H. Kent Baker

Harold Kent Baker, age 81, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away on January 22, 2026 after a short illness.

Dr. Baker was a CFA, CMA, and proudly served as a Distinguished Professor of Finance at the Kogod School of Business, American University. He was recently selected as the first recipient of the Kogod Lifetime Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his scholarship, teaching and service.

Over his 56-year career in academia, he was a leading voice in finance, particularly in the areas of behavioral finance, dividend policy, and survey research methodology. His interdisciplinary research has transformed modern finance and changed how scholars, practitioners, and policymakers approach market behavior.

The Journal of Finance Literature recognized him as among the top 1% of the most prolific authors in finance during the past 50 years. In 2024, Stanford University ranked him among the top 2% of scientists in the world. Dr. Baker was an award-winning author and editor who published 47 books, 222 peer-reviewed articles, and more than 100 practitioner-oriented works.

Dr. Baker was also an accomplished musician who played five instruments and was a member of several bands the most recent of which was known as "Inner Circle". His musical taste was diverse and extensive. Kent had a passion for cars - he loved to customize his cherished GTI and go to car shows. He got much joy from his hobbies and being a pet parent to a series of exceptionally fuzzy cats including his current feline, Rory.

Kent was predeceased by his wife, Linda A. Baker. Their 43-year marriage was a true love story that began with their meeting at American University. As a tribute to their love Kent provided American University with a substantial gift which has resulted in the renaming of the School of Education to the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education. Their legacy will continue to provide support for the school and fuel the school's continued success into its next chapter.

Kent was predeceased by his parents, David Harold Baker and Ruby Lee Baker, and his brother David Keith Baker. He is survived by his sister, Kathlyn Baker and his niece, Kira-le Baker. Kent leaves a host of business partners and friends who will miss his wisdom, humor, and gentle spirit.

Dr. Baker directed that there be no funeral service and no flowers or other condolence gifts be sent to the family. Instead a more fitting tribute would be to honor Kent's legacy of learning and teaching by seeking out new knowledge, developing and sharing those insights with others, and loving every minute of the discovery.

Services entrusted to Going Home Cremation and Funeral Care.