Dr. Scott Gordon, a first-generation college student who became provost of Eastern Washington University, has been named SFA’s ninth president.
A native of Malone, New York, Gordon received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Cortland. He earned a master’s 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’s 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’s Academic Affairs unit, led the development and implementation of the university’s 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.
“I am honored to be named president of SFA,” Gordon said. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the SFA Board of Regents, university leadership, faculty, staff, students and the great community of Nacogdoches to build on the university’s tradition of excellence.”
Gordon called the opportunity to serve as a leader at SFA a “dream come true.”
“I am deeply committed to the vision, mission and goals of SFA and believe my background and values are a great fit with the institution,” he said.
Gordon’s wide range of experiences made him the right choice for the SFA presidency, according to Brigettee Henderson, chair of the SFA Board of Regents.
“Based on Dr. Gordon’s outstanding credentials and his entrepreneurial spirit, the Board has full confidence that SFA will enjoy continued success as a result of his leadership,” she said. “He is a proven leader with the energy, integrity and compassion needed to guide SFA. We believe he will work tirelessly alongside our faculty, staff, students and Lumberjack alumni to build a bright future for our university.”
Gordon succeeds Dr. Baker Pattillo, who served as SFA’s president from 2006 until his death in December 2018.