Keynote speaker

Dr. Krista Scott

Dr. Krista Scott

Dr. Krista Scott is a committed leader in higher education with a career-long dedication to creating structural and strategic support for students. In her current role as the Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Special Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University, she is responsible for driving strategic growth, student equity, and operational oversight. Dr. Scott oversees an extensive portfolio of student-facing initiatives, including a $7 million grant portfolio as principal investigator, first-generation student services, and pre-college programs. She is particularly proud of her time as an Associate Dean in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences, where she led a talented and committed group of academic advisors and leaders who tirelessly transform a complex institutional environment into a personalized, navigable roadmap for our students.

Throughout her career, Dr. Scott has become a staunch advocate for holistic student support, specializing in developing inclusive environments for her students. Her expertise spans the entire student lifecycle from strategic recruitment and enrollment management to retention and degree completion. An expert in campus operations and strategic planning, Dr. Scott is passionate about helping students find their "academic home." Her leadership is defined by a commitment to data-driven success and a "students-first" mentality.

Before joining the "RAMily" at VCU, Dr. Scott held leadership roles at The Ohio State University and the University of Florida.