Oklahoma State Grad Wren Baker Announced as West Virginia's New Athletic Director

Oklahoma State grad Wren Baker is back in the Big 12 as the Athletic Director at West Virginia, as first reported by Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated.

Baker, who’s been the Vice President/Athletics Director at North Texas for more than six years, was a graduate assistant and basketball operations assistant for legendary Oklahoma State head coach, Eddie Sutton, during the magical run to the 2004 Final Four and 2005 Sweet Sixteen.

Eddie had this to say about Baker being hired at North Texas. “Wren is a terrific choice to lead the UNT athletics program. He is one of the brightest and hardest working staff members I've had work for me. He was wonderful for us at OSU. Our coaches and players loved him. He will be a great ambassador for the university and community. He will be tireless in his pursuit for excellence. I am happy for Wren and North Texas."

He takes over the position following the firing of then-AD Shane Lyons.

Baker’s had a lot of success everywhere he’s been, which includes securing record-breaking fundraising at each stop.

He began his collegiate career at Rogers State in Claremore, OK, where he served as not only the school’s first men’s basketball coach, but the school’s first athletic director as well. He served as the AD from 2006 to 2011, where RSU teams combined for a near-70% win percentage during his tenure.

He was then hired as the athletic director at D2 Northwest Missouri State from 2011-2013, where he brought in the school’s largest fundraising gift to improve the football stadium. In fact, according to Baker’s bio on North Texas’ athletics site, revenues at Northwestern Missouri increased by 60%.

The same happed during his stop at both Memphis and Missouri, where revenues grew exponentially, setting records at both schools. He also served as the interim director of athletics at Mizzou before being hired at North Texas.

Baker had the exact same success at North Texas in terms of fundraising, as well as success on the court/field.

According to UNT’s site, “Before the pandemic created reduced capacity, UNT ticket revenue increased by 125% under Baker. Football attendance also soared by 71% while men’s and women’s basketball crowds each grew by more than 60%. The three largest crowds on record for UNT home football games have occurred during Baker’s tenure.”

While West Virginia is going to greatly benefit from Baker’s knowledge of fundraising and running an athletic department, there’s no question his expertise is going to greatly benefit the Big 12 as well.