Scott Brantley didn’t always envision himself as teacher, but instead, began his impressive career by attending law school. At the end of his first year, he was drafted into the army where he served for two and a half years before returning to finish his law degree.
Scott is Chancellor University’s Criminal Justice program chair and one of the school’s longest standing professors. He’s also a retired FBI agent who works hard to impart his years of field knowledge to students here at CU.
When he was recruited for the FBI in 1976, Scott was introduced to the world of officer training. He spent many years working with officers of all levels, including police chiefs, patrol officers and more, to provide them with fundamental on-the-job training, something that would one day inspire him to pursue teaching criminal justice full-time.
Another major inspiration in Scott’s life is his father, who once gave him a piece of advice that changed the courses of his career path from mediocre student to former FBI agent and successful college professor he is today.
“My father convinced me while I was in college and struggling to shape up or I would get drafted into the army and probably not finish school,” said Scott. “I took his advice. He did not graduate from college and spoke from experience.”
Like his father, Scott also speaks from experience, one of the many reasons why students enjoy his classes so much and remain in contact with him long after graduating from Chancellor University.
“I had a student several years ago who switched his major from business to criminal justice. I taught him several CJ classes and stayed on him, convincing him he had to do well in the criminal justice core if he wanted a career in law enforcement. He did and it was enjoyable to watch him bear down and mature. He graduated from here, entered and graduated from a police academy, and went to work part-time at two police departments. Since then, he has had numerous job offers and is currently working full-time with a suburban police department, a job he calls his ‘dream job.’ He regularly contacts me and updates me on his career and I can sense the excitement and enthusiasm in his voice. I suggested to him over a year ago that he should continue his education and he will be receiving his master’s in criminal justice this December.”
Stories and experiences like this are what make teaching such a satisfying experience for Scott. “Hearing those things is really rewarding,” he said. “I enjoy teaching and then hearing back from students saying ‘I enjoyed our topic this week’ or ‘I never really knew that,’ too.”
When Scott isn’t busy working with students to help improve their lives and knowledge of criminal justice, he enjoys exercising, playing golf, reading non-fiction books and watching any and all sporting events.