Buena Vista University announces the retirement of Dr. Scott Anderson, a distinguished faculty member who has dedicated over 28 years to teaching, fostering connections, and serving the university community.
Before joining BVU, Dr. Anderson spent over 15 years working in the marketing industry. His extensive industry background enriched his courses in Consumer Behavior, Selling, and Market Research, providing students with real-world examples and practical tools like consumer and market analysis.
“Scott had come out of Corporate America, and it was so interesting in how he could bring his corporate experience and relate it to the marketing fundamentals we were learning,” said Mike Koenecke ’05. “In doing case studies and marketing presentations for his classes, students could discover their unique marketing and selling styles.”
Dr. Anderson made it a priority to facilitate connections between alumni and current students. “Scott had connections to everything we discussed in class. In marketing and selling, he could relate everything, and that made it so interesting,” said Evan Krause ’21. “Every couple of weeks, he’d bring in alumni from the business world and they helped us connect in business practices and with people.”
For Dr. Anderson, BVU has been more than just a job. “BVU has been my calling, the place I was meant to be to make a difference,” he reflects. “I’ve had a fulfilling life and career, helping students figure out their paths and achieve their goals.”
He has been instrumental in shaping the career trajectories for many of his students. “I had to take a selling class taught by Scott. Throughout the first month, I kept asking myself, ‘Why am I here? I’m never going into sales,” said Cara Kempadoo ’23. “It turned out that I loved the class and now am in sales and I have Scott to thank!” Kempadoo now works as a Sales Consultant for Johnson Brothers.
Koenecke also recalled how Dr. Anderson had a talent for linking students with their career paths. “He had the foresight to set up an internship for me 20 years ago, an experience that helped launch my career because of the relationships I built, connections that still have positive ramifications for my career and business two decades later.”
Dr. Anderson is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve at BVU. He extends his heartfelt appreciation to his colleagues, Dr. Lisa Best, Dean of the Harold Walter School of Business, his students, alumni, and family.
Reflecting on his time at BVU, “I had the privilege to teach in the classroom, help young people learn, and work with alumni who are living out the theories we discuss in class. “The network of friends I’ve built, both students and alumni, is incredibly powerful. Beavers are out there, and they support each other even before knowing one another.”
In retirement, Dr. Anderson looks forward to spending time with his family. He plans to enjoy the great outdoors and continue his passion for mentoring students as the Director of Business Internships at BVU.
