Cynthia Baker, CASN’s ED 2009–2024 – A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Excellence

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Cynthia Baker, CASN’s ED 2009–2024

A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Excellence

The role of the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) is to lead the association, manage its operations, and carry out its mission, which is to promote high-quality nursing education in Canada and to advance nursing knowledge in the interest of healthier Canadians. CASN has had many influential executive directors since its inception in 1942, but few have left their mark like Dr. Cynthia Baker.

Headshot of Dr. Cynthia Baker, present day. | Portrait de Cynthia Baker, Ph. D. (année).

Cynthia Baker, CASN ED 2009–2024

Dr. Baker was appointed Executive Director of CASN in 2009. She held this position for 15 years, until 2024. Dr. Baker leaves behind a legacy of transformative leadership and unwavering dedication during her tenure as Executive Director. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, strategic advancements, and strong advocacy for nursing education and professional development.

Dr. Baker’s educational qualifications include a registered nursing diploma from the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in Montréal; an honours bachelor of arts degree in sociology and anthropology from McGill University in Montréal; a master of philosophy in anthropology from the University of London, England; a master of nursing from Dalhousie University in Halifax; and a PhD in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin.

Headshot of Dr. Cynthia Baker | Portrait de Mme Baker, Ph. D.,

Cynthia Baker’s graduation photo as a nurse.

Dr. Baker is a professor emerita, a former director of the School of Nursing, and a former associate dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston. Prior to holding these positions, Dr. Baker was the director of l’École de science infirmière de l’Université de Moncton. Before becoming a faculty member, she worked at Health Canada in the Bureau of Epidemiology, and in practice as a mental health/psychiatric nurse.

Dr. Baker’s research focused on racialization and mental health and on self-care among people with schizophrenia. She has been strongly committed to promoting social justice throughout her career and became a champion of the integration of simulation into nursing education while at Queen’s University, where she led a multi-year, interprofessional simulation project.

Dr. Cynthia Baker sits at a table signing a document. Canadian flags stand in the background.

At a national meeting called by the federal Minister of Health and the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Baker signs a commitment, on behalf of CASN, to contribute to a collective national response to address the opioid crisis (November 16, 2016). This event triggered a series of CASN projects addressing the opioid crisis from a nursing education perspective, including the Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder E-Resource.

Under Dr. Baker’s leadership, CASN has experienced remarkable growth and held tremendous influence within the nursing community. She spearheaded numerous initiatives to promote excellence in nursing education, foster collaborative partnerships with health care institutions, and champion innovation in curriculum development.

Four professionally dressed adults smile at the camera. Dr. Cynthia Baker appears on the far right.

Right to left: Dr. Baker, former CASN president Sonya Grypma, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus, and former CASN board member Donna Murnaghan. Dr. Baker and her CASN colleagues successfully advocated for Dr. Tedros’s support in establishing the position of Chief Nursing Officer of Canada (June 20, 2019).

Some of the important transformative initiatives that have been led by Dr. Baker include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dr. Cynthia Baker stands among a large classroom of Bangladeshi teachers and students sitting at desks.

Dr. Baker (back row centre) supporting Bangladeshi teachers and students with the implementation of an accreditation program through the ProNurse Project (2022).

Dr. Baker’s commitment to promoting global health through high-quality nursing education has had a profound impact.

Four professionally dressed adults smile at the camera in front of a sign that reads “Stop losing nurses.” Dr. Cynthia Baker appears second from the right.

Left to right: Antonina De Pau, Ottawa Hospital Executive Director; the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, former Minister of Health; Dr. Baker; and Suzanne Madore, Ottawa Hospital Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive, at the launch of CASN’s National Nurse Residency Program (April 25, 2023).

Dr. Baker’s visionary leadership has positioned CASN as a leading voice in shaping national nursing policies and standards. She has been instrumental in advocating for the recognition of nurses’ vital role in health care, as well as advancing the implementation of evidence-based practices in nursing education and clinical settings.

Four professionally dressed adults smile at the camera in front of a sign that reads “Stop losing nurses.” Dr. Cynthia Baker appears on the far left.

Left to right: Dr. Baker; Yvonne Wilson, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive at Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH); Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health; and Dr. Andrew Falconer, President and CEO of QCH, at the launch of the IEN Mentorship Program (March 14, 2024).

Furthermore, Dr. Baker’s emphasis on nurturing emerging nurse leaders has cultivated a new generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the evolving challenges in health care. Her strategic guidance and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the future of nursing education in Canada.

A large group of adults smile at the camera.

Dr. Baker with CASN National Office Staff (September 2024).

As Dr. Cynthia Baker concludes her tenure as CASN’s Executive Director, her legacy of tireless advocacy, innovation, and leadership will continue to inspire and guide the nursing community for years to come. Her impact on the organization and the nursing profession at large is truly remarkable, and her contributions will be remembered with deep appreciation and reverence.

A large group of adults at a conference wearing name-tag lanyards smile at the camera. Dr. Cynthia Baker appears on the far right in the front row.

Pictured above: Dr. Baker (front row right) with keynote presenters, members of the 2024 CASN Biennial Canadian Nursing Education Conference planning committee, and participants (May 2024).

Thank you, Cynthia Baker for 15 years of leadership and vision.