Bradford Baker, assistant professor of Organizational Behavior at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Since joining the College in 2018, Bradford was a dedicated educator and researcher, exploring how individuals and teams navigate proactive behaviors and ethical decision-making in the workplace. His work appeared in leading academic journals, including the Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, the Journal of Applied Psychology, and the Harvard Business Review.
Bradford’s research focused on the complexities of speaking up, taking charge, and the unintended consequences of workplace behaviors. He was passionate about understanding both the benefits and potential downsides of these actions, offering valuable insights that shaped academic thought and real-world business practices.
During his time at Scheller, Bradford taught Leading People and Organizations and Leading Teams, inspiring undergraduate and MBA students with his dynamic teaching style and real-world applications of organizational behavior. His dedication to student success earned him deep respect from those he mentored.
A world traveler, Bradford set a record for study abroad experiences during his undergraduate years, visiting 42 countries before graduation. He ultimately explored more than 50 countries, with a deep appreciation for the culture and resilience he encountered across the globe. No matter how far he ventured, he remained closely connected to his roots, which included growing up between Washington and Montana on the Yakima and Blackfeet Reservations. He cherished summers at his family’s mountain cabin, where he panned for gold and embraced the outdoors.
Bradford’s commitment to community extended to his home in Cabbagetown, Atlanta, where he was deeply involved in neighborhood life. He could often be found at local gatherings, supporting small businesses, and engaging in initiatives that celebrated the area’s rich history and tight-knit spirit. His love for connection and service made him a valued friend and neighbor.
In an interview for the Humans of Scheller, Bradford described his proudest accomplishment as the year he spent caring for his father during his battle with terminal cancer—a testament to his loyalty, resilience, and compassion. In the same conversation, Bradford described his life story in one sentence: Overcoming adversity to try and be of service to humanity.
The Scheller College of Business community mourns his passing and extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, students, and colleagues. Bradford’s impact as a scholar, mentor, and adventurer will live on in the countless lives he touched.
For details on ways to honor his legacy, visit Bradford Baker’s memorial page.