Northwestern Oklahoma State University

A native of Holdenville, Keith Baxter was a two-sport standout, making his mark on the gridiron and the diamond.
 
Baxter was the starting quarterback for four seasons and established several individual records. During his senior season in 1984, Baxter guided Northwestern to a 7-3 mark and a top 25 ranking. In his four seasons, he was a three-time All-Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference and All-District 9 performer.
 
He also was a starter on the baseball team for four seasons, playing first base and catching. Baxter compiled a career batting average of .292. Baxter also earned postseason honors in baseball as a three-time All-OIC performer and an All-District 9 selection.
 
Baxter also excelled in the classroom and was consistently on the Dean’s Honor Roll.
 
After earning his bachelor's degree in 1986, he began his coaching career working with the defensive backs as a graduate assistant coach at Northwestern. He helped coach the Rangers to its first OIC title that fall.
 
It did not take long for coaching abilities to be recognized by other universities. He moved to New Mexico State University in 1987 and was the defensive backs coach for two seasons.
 
For the next 16 years, he spent his career at Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he performed several different roles for the Savage Storm. In 1989 he began as a Health and Physical Education instructor and as offensive coordinator, a post which he held for 12 years. His offensive units broke nearly every school record as Southeastern made its mark as a Division II program.
 
Baxter was named the head coach at Southeastern following the 2000 season. While he was at the helm, the program compiled a record of 25-16 and earned an NCAA national playoff appearance in 2004, the first in school history. His teams captured a Lone Start Conference North Division Championship and finished second two times. In addition, his teams had 43 All-LSC performers.
 
Baxter was named the LSC North Coach of the Year in 2004. His emphasis on the student-athlete concept was validated as Southeastern boasted the top graduation rate in the LSC North from 2001-04.

Following his successful stint as a head coach, Baxter decided to take a different route in his career, going to work for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
 
In 2008, Southeastern sought out Baxter to serve as athletic director, a position he still holds.