Baker University Center is named in honor of John Calhoun Baker, the fourteenth president of Ohio University, who served from 1945 through 1961. Dr. Baker was educated at Juniata College and Harvard University. Under his guidance regional campuses were created and an extensive Nigerian educational program was established. Many new programs, scholarships and committees were established. The Ohio University Fund (now Foundation) was established to foster private giving and the John C. Baker Fund to support faculty improvement and research efforts. During his tenure, numerous buildings, including most of the residence halls, were built. Upon retirement he continued to pursue his interests in educational business and international affairs. In 1995 he returned to the campus for a gala celebration of his 100th birthday. He died in 1999.

Baker University Center was completed in 1953. The Georgian Revival building contained six floors, with an eight lane bowling center, game room, ball room, 1804 lounge, and 1954 lounge. It also had a dining room and many administrative offices. Initially, the top two floors of the building served as residence hall space. Later the residence hall section of the building was renovated to provide additional meeting and office space. The former Baker University Center opened in 1954, when student enrollment totaled 5,200.

When the center was proposed in 1946, students agreed to an assessment of five dollars each quarter to help fund the project. The faculty, impressed by the students’ dedication, agreed to the same levy.

Upon the opening of the new Baker University Center in 2007 (construction began in March 2004), the former building was allocated to the Scripps College of Communication to allow for its expansion. The new Baker was re-dedicated to Dr. Baker as part of a grand opening celebration on February 10, 2007.