Suzanne Baker Named New Registered Nursing Program Director at LSCO
October 21, 2026
ORANGE, TX – After more than two decades of service to Lamar State College Orange, Suzanne Baker is stepping into a new leadership role as the college’s Registered Nursing (RN) Program Director.
Baker, who has been with the college for 23 years, brings extensive experience in nursing education, simulation training, and classroom instruction. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the nursing program as she looks to build on its strong foundation while preparing future nurses for successful careers in healthcare.
"I'm hoping to continue the legacy for the foundation of what’s been started," Baker said. "We have a great nursing faculty and we have good students. I just hope that we can continue to educate future nurses, have good pass rates within classes, and retain as many students as possible through that process."
Baker began her career at LSCO as a faculty member in the Vocational Nursing program. Around 2012, she helped develop the college’s simulation training program, which initially operated from a hospital room at St. Mary Hospital. She later transitioned into the college’s state-of-the-art nursing facility, where she continued advancing simulation learning opportunities for students. Then, three years ago, she started teaching in the RN program.
Her tenure has allowed her to witness significant growth across campus.
"When I first started, we were in the Allied Health building- very small," Baker recalled. "A lot has changed. Lamar has really grown since I've been here."
Before entering higher education, Baker worked as a nurse in a variety of healthcare settings. A registered nurse since 1996, she spent much of her clinical career in pediatrics, working both in hospital care and with pediatric physicians.
"Kids kind of have my heart," she said.
As she prepares to assume the director role, Baker acknowledges the challenges that come with the position but remains enthusiastic about the opportunity.
"It will be a lot of change, lots of new challenges, and new things to learn," she said. "I'm excited and I want to see our programs continue to grow."
Baker credits the support of her colleagues for helping ease the transition. She highlighted the encouragement of the nursing faculty, the college’s new associate dean, and longtime colleagues who have offered guidance throughout the process.One of Baker's primary goals as director is to continue providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed. She emphasized the importance of utilizing campus services such as the Oasis Center and faculty tutoring opportunities.
"I hope that [students] always know they should believe in themselves," Baker said. "There's a lot of tools and resources available here that can help support the students. I'd like them to know that they can reach out to any one of the faculty."
With decades of experience, a strong commitment to student success, and a passion for nursing education, Baker is poised to lead LSCO’s nursing program into its next chapter while continuing its tradition of excellence in preparing future healthcare professionals.