{"id":184,"date":"2026-01-21T16:23:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T16:23:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/university-strategy\/?page_id=184"},"modified":"2026-02-20T16:09:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:09:58","slug":"leadership-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/university-strategy\/leadership-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Leadership Team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Leadership Team<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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The Vice President<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Credence Baker<\/strong> is the Vice President for University Strategy and Chief of Staff at Tarleton State University. She has served Tarleton for two-decades and is a full professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology. Dr. Baker brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to advancing the university\u2019s mission to transform generations through educational excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2020, Dr. Baker chaired development of Tarleton State Forward 2030, the university\u2019s strategic plan that provides a clear framework for growth, impact, and long-term success. In her current role, she oversees the implementation of the plan, ensuring priorities remain aligned, progress is measured, and results are communicated and celebrated across the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Baker\u2019s oversight also includes University Marketing and Communications, Strategic Data Insights, and Legislative Affairs, in addition to responsibilities as Chief of Staff to the President. Her work focuses on connecting strategy, data, and storytelling to support informed decision-making and strengthen institutional alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout her career at Tarleton State, Dr. Baker has served in a range of leadership roles, including Director of the Center for Instructional Innovation, University Certification Officer, and Graduate Dean. She has also contributed to system-level and statewide initiatives through collaborations with the Texas A&M University System and partner institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A proud alumna, Dr. Baker earned her bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees from Tarleton State University and her Ph.D. in Applied Technology and Performance Improvement from the University of North Texas.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Dr.<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Headshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Lauren Gillespie<\/strong>
Deputy Chief of Staff<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email: lgillespie@tarleton.edu<\/a>
Phone: (254) 968-9966<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Nate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Nate Bural<\/strong>
Asst. VP, Marketing and Communications<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email: bural@tarleton.edu<\/a>
Phone: (254) 968-1802<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Headshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Scott Cook<\/strong>
Chief Data Scientist<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email: scook@tarleton.edu <\/a>
Phone: (254) 968-1958<\/a>
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\"Headshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Kandace Stone<\/strong>
Executive Asst. to the Vice President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email: kstone@tarleton.edu <\/a>
Phone: (254) 459-5581<\/a>
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