Pitt president Steve Scott to step down in June 2022
Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott has announced he will step down from his position in June 2022, at the end of the current fiscal year.
But he’s stopping short of calling it a retirement, choosing instead to keep his future options open, he told the Kansas Board of Regents.
“I’ve strived to lead a life of purpose serving others, and even in the years ahead, I’m not finished,” he said. “It will be clearer as the year closes what that might entail; I’m still tenured as a faculty member here, so perhaps that might entail teaching — I just don’t yet know.”
He will be staying in Pittsburg, where he and his wife have already purchased a home and recently completed renovating it; they love the community and plan to remain active participants at university events and within the community.
An alumnus of Pittsburg State, Scott has for the past three decades served the university in every leadership capacity possible: as a faculty member in the College of Education, chair of the Department of Special Services and Leadership Studies, dean of the College of Education, vice president for Academic Affairs, and most recently, provost in 2008. His term as president began in 2009.
A Baxter Springs native and the son of two teachers, Scott’s relationship with Pittsburg State began in childhood: his mother and father were both graduates, as is his brother, longtime CEO of Walmart.
Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Pittsburg State in 1973, then went on to complete a master’s degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1977, an educational specialist’s degree from Pittsburg State in 1984, and a doctorate degree in education from Oklahoma State University in 1990.
During Scott’s tenure, the campus has seen some of the most ambitious building projects in its history, including the funding and completion of the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, Block22, the Plaster Center, and the expansion of the Overman Student Center.
Under his leadership, the university also completed many academic milestones, including 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, as well as the expansion of the Gorilla Advantage program to 31 states.
Scott has held seats on numerous regional and national councils and boards, including serving as chair of the NCAA Division II Presidents Council, the highest governing body in Division II; as the chair of the MIAA CEO Council; and as a member of the University of Kansas Cancer Center Community Advisory Board.
Three significant capital projects remain on Scott’s mind and on the university’s horizon, and this year he’ll focus on getting those projects underway: Kelce College of Business renovation; a simulation hospital at McPherson Hall, home to the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing; and John Lance Arena updates.
Scott notified the Kansas Board of Regents of his decision last week and the board will discuss the search in coming months.