Gaston’s Sixth President: Wayne Scott

Wayne Scott’s journey from NASA physicist to Gaston College’s sixth president was somewhat of an unconventional path in higher education leadership.

Scott, a Chattanooga native, earned degrees from the University of Chattanooga, William & Mary, and Ohio State before his tenure at NASA from 1962 to 1965. At Langley Field, he contributed to shield development for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo spacecraft.

After working for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Scott transitioned to education, serving as president of DeKalb Community College in Atlanta from 1976 to 1981.

Scott’s appointment as Gaston College’s president in 1981 marked the beginning of a 12.5-year tenure characterized by growth and development. Earl Groves, Gaston College trustee chairman, vouched for Scott’s credentials after a personal visit to DeKalb.

Under Scott’s leadership, Gaston College experienced increased enrollment and launched a campus beautification initiative. The college also benefited from substantial fundraising efforts supported by local philanthropists and corporations.

Notable infrastructure improvements during Scott’s presidency included the widening of U.S. 321 alongside the school’s campus eased traffic, and provided an overpass for a main entrance off 321 on the south side of campus and an overpass at the Dallas-Cherryville Highway on the north side of campus.

Scott left Gaston College in November 1993 to pursue consulting work. He authored 22 books on success and motivation before his passing in 2019 at age 82 in Johnson City, Tennessee.