July 31, 2026
Linda R. Baker named interim director of Paul Simon Public Policy Institute
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Linda R. Baker, a university professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, has been named interim director of the institute. She replaces John Shaw, who retires from SIU on July 31. Baker’s appointment is effective Aug. 3.
Baker brings extensive executive leadership experience and a longstanding commitment to public service to the role. She will lead the institute’s mission to advance ethical government, expand opportunity and fair treatment, and promote responsible citizenship. 
Baker said she is honored to continue the work of the institute and its founder, the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon. “Throughout my years in public service, I have admired Senator Simon as a model of ethics and decency,” Baker said. “It has been an honor to help further the work of the institute, and I am humbled by the opportunity to help guide it into a bright and productive future.”
Baker has served as a university professor at the institute since 2003. She has directed signature experiential learning and mentoring programs, including the Paul Simon Springfield Internship Program, the Youth Leadership Mentorship Program, Women’s Civic Day at the Illinois State Capitol and graduate fellowship opportunities. Through these initiatives, she has helped students gain firsthand experience in public service, public policy and state government, and many have become accomplished civic leaders, public officials and policy professionals. Baker also teaches internship courses in political science and social work, as well as healthcare policy at the SIU School of Medicine.
Prior to her tenure at SIU Carbondale, Baker held several top executive roles across Illinois state government. From 2001 to 2003, she served as secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. Her public administration background also includes service as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security from 1999 to 2000, assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Aid from 1995 to 1998, legislative liaison to the Illinois House for the Office of the Governor from 1991 to 1995, and director of legislative affairs for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations from 1990 to 1991.
Baker earned her Doctorate of Public Administration in 2004, a Master of Arts in Gerontology in 1987 and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration in 1985, all from the University of Illinois Springfield. She also completed the senior executive program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1993 and was named a Council of State Government Henry Toll Fellow in 2000.