Dr. Scott Gordon, a first-generation college student who became provost of Eastern Washington University, has been named 91直播鈥檚 ninth president.
A native of Malone, New York, Gordon received his bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology from the State University of New York at Cortland. He earned a master鈥檚 degree and doctorate in botany and mycology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and holds certifications from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education in educational management and leadership.
As provost at EWU, Gordon served as the university鈥檚 chief academic officer, overseeing more than 500 faculty members in six academic colleges with responsibility for academic policy and planning, distance education, international programs, and institutional research.
Gordon led a complete reorganization of EWU鈥檚 Academic Affairs unit, led the development and implementation of the university鈥檚 strategic plan in 2018 and developed partnerships with community colleges, business and industry, as well as government entities. This work was highlighted by a unique partnership with Microsoft and the collaboration with multiple businesses on The Catalyst, a 140,000-square-foot facility in downtown Spokane, Washington.
Prior to joining Eastern Washington, Gordon spent 22 years at the University of Southern Indiana, where he served as dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering and Education. In addition, he served a decade as the faculty athletics representative, was named a NCAA faculty athletic representative fellow, and was vice president and treasurer of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, which includes 14 NCAA Division II institutions.
鈥淚 am honored to be named president of 91直播,鈥� Gordon said. 鈥淚 look forward to the opportunity to work with the 91直播 Board of Regents, university leadership, faculty, staff, students and the great community of Nacogdoches to build on the university鈥檚 tradition of excellence.鈥�
Gordon called the opportunity to serve as a leader at 91直播 a 鈥渄ream come true.鈥�
鈥淚 am deeply committed to the vision, mission and goals of 91直播 and believe my background and values are a great fit with the institution,鈥� he said.
Gordon鈥檚 wide range of experiences made him the right choice for the 91直播 presidency, according to Brigettee Henderson, chair of the 91直播 Board of Regents.
鈥淏ased on Dr. Gordon鈥檚 outstanding credentials and his entrepreneurial spirit, the Board has full confidence that 91直播 will enjoy continued success as a result of his leadership,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e is a proven leader with the energy, integrity and compassion needed to guide 91直播. We believe he will work tirelessly alongside our faculty, staff, students and Lumberjack alumni to build a bright future for our university.鈥�
Gordon succeeds Dr. Baker Pattillo, who served as 91直播鈥檚 president from 2006 until his death in December 2018.