An Engineering Mind and a Hands-on Approach
Warren Baker
Former President of California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, California
May 2010
“QL+ has a good story to tell. It’s a unique learning environment … working on problems to help individuals dedicated to protecting our country who have placed themselves in harm’s way.”
Warren J. Baker, former President of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, California, is an engineer by training. He holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Civil Engineering and a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering.
When Jon Monett, Founder and Chairman of Quality of Life Plus (QL+), approached him about creating the QL+ Laboratory as a pilot program on the Cal Poly campus, the then President of the university needed little convincing. “I have known Jon for many years,” said Dr. Baker, “and have always been impressed with his dedication and intrigued by his work.”
Most importantly, Dr. Baker felt that Mr. Monett’s vision for the QL+ Lab closely aligned with Cal Poly’s ‘learn-by-doing’ approach, in which classroom instruction is reinforced with practical, ‘hands-on’ learning in the laboratory. “The [QL+ Lab] promotes teamwork and creativity,” Dr. Baker said, “but the real advantage for students and faculty is the ability to work on real problems and develop real solutions. It’s an environment for the students and the faculty to really stretch their imagination and be innovative in their interdisciplinary work, all to help individuals with serious disabling injuries.”
Dr. Baker also comments on the extraordinary amount of time that Mr. Monett spends at the QL+ Lab. “He is there with the students frequently,” the former President of Cal Poly notes. “He knows the students and the faculty. They get to see his passion for the work they are accomplishing. The students see firsthand that Jon recognizes that the education and training he received at Cal Poly contributed to his success. I know that when those engineering students look back in 20 years, they will remember Jon Monett.”
Although Dr. Baker resigned from Cal Poly’s top post in July 2010, he remains closely involved with QL+, via his membership of the QL+ Leadership Council, and through his continuing friendship with Mr. Monett.
“QL+ has a good story to tell,” Dr. Baker said. “It’s a unique learning environment with another dimension—working on problems to help individuals dedicated to protecting our country who have placed themselves in harm’s way. I would like to help in any way I can.”