Dr. Stephen Baker is an economics professor here at Capital University and is in the school of management and leadership. He was also the Honors Director and Collegiate Fellows Coordinator from 2004 to 2011. He’s has worked here for 27 years after graduating from Trent Polytechnic and receiving his doctorate from York University in the United Kingdom.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of teaching at Capital?
A: Well, I am in a band. I have been a part of the Central Ohio Brass Band, or COBB, for at least 14 years now, maybe more. The band is a nonprofit organization. We usually compete in the North American Brass Band Association Championships, and we have gotten first place in four different years.
Q: What made you so interested in the Brass Band?
A: I appreciate the way we try to influence others with our music, so we play regularly at churches, community festivals, and different schools to make sure others have some sort of music in their life. For example, we recently played in the Ohio Brass Arts Festival last year near Gahanna. It keeps me busy and also allows me to enjoy the music we make at the end of the day.
Q: Is there anything that you participate in that keeps you in shape and busy?
A: I work as a cycle instructor, actually, at Life Time fitness. I mainly focus on spinning classes as the primary exercise routine that I teach. This year will be my sixth year teaching at Life Time Fitness. My children and I even do competitive bicycling. Before I worked at Life Time Fitness, I used to work at an ice cream truck and went around neighborhoods selling ice cream!
Q: Other than cycling and playing in a band, what are some other hobbies of yours?
A: One of my favorite pastimes is cooking. Especially pizza. Cooking allows you to make what you want, how you want it in a unique way. And, of course, I thoroughly enjoy beer.
This is an ongoing series about what interesting things professors do outside of Capital. If you or a professor you know want to share a story with us, send an email to chimes@capital.edu
