Ms Baker is described as a passionate advocate for regional and rural Victoria with deep roots in the Goulburn Valley, and brings extensive leadership experience and a strong community focus to the role.
Raised in Euroa and now living, working and volunteering across northern Victoria, Ms Baker’s connection to the region is both personal and professional.
Her understanding of local communities informs her commitment to expanding access to education and supporting student success.
With more than a decade of senior leadership experience across education, government and the corporate sector, Ms Baker is widely recognised for her ability to build partnerships and deliver outcomes that prioritise students and communities.
Currently the executive director of student experience at GOTAFE, Ms Baker has led significant improvements in student retention and engagement, strengthened local and regional partnerships and delivered community-focused initiatives that align closely with La Trobe University’s mission in Shepparton and across northern Victoria.
Her appointment also builds on the strong and longstanding partnership between La Trobe University and GOTAFE, including joint open day events and collaboration through the Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership to expand pathways and participation in tertiary education.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell welcomed Ms Baker’s appointment, describing her as an accomplished regional leader with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities.
“Laura Baker’s strong Goulburn Valley connections, partnership-building expertise and student-first approach make her ideally placed to lead our Shepparton campus,” Professor Farrell said.
Ms Baker said she was pleased to take on the role and to lead a campus embedded in a community she knew well.
“It’s a privilege to take on this role in a region that has shaped who I am,” she said.
“I’m passionate about expanding access to higher education close to home and working with GOTAFE, local schools, industry and community partners to create clear pathways and a strong student experience.”
Ms Baker will commence as head of campus on Monday, February 2.
She succeeds outgoing head of campus Elizabeth Capp, who stepped down on December 19 after seven years in the role.
Professor Farrell thanked Ms Capp for her leadership and contribution to higher education access and participation in Shepparton.
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