by SHELBY MORGAN//Staff Writer
Following his heart and hard work has led Dr. Lance Scott to his current position at South Plains College as the new Chairperson of the Department of Professional Services and Energy.
Dr. Scott is a product of the program he is now in charge of, having graduated from SPC with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement in 1994.
“This was my dream job,” Dr. Scott said. “I am a product of our program, and I thought someday after I get done with the actual law enforcement work, I’d like to come back here and teach.”
He began his career in law enforcement with the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer. He later served as a patrol deputy, then the jail administrator. Through hardships, he experienced a career change and pursued his master’s degree in information technology at Wayland Baptist. He began working as an instructor for Gateway, started his own business building websites for companies and corporations, and eventually returned to South Plains College as the distance education network coordinator.
Yet something was missing. He always had his love of law enforcement in the back of his mind. So when an opportunity arose to jump back in the saddle, he decided to run for Constable of Precinct 5 in Hockley County. He was elected and sworn in to office in 2012. He has been re-elected, and currently serves as Constable.
Not long after, a full-time position opened up in the law enforcement department. Scott applied, interviewed, and received the position.
“I didn’t get here like I expected, but I got here,” he said.
He has served on the Campus Carry Task Force, Distance Education Committee, and Professional Services Committee.
“I want to stay in line with what Dr. Satterwhite has set forth for his vision for our college, and that is growth,” Dr. Scott said. “Recruiting students and retaining students. Along with that, I think his vision is that we produce a good, quality product. When a student leaves our program, whether it be law enforcement technology, cosmetology, or electrical, they’re not going to have any problem not getting a job, because they are well qualified.”
Though he may not have taken the route he had planned, Dr. Scott says he is exactly where he is supposed to be. He has worked his way up, and knows the program from the inside out, which will aid in how he conducts the department.
“I’ve tried to make it clear to our faculty and our department that I don’t view myself as a boss,” said Dr. Scott.“I view myself as hopefully a leader, and nothing gets done without them. They are the backbone of this entire department. Any successes in each of our programs, or in any of the departments, belong to the faculty of this department.”
[Photo courtesy of Dr. Lance Scott]
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