The Importance of Being Authentic 

Marist University Associate Athletic Director Harrison Baker spoke about how authenticity has helps continue to improve both himself and Marist Athletics 

LOWELL THOMAS, November 17, 2025- Marist University Associate Athletic Director Harrison Baker spoke at a press conference in the Lowell Thomas Communications Building at Marist University Monday night. He talked about how authenticity not only helped him grow as a professional, but also how it has helped and will continue to help Marist Athletics grow with the emergence of NIL.  

“Truly it’s just equating my values”, said Baker.  

Baker has had an interesting career route. Upon graduating from Marist in 2014, he was hired back by Marist as an Assistant Sports Information Director. After four years, he transitioned to Tulane University for two years and then was rehired back at Marist as an Associate Athletic Director. What set him apart though from his competition was that he was authentic to himself. He took his values of hard work and his willingness to learn, and it distinguished himself at every stop along his professional journey. 

He has this same approach when it comes to building the brands of his respective schools. While at Marist, he helped grow the social media accounts to the point where upon leaving for the first time they had more followers than a larger school like Tulane. His strategy at Marist was leaning into what Marist was, an often-overlooked school that has the potential to compete with anyone. He took this strategy to Tulane, and it helped boost their social media engagements by 87 percent.  

“The most effective [content strategy] has been our authenticity”, said Baker. 

The authenticity approach doesn’t just apply for athletic social media but also helps brand athletes in the midst of NIL. Unlike power five and high-major schools, the athletes at Marist University don’t have the same resources to focus purely on athletics on their way to the professional level. Baker uses this to brand the athletes at Marist University as hardworking people who are very good at their craft.  

“We’re all in the same boat with holes in it”, said Baker 

With the pressure of NIL weighing heavily on mid-major schools, there is a constant struggle to retain players on a multi-year level. However, Marist still finds opportunities to compete as the level of competitiveness is increasing in many sports such as men's basketball, softball, and football. This all helps build the authentic brand Baker is marketing for Marist and will help Marist continue to grow and compete as NIL continues to shape the college athletic landscape.  

Press Contact 

Jalen Carpenter 

(614) 900-0951 

Jalencarp1@outlook.com