Baldwin began his career with the Boeing Company at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From Boeing, he went to Lockheed Martin to continue with human-space-flight efforts as a senior contract administrator. The July 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was his first human-space-flight experience. It was a joint U.S.-Soviet flight, and the last flight of an Apollo spacecraft.
In 1981, Baldwin received the NASA Public Service Medal in recognition of his personal dedication and exceptional performance as a member of Boeing Services International Management Team. The honor recognized his outstanding support for the preparation and launch of the space shuttle Columbia’s first orbital flight.
Baldwin retired from the Kennedy Space Center after 37 years of service.
He now lives in Orlando, Fla., with his wife, Jo Ann. They are the proud parents of Kourtney and Brandee Baldwin.
Baldwin, who is originally from Wardell, Mo., praises Missouri State even while telling on himself with a funny story. As soon as he arrived on campus his first day, he took his luggage and headed straight to the office of the president. After all, he expected the president to assign him to his residence hall room.
But he got the hang of campus life and went on to serve as a member of the ROTC’s Lancer Company and president of the black student union, where he learned the principles of friendship and loyalty, and how to be a leader.
“My degree from Missouri State opened lots of doors for opportunities that I would never have had otherwise.”
His advice to current students is simple: “Apply yourself. Missouri State will provide the foundation you need to compete in life. Have a well-rounded personality, be trustworthy and loyal, and you will go far in life.”
