Midwestern University President Shares Vision for Student Success on WGN Radio
In a live interview, Dr. Baker discusses how the University supports students, serves communities, and plans to expand veterinary education in Illinois

Midwestern University President and CEO, Joshua Baker, O.D., participated in a live interview with WGN Radio to discuss the University’s mission and new initiatives.
Midwestern University President and CEO Joshua Baker, O.D., joined host John Williams on WGN Radio AM 720’s “Noon Business Lunch” on Thursday, October 16, to discuss the University’s legacy, mission, and exciting new developments.
Speaking live from the Chicago studio, Dr. Baker shared how Midwestern’s “student-first mentality” guides every decision across its two campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona. “We really want to create this environment where every decision we make, everything we think about, we’re considering how it’s impacting our students and how it’s making their lives better and improving their success,” Dr. Baker said.
During the interview, Dr. Baker also highlighted the University’s community clinics, where students train under licensed professionals to deliver innovative, compassionate care to patients from the community. “It might take us a little bit longer,” he explained, “because the students are learning. But that’s part of what makes the experience special. Our providers take the time to listen and understand each patient.” Serving thousands of patients each year, the Midwestern Clinics in Downers Grove offer affordable, patient-centered care in dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and primary care.
Looking to the future, Dr. Baker shared his enthusiasm for the University’s newest venture, the proposed Chicago College of Veterinary Medicine, currently under development in Illinois. The new veterinary program will include a state-of-the-art animal hospital in Downers Grove, representing a $280 million investment in students, facilities, and research. “It’s pretty exciting,” Dr. Baker said. “This will be the first veterinary program in the Chicagoland area, and once completed, it will house the largest animal hospital in North America.”
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