All University of Oklahoma students share many goals, among them finding their path in life. College is designed to help young scholars discover that path, but success does not come with a guarantee.
However, when those moments of awakening come during a student’s time at OU, it becomes even more special.
One of those moments occurred for former OU student J.D. Baker, who earned his bachelor’s degree from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2018. Baker is now a successful professional working as a platform manager for Cortado Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Oklahoma City. He is also a member of the Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce and served as a special assistant to Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City from 2018 until 2022.
In 1999 there was a vision to honor Dr. George Henderson by establishing a scholarship program in his name – this vision becomes a reality. In 2001, the Henderson Scholars Program officially came into fruition. The 2002-2003 Henderson Scholars was the first class. The first twenty students represented the diversity of the students at the University of Oklahoma at that time and helped shape the community of scholars we have in the program today.
We are pleased to be a part of Dr. Henderson's legacy and further his vision.
For over 10 years, the Henderson Scholars Program has focused on the academics, community service and health of a cohort of 120 students.
Through their hard work, dedication and passion, the Henderson Scholars are able to hold dear the vision and mission that was set forth by Dr. George Henderson. They are an exceptional group of students who continue to share his legacy with the OU and Oklahoma communities.
The Henderson Scholars have always been leaders on campus. Our scholars continually average, as a class, a 3.3 cumulative grade point average, and have completed over 1700 hours of community service
