Baker Named University of Florida Outstanding Young Alumnus
April 18, 2019
GAINESVILLE, FLA. – Society of American Foresters (SAF) CEO Terry Baker is one of a select group of University of Florida alumni named to this year’s prestigious “40 Under 40.” Honorees receiving 2019 Outstanding Young Alumni awards were recognized during a campus ceremony on Saturday, April 13.
The annual awards program was established in 2006 to recognize alumni under the age of 40 whose achievements positively reflect The Gator Nation. Criteria for the competitive award include making a significant impact on the candidate’s industry and having civic or professional accomplishments at the state, national or international level.
“The word outstanding barely describes the alumni in this year’s ‘40 Under 40’ class. These young men and women are absolutely remarkable and have already made a significant impact in their professions and communities,” said Matt Hodge, executive director of the UF Alumni Association. “Collectively, they’re a wonderful reflection on The Gator Nation® and its potential to change the world.”
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes graduates from all UF’s 16 colleges. This year’s honorees range from doctors and pharmacists to entrepreneurs and artists. Past award winners include meteorologist Stephanie Abrams, politician Adam Putnam and sportscaster and television personality Erin Andrews.
Baker is a passionate and long-time SAF member, a seasoned leader, and a powerful advocate for forestry. Prior to joining SAF in October 2018, he worked for the USDA Forest Service as a forester, supervisory forester, District Ranger, and Deputy Forest Supervisor, in Florida, Oregon, Nebraska, Arizona, and Colorado, respectively. He has a Master of Forestry from Yale University (2007), a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida (2004), and a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Sciences from Florida A&M University (2004).
The 166-year-old University of Florida has more than 415,000 living alumni residing in every U.S. state and in more than 150 countries. The university has a long history of established programs in international education, research and service, and is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities in the prestigious Association of American Universities. It is ranked No. 8 in the most recent U.S. News and World Report’s list of public universities. The UF Alumni Association is responsible for a network of nearly 100 Gator Clubs, is actively involved with the recruitment of superior students, and hosts outreach and on-campus programs to connect alumni with their alma mater. To learn more, visit
ufalumni.ufl.edu.