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Cell Lab Name Honors Two Visionary CU Professors in the Sciences

News Sept. 24, 2019

Dedicated on Sept. 11, the Meyers-Baker Lab recognizes the forward-looking leadership of Ron Meyers and Gloria Baker. Well-loved by former colleagues and past students alike, the two former professors share a combined teaching career that spanned more than fifty years.

Known as the founding professor of the science department, Ron Meyers developed an unprecedented number of courses in a broad range of scientific topics and advocated for the addition of the university’s pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pre-dental and pre-pharmacy programs. His attentiveness to accreditation and degree requirements also spurred him to create a science track for students not completing a science degree, establishing the roots of a core curriculum class still available to traditional undergraduate students.

Meyers’ concern for strong interpersonal relationships resulted in faculty prayer meetings, annual staff picnics and an open-door policy for students.

“Ron was adamant on being a good steward of everything that was entrusted to us,” Dr. Fryling, professor of chemistry, remembered. “To the point that he would wash pipets and reuse them to be a good steward. And he established a pattern of considering what’s in the best interest of the institution, what’s in the best interest of students and how can we take care of the things we have to maximize the blessings God has given us.”

Along with co-worker Dr. Ned Keller, professor of science, Fryling cited Meyers’ thorough hiring process as a contributing factor to the authentic camaraderie experienced among department staff and a key marker of his professional legacy. For Fryling, the lab dedication “shows Ron has a stamp on the university. The university is going to be the way it is in part because of his contributions, and when it comes to science, he was the major contributor.”

A colleague of Ron Meyers, Gloria Baker developed courses in kinesiology for the university. Her belief in physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health led her to share her experience of clinical depression with students and pioneer the concept of holistic wellness as an integral part of the curriculum.

Outside of the classroom, Baker mentored faculty members, advised students and co-led educational trips to Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

“Although Gloria retired 15 years ago, she continues to give to CU in countless ways,” Kim Zainea, associate professor of kinesiology, said. “She is an amazing person who has been used in incredible ways in the lives of many students, faculty and staff. I am thankful for her willingness to be used by God in my life and so many others. I’ve told her that when she gets to heaven, her crown will be so big that she will need me to help her carry it!”

To the Glory of Christ the Creator

The uncompromising dedication of Meyers and Baker to teach science through the lens of a biblical worldview continues to impact their colleagues and former students to this day.

To tour the Jack and Mary De Witt Center for Science and Technology which celebrates Christ as Creator and houses the namesake Meyers-Baker Lab, watch the video below.

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