- Phone:
- 219-980-6809
- Email:
- mcbaer@iu.edu
- Campus:
- IU Northwest
Mark Baer joined the IU Online team in May 2024 as the Interim Assistant Vice President for Online Academic Affairs, following a year as a Faculty Fellow to the Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education (VPRCOE). In this role, he supports AVP Chris Foley in overseeing Online Academic Affairs, including collaborative program management, program review and assessment, instructional design services, and instructional support. Baer collaborates with faculty across Indiana University to foster relationships and enhance program quality and delivery.
Baer is an Associate Professor of Performing Arts with tenure at IU Northwest. A lifelong actor, director, and producer of live theatre, his directing credits include productions with Commonweal Theatre Company, St. Croix Festival Theatre, Towle Theatre, and Circle City Acting Company, as well as numerous productions for Theatre Northwest. He is a founding member of the Gary Shakespeare Company, an award-winning troupe providing free Shakespearean performances in public spaces throughout northwest Indiana. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for St. Croix Festival Theatre and is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
With a robust background in faculty leadership, Baer has served on the IU Northwest Executive Committee for over a decade. He was President of the IU Northwest Faculty Organization from 2020 to 2023, during which he worked to advance intercampus collaboration and strengthen faculty governance through the University Faculty Council and the Regional Faculty Caucus.
Baer holds an MFA in Theatre Direction from Illinois State University and a BS in International Business and Theatre from the University of Findlay.