The education landscape has been undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, societal shifts, and evolving student needs. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the role of educational leaders has become increasingly critical. These individuals are responsible for shaping the future of learning, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In 2024, a new generation of dynamic leaders is emerging in the education sector. Dr. Scott Shaw (Dean & Professor of Grace Christian University ) is approaching the educational sector with a commitment to equity and inclusion. His ability to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing world is being beneficial to the success of Grace Christian University.
Navigating the Crossroads of Mental Health
Dr. Scott Shaw’s career path has been deeply rooted in a commitment to serving others. His journey began during his college years, where he worked with adults dealing with persistent mental illness while pursuing his advanced clinical education, which includes a Master’s in Counseling, a Master of Social Work (MSW), and a PhD in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine. For seven years, Dr. Shaw held various clinical and administrative roles in the mental health field.
He then transitioned into home-based family and child counseling, where he spent the next eleven years not only working directly with families but also supervising other therapists. This experience enhanced his clinical expertise and allowed him to thrive in the challenge of working within communities. As his career progressed, Dr. Shaw developed an interest in the intersection of law enforcement, legal issues, and mental health, particularly focusing on individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction who often find themselves entangled in the judicial system.
His interest in business emerged from recognizing the vital role that community stakeholders play in supporting public initiatives. Dr. Shaw believes that serving the public—or one’s customers—is a crucial aspect of leadership. This desire to give back and nurture future leaders who share a passion for service led him to pursue further education in the field of educational leadership, earning an EdD to strengthen his ability to train and mentor the next generation of leaders.
Ethical Leadership for a Better Future
Dr. Scott Shaw’s leadership philosophy is founded on the principle of serving others effectively. He believes that by aligning goals, values, and ethics with a focus on service, it becomes possible to envision a future that is more equitable, just, and respectful of the dignity and diversity of all individuals. Central to his approach is ethical innovation, where technology is leveraged thoughtfully to adapt and enhance the ability to serve others.
Dr. Shaw has prioritized competency-based education (CBE) as a key element in preparing students to integrate real-world skills that are immediately applicable in their careers. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, often through internships with employers and engagement with community stakeholders, to ensure students are equipped with practical knowledge. Recognizing that graduates have high expectations for both their education and career success, Dr. Shaw is committed to aligning educational programs with the demands of the marketplace to ensure their success after graduation.
The Importance of Collaboration and Self-Care
Dr. Scott Shaw has had a distinguished career in the mental health field, progressing from residential staff to the role of Dean. His journey has been marked by professional achievements, including awards and recognition for his contributions. However, the most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the success of his mentees. He believes in the power of collaboration and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. He emphasizes humility and openness as essential qualities for effective leaders. To maintain his effectiveness, he prioritizes organization, self-care, and a balanced life. This includes purposeful planning, journaling, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Leading Innovation and Supporting Growth
Aspiring for the School of Business Innovation and Public Service to be a pioneer in innovation, Dr. Shaw is advancing the university’s mission and fostering the growth of all its programs. The school plays a vital role in strengthening social science offerings across the curriculum and offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in business, criminal justice, human services, and psychology, both on-campus and online. In addition, the school provides a robust array of graduate degree programs designed to equip students for future success.
Mission-Fit Students and Unique Program Offerings
Dr. Scott Shaw aims to attract mission-aligned students who seek an education grounded in a Christian worldview, whether through on-campus or online programs. These students are encouraged to pursue their vocational calling post-graduation, knowing they are well-prepared for their careers. A unique feature of the school’s offerings is the 4+1 program, which allows students to begin their graduate studies while completing their undergraduate degree, providing them with a head start on their professional journey.
Scholar-Practitioners and Community Engagement
Believing in the importance of faculty with real-world experience. The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect industry trends, and faculty members actively engage in their fields outside of academia. The school values community input and partnerships to ensure the curriculum remains relevant. Dr. Scott Shaw applies a “coaching” approach to leadership, emphasising personal growth in all areas. He leads by example and fosters a culture of mutual growth and excellence. While celebrating achievements, he maintains a focus on continuous improvement and striving for more.
Dr. Scott Shaw believes that humility and open communication are crucial to building a high-performing team. As a leader, he strives to lead by example and supports his team in ways that allow them to thrive and give their best for the students. His leadership approach focuses on empowering team members to excel, giving them the freedom to shine without unnecessary interference.
By establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs), Dr. Shaw lets the results speak for themselves. This approach requires a high level of trust in the team, a principle that has proven effective throughout his 30 years of experience in supervising and managing teams.
Addressing the Rising Costs and Value of a College Degree
Dr. Shaw acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges faced by higher education today is the rising cost of tuition and the growing skepticism surrounding the value of a college degree. Smaller universities, particularly those in certain geographic areas, are more vulnerable to shifting demographics and changing perceptions of higher education. Like many institutions of its size, Dr. Shaw’s university is committed to making education more accessible and fostering community involvement and investment in the future of its students.
Building a Path to Debt-Free Education and Career Success
In response to these challenges, the university has been actively working toward creating a “path to a debt-free education.” This includes offering scholarships, work-study programs, and other initiatives to help offset the financial burden on students. Additionally, the university encourages students to engage in internships and employment opportunities in various industries, agencies, and churches. Dr. Shaw takes pride in seeing graduates thrive as ambassadors for the university, serving in high-level positions across different sectors.
Dr. Scott Shaw takes great pride in watching his current and former students lean into their callings and serve others at a high level. He feels honored to have played even a small role in their journeys and is consistently inspired by the incredible work his graduates are doing within their communities. For Dr. Shaw, this is deeply gratifying, as it reflects the real-world impact of the lessons and experiences shared in his classes. Seeing his former students transition into their careers and continue to serve others effectively represents the ripple effect of their time together.
Staying Humble and Committed to Lifelong Learning
Dr. Shaw emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous learning. He believes in staying up-to-date with current trends and making evidence-based decisions by following the data. As part of his leadership philosophy, he encourages leaders to seek out mentors or coaches. Dr. Shaw himself has benefited greatly from mentors who were further along in their careers, providing him with valuable insights and guidance. These relationships have been instrumental in aligning his goals and aspirations, and he credits his mentors for much of his professional growth.
In addition to learning from peers, Dr. Shaw regularly engages with students, gathering their perspectives through casual conversations over lunch or more formal focus groups. His recent research on student sense of belonging highlights his commitment to active listening and making intentional improvements based on student feedback. He believes that since students are the primary beneficiaries of higher education, it is crucial to listen, remain humble, and take deliberate action to enhance their experiences.
The Future Challenges and Imperatives of Higher Education
Dr. Shaw recognizes that higher education will increasingly face public demands for greater accessibility, transparency in pricing, and accountability for educational outcomes and competencies. There is a growing expectation that institutions will effectively prepare the next generation to meet societal needs well into the future. While specific knowledge can now be easily accessed online, the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making remains a crucial competency.
As Dr. Shaw sees it, the demand for critical thinkers who are committed to lifelong learning and adhere to a strong ethical code will be more significant than ever. Although specific skills may become obsolete shortly after graduation, the ability to think critically and apply ethical principles in one’s profession will provide enduring value throughout a lifetime.
