 Dr. and Mrs. Baker are the founders of Positive Alternative Radio. They have never sought public recognition, but were content to work quietly, though in key roles, in the background. Through PAR, they were the driving force behind the building and launch of listener supported Christian radio stations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
Those stations, as they exist today, include Spirit FM, WPER - Positive Hits, WCQR, and Joy FM.
 Vernon Baker was born on September 25, 1921 and grew up during the Depression on farms in Tennessee where he learned the value of hard work and education. Dr. Baker went off to World War II where he served as an electronics officer in the Navy in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Tennessee (Electrical Engineering and Agricultural Engineering), as well as graduate degrees from Michigan State University (M.S. and Ph.D.). He was a member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church where he was very involved over the years.
 Dr. and Mrs. Baker started their family and eventually moved to Blacksburg, VA, where Dr. Baker joined the faculty at Virginia Tech as a research professor in agricultural processing. After a successful career as a professor and research engineer, Dr. Baker decided to follow his passion for radio and his instincts as an entrepreneur.
 When asked how they have achieved so much and maintained such a busy schedule for so many years, Dr. Baker said, "Hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude." Dr. Baker viewed their non-profit enterprise as a way to give back some of the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon them.
 Dr. Vernon H. Baker passed away Saturday, July 11, 2009. To honor his legacy, the family has requested that instead of flowers that gifts be given to Joy FM in his honor.
Click here to make a donation in honor of Dr. Baker.
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