Danette Baker

Danette Baker

Features Writer and Editor

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location of Danette BakerLubbock, Texas, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Content creation l Communications l Lifelong learner l Storytelling specialist l Wordsmith

  • Education

    • South Plains College

      1983 - 1986
      Associate of Applied Science Graphic Design
    • West Texas A&M University

      1989 - 1991
      Bachelor of Science Print Journalism

      Activities and Societies: The Prairie

    • College of Media & Communication, Texas Tech University

      2017 - 2021
      Graduate Certificate Advanced Digital Media

      This graduate certificate program in digital and social media is designed to introduce seasoned communication professionals to technology that is changing the face of communications in an ever-growing, global society.

    • College of Media & Communication, Texas Tech University

      2009 - 2012
      Master of Arts - MA Mass Communications (Professional Track)

      Activities and Societies: Co-author of abstract, “Digital House Calls: Are health care professionals becoming more social?” -- Paper accepted for presentation at the Fourth International Research Conference for Graduate Students at Texas State University in November 2012. -- Research was published December 2013 in the Journal of Communication in Healthcare The Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree is designed to prepare students to enter the communications industry. Depending upon courses selected, graduate students are prepared for careers or advanced study in the fields of media (journalism, publishing and electronic communications), advertising, public relations, and related fields. The professional non-thesis program includes coursework that concludes with a capstone final project course. This course will be taken in the student's final… Show more The Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree is designed to prepare students to enter the communications industry. Depending upon courses selected, graduate students are prepared for careers or advanced study in the fields of media (journalism, publishing and electronic communications), advertising, public relations, and related fields. The professional non-thesis program includes coursework that concludes with a capstone final project course. This course will be taken in the student's final semester and will require the completion of an applied research project. Show less

    • Texas State University

      1982 - 1983
      Na basics
  • Experience

    • Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

      Oct 1991 - Mar 1997
      Features Writer and Editor

      features writer and then promoted to editor; responsible for content/layout of daily features section as well as Sunday section and special inserts.wrote weekly column that received honorable mention by Associated Press Managing Editors.

    • Danette Baker

      Apr 1997 - now
      Freelance writer/editor

      Research, conduct interviews, identify target audiences, write, and pitch articles for a variety of media. Edit and proofread client content for clarity, grammar, and style.*Write newspaper advertorials, editorial features for rehabilitation industry magazine, volunteer policy handbook, newsletters, award-winner profiles, donor appeals, web features, and blogs;*Ghostwrite magazine articles, including long-term care and other health care topics;Clients list includes: AJ Media, NRRTS (National Registry of Rehabilitation Suppliers), Ronald McDonald Charities of the Southwest, YWCA, TTUHSC School of Nursing, Vistas Magazine (TTU Research and Scholarly Work), TTU College of Arts and Sciences, and TTUHSC School of Medicine Show less

    • Lubbock Area United Way -- Success By 6

      Apr 2001 - Sept 2004
      Marketing coordinator

      Responsible for marketing program that supports healthy lifestyles for children and their families

    • Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

      Jan 2002 - Jan 2004
      Teen Page coordinator

      Manage a staff of 20 high school students in producing a weekly newspaper section front as a way to advance the readership of newspapers among the younger generations.

    • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

      Sept 2004 - now

      Oversee strategic messaging for development comms, lead writer for executive comms, and serve as editor-in-chief for university/alumni magazine.*Strategize and author editorial content and manage the print production of bi-annual alumni magazine, PULSE, and optimize multimedia content for the web version. -- Increased magazine page count two years ago from 40 to 56, to incorporate a sister university.*Identify opportunities to share content to increase connections*Disseminate research trials and outcomes to a varied target audience via short-form articles, sidebars, and web stories;*Manage video shoots and work as part of writing and production teams for department videos.*Ensure that all communications adhere to university guidelines and standards. Show less Developed public relations strategies to engage alumni, including managing production of alumni magazine, PULSE. *Developed and launched the official TTUHSC alumni association, including design of association structure, development of by-laws, creation of new website and online membership portal.*Identified key alumni markets and managed networking events.*Conducted stakeholder research to develop recommendations for strengthening ties with alumni.*Identified and developed profiles of potential alumni donors. *Developed articles and interviews highlighting alumni success for publication on various electronic and print communication platforms.*Developed and managed web content. Show less Promoted the work of TTUSHC via strategic communications.*Identified best, first, only key initiative areas at TTUHSC and developed stories for multimedia platforms to enhance potential support from key stakeholders*Produced and edited a 40-page, bi-annual magazine, PULSE, working with communications and development staff on multiple campuses, as well as freelance writers, photographers, and designers.*Developed and managed web content.*Ensured that publications and materials adhere to university guidelines.*Wrote keynote speeches for department administrators. Show less Promoted TTUHSC's mission to internal and external audiences. *Produced and edited a 40-page, bi-annual magazine, PULSE, working with communications and development staff on multiple campuses, as well as freelance writers, photographers, and designers.*Initiated magazine redesign to highlight alumni and research initiatives.*Enhanced presence of alumni magazine by adding an online version. *Developed and produced an award-winning research magazine, Discoveries.*Developed and managed web content.*Assisted director in identifying departmental goals to support institutional mission.*Provided outside departments with editing and photography support.*Wrote speaking points and speeches for university president. *Assisted director in hiring and supervising student interns Show less

      • Director of Communications, External Relations

        Sept 2015 - now
      • Director, Alumni Relations l Editor, PULSE magazine

        Jun 2013 - Sept 2015
      • Associate Director/Development

        Mar 2010 - Jun 2013
      • Unit Associate Director/Communications

        Sept 2004 - Mar 2010
    • Texas Tech University College of Media & Communication

      Aug 2017 - now
      Adjunct Insturctor
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Inclusive Leadership Certificate Program: Build Your Skills and Self-Awareness

      Academic Impressions
      Jun 2024
      View certificate certificate
    • Emotional Intelligence Advanced

      Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
      Nov 2025
      View certificate certificate
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Danette Baker
      Clarion Award Association for Women in Communication Sep 2017 Comprehensive campaign designed for the public phase launch of the university's first-ever fundraising campaign.Key ContributorsTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center Office of Institutional AdvancementKen Kosub, Limelight Films Inc.The Donor Relations Guru
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Member, Executive Board of Directors; Member, Marketing Committee

      Issued by Lubbock Area United Way on Jan 2013
      Lubbock Area United WayAssociated with Danette Baker
    • Manager

      Issued by Lubbock-Cooper High School Baseball Concessions on Jan 2012
      Lubbock-Cooper High School Baseball ConcessionsAssociated with Danette Baker
    • President

      Issued by PRSA West Texas Chapter on Jan 2020
      PRSA West Texas ChapterAssociated with Danette Baker