At The University of Alabama, Anna Grace Baker has distinguished herself as both a nursing student and a Crimsonette. Her days are long, filled with clinical rotations, classes, and hours of dance practice, yet she moves through them with focus and purpose. Balancing academics, athletics, and leadership, she has embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow, preparing herself for life after college while leaving her own light on campus.

A Heart Shaped by Service

Service runs deep in Anna Grace Baker’s family. Her father served as assistant fire chief for 15 years, and both of her brothers

are firefighters–one a paramedic at Pelham Fire Department, the other at the Clanton Fire Department. Growing up in a household defined by courage, care and selflessness, she witnessed firsthand what it means to step up when others need help the most. 

“Seeing them take care of others on their worst day was something I loved,” Baker says. “Their hearts for service inspire me to keep pushing through school to become just like them.”

Those early lessons in empathy and responsibility shaped not only her career choice but also the way she approaches life. Baker carries that sense of duty into every classroom, clinical rotation and community engagement. Her family legacy fuels her ambition and anchors her purpose—a drive to make a difference wherever she goes, whether  through nursing, mentoring or community service.

Twirl, Travel and Dedication

Even before college, Baker knew the meaning of hard work. In high school, she balanced classes at Jefferson State Community College while traveling across the country as a majorette, competing and performing at every turn. 

“My pre-college days were so much fun and of course super busy,” Baker says. “Some of my best memories of my twirling career come from these competitions and spending these years with family.” 

These experiences built resilience, discipline and the joy of striving toward goals with the support and inspiration of her loved ones. Today, as a Crimsonette at Alabama, she carries that same dedication and drive into every practice and performance.

Crimsonette Life Meets Nursing

Being a Crimsonette has shaped Baker in ways that reach far beyond dance. The

intense schedule has taught her endurance, focus and leadership. 

“During our band camp, we practice for over 12 hours with a lunch and dinner break allotted in that time frame,” Baker explains. “Once school begins, we practice every afternoon.” 

Her dual roles often overlap in unexpected ways. 

“The girls on our team will come to me for any scrapes, cuts or any medical questions, and I think it is so cool that I get to be that person for them.” She sees the connection clearly: “As a Crimsonette, we are always giving back to the community and bringing light to those who need it,” Baker says. “As a nurse, we get to be the light for a family who is walking through a dark time.”

UA Shaping Her Future

Between nursing clinicals and dance practice, Baker has mastered the art of time management and prioritization. She carefully plans each day to stay balanced—a skill she says has transformed her college experience.

The Capstone College of Nursing currently holds a 100% NCLEX pass rate, reflecting the program’s rigor and commitment to student success.

Carrying the Torch Forward

​​After graduation, Anna Grace plans to return home to Clanton to be with her family and begin her career in cardiac nursing, following the preparation she received at the Capstone College of Nursing. She also hopes to keep the Crimsonette spirit alive by coaching baton.

“I am excited to see what the next chapter holds for me, but it is hard to say goodbye to this one,” Baker says. 

With her heart for service, fierce determination and passion for helping others, Anna Grace Baker is poised to leave a lasting mark—on her community, her patients and the next generation of Crimsonettes.