Steve Scott

Baxter Springs, Kansas native and Pittsburg State University alumnus, Dr. Steven A. Scott is passionate about higher education. He understands the important role Pittsburg State plays in the region because he has invested more than 30 years of his life helping our students succeed. During his time at Pittsburg State he has served in a number of important leadership roles. In 1995, he was named chairperson of the Department of Special Services and Leadership; in 1999 he was selected as dean of the College of Education; and in 2006 he was named vice president for academic affairs. In 2008, in recognition of his broad scope of responsibility he earned the title of Provost and, in 2009, he was selected by the Kansas Board of Regents to become the ninth president of Pittsburg State University.

As chief executive officer of Pittsburg State University, President Scott oversees all aspects of the university. Under his guidance, the university developed a comprehensive strategic plan which defines academic excellence, student success, partnerships and innovation as the top priorities of the institution. He has a been a leader in fostering a deeper and more productive relationship between the university and the region.

Academic milestones include the addition of a Doctor of Nursing Practice, the first doctoral program in university history and the addition of the region’s first undergraduate polymer chemistry degree.

Scott understands the importance of athletics in the life of a campus, its students, and the community. An active advocate on the national level, in 2012 he was appointed to serve on the NCAA Division II Presidents Council, the highest governance body in Division II. In 2015, he was elected vice chair of the Presidents Council. In this role, he chaired the NCAA Division II Strategic Planning and Finance Committee and served on the NCAA Board of Governors. Later that same year, Scott's colleagues selected him to lead the group as chair. He assumed his duties in this role in January of 2016.

Scott earned a B.S.Ed. in mathematics from Pittsburg State in 1973, an M.S. in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1977, and Ed.S. from Pittsburg State University in 1984, and an Ed.D. from Oklahoma State University in 1990.

President Scott and his wife, Cathy, have two grown children, Kylie and Phil and three grandchildren, Josie, Hank and Beau.