William Baker graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in May 2002 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. After working as a Pharmacy Practice Resident at St. Francis Hospital, he was a pharmacist at Bayhealth Medical Center in Milford, DE form 2003-2006. Baker then completed a Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Outcomes Research Fellowship at Hartford Hospital from 2006-2008.
In 2009, Baker joined the faculty at UConn as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. Eighteen years later, Baker is now a Professor of Pharmacy Practice with Tenure.
During his nearly 20 years at UConn, Baker has earned many of awards. He is now a three-time Teacher of the Year recipient, winning the award in 2014, 2022 and 2026, joining C. Michael White and Gerald Gianutsos as the only faculty with three Teacher of the Year awards.
Baker also won the Dean Robert L. McCarthy Faculty Service Award in 2022 for the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
When students look back on Bakers classes in 10 years, he wants them to remember a few things.
“[I want them to remember that] one, I treated them like adults and didn’t talk down to them, almost like peers,” Baker said.
Secondly, he wants them to remember his classes as fun.
“Two, that it was entertaining and the discussions were interesting and engaging,” Baker said. “I wanted class to be something that they looked forward to going to.”
The third thing is that he only gives the necessary information to know.
“Third, that what I told them was important or what I thought was important actually was and that I didn’t force them to memorize things that they didn’t ultimately end up needing in the end,” Baker said.
Baker’s favorite thing about teaching is when the a-ha moment arrives when the students understand what he is teaching.
“As I’m kind of walking them through decisions and walking them through their steps and having them answer things, I can see the light hit their eyes and I can see things connect where initially they’ll be confused,” Baker said. “Personally, that’s really rewarding to me.
Baker’s other favorite thing about teaching is the time right before and after class.
“I actually like the moments right before class or right after class because that’s more of when I get to know the students more and they get to know me more,” Baker said. “You know, that way I’m not just some talking head that’s on a pedestal that comes to class and talks at them for an hour and then walks away.”
Baker added some more.
“It’s them getting to know me as a human and me getting to know them as a human,” Baker said.
Baker also gave some advice to the current and incoming pharmacy students.
“Being proactive,” Baker said. Keeping things organized in your notes, in your schedule, in your studying and then in your life can be really beneficial.”
Baker also talked about communication.
“Also, make sure that you’re communicating with your peers and faculty,” Baker said. “To make sure you are getting the most out of the experience and understanding this is going to take continual effort.”
Baker continued.
“This is not a program where you can go to class and then ignore the information and then try to sit down the night before an exam and try to study,” Baker said. “That’s not the key to success in classes and much more importantly, it’s not going to prepare you to be a good practicing pharmacist after graduation.”
Baker will be awarded his Teacher of the Year award during commencment weekend on May 10th, 2026.