Rate My Professor Stephen Scott

Dr. Stephen Scott serves as Principal Adviser for Learner Success at the University of Otago's Centre for Educational Design and Innovation. Of Ngāti Whātua and English descent, he has built a career focused on improving student retention, engagement, and academic success, with particular emphasis on first-year students, Māori, and Pacific learners within the Division of Sciences. Previously, Scott was Head of the newly created Office of Student Success in the Student and Academic Services Division, evolving from his role as Director of First-Year Experience. In these positions, he led university-wide initiatives such as the Locals Programme for students living in the community, flatting, or at home; UNIO101 orientation; workload advice; early student contact; and revisions to the Academic Progress Policy, extending support beyond first-year to all undergraduate levels. As Associate Dean (Māori) for the Division of Sciences, he taught Zoology, developed specialized courses and assessments to enhance learning, and worked at the divisional level to boost Māori student recruitment, retention, and achievement. Scott also co-developed the Science Wānanga for Māori Sciences, launched in 2008 at Hauiti Marae at the request of the late Dr. Paratene Ngata, to inspire Ngāti Porou rangatahi in sciences and health sciences through projects on topics like ocean acidification and drug effects.