penn’s 286th academic year formally began at Convocation, where President J. Larry Jameson drew lessons from nature by invoking fireflies—recognizing students’ brilliance, prescribing them to ‘“embrace the unexpected,” and reminding them, “Fireflies do not glow alone.”

    4 min. read

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