When Baugh began his 25-year tenure at the college (the last 21 as president), the athletic program was without a national championship. Upon his retirement in 2008, the total was 13.

He oversaw the most successful era of the college’s athletic program, which produced eight national championships in cheerleading, five in women’s basketball and two in football.

Baugh approved the hiring of six national championship coaches –Kurt Budke, Michael Landers, Randy Pippin, Scotty Conley, Shannon Davidson and Lucy Strom. He joins Budke, Pippin and Conley in the Cardinal Hall of Fame.

During his tenure, numerous construction and renovation projects were completed in 10 buildings, including the football field house. The last building to be completed was named in his honor – Ronald C. Baugh Technology Center.