Faculty Feature: Scott Hessell
A Legacy of Impact: Professor Concludes Teaching Career
As he enters his final semester at the University of Arizona, we wanted to feature this distinguished professor and highlight a journey that transformed him from a track and field athlete to an influential business educator.
His path to academia was shaped by formative experiences at a small Kansas liberal arts college, where the close-knit academic community fostered meaningful connections between students and faculty.
"I found myself on the other side of this relationship when I taught an introduction to the business course at Pima Community College in 2003," he shares. "That experience helped me see the joy that many of my closest college professors must have experienced—the joy from seeing among my own students a genuine thirst for learning, the desire to tackle challenging topics, and the dedication to grow."
This moment led to his transition from industry to academia in 2008, where he devoted himself to advancing students' career aspirations. His impact has been particularly evident in his innovative retail entrepreneurship program, where students launched real business ventures under his guidance.
"For three years, I led students in a year-long retail entrepreneurship course that culminated in opening real retail ventures," he notes, "to see them struggle with so many questions, jump over so many hurdles, and push through so many obstacles brought genuine tears to my eyes during our celebratory gatherings."
Outside the classroom, this self-described introvert finds fulfillment in culinary pursuits—creating his signature Italian ragu sauce and mac and cheese—along with landscaping and tending to his backyard aviary. His passion for athletics continues through his devoted support of the Kansas City Chiefs, and his impressive sneaker collection hints at a lifelong appreciation for both sport and style. His engagement with the business community, exemplified by his participation in events like TenWest, has helped bridge the gap between academic theory and business practice.
As this is his final semester teaching, his legacy of combining industry insight with educational excellence continues to shape the next generation of business leaders at the University of Arizona.
