Empowering Voices

For those who love a good “dare to dream” story, the School of Communication Studies Master’s in Communication and Advocacy alum Will Scott’s journey through life and academia is one for the ages. 

Will’s life began in Norfolk, Virginia, where he was born under challenging circumstances. By the age of five, he was in the care of Child Protective Services. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalls teachers viewing him through the lens of low expectations. Overcoming adversity and odds, Will pursued his undergraduate degree at Liberty University while balancing work on the Obama campaign. It was through this experience that led him to his passion for politics and, specifically, debate. 

In 2015, Will earned the distinction of being part of the first graduating class of the Communication and Advocacy master’s program. While he concentrated in environmental communication, he also sharpened his interests in politics and campaigning.

With self-effacing and clever humor, he jokes that he wasn’t the “number one draft pick” for the Communication and Advocacy program at JMU, but Will credits the professors who saw his potential and supported him in becoming who he wanted to be.

It’s clear that Will’s early education experience combined with his time at JMU crystallized his approach to teaching. Will firmly believes that one should support people who are growing into who they want to be, not who you want them to be.

The master’s in Communication and Advocacy program allowed Will to envision a career sharing his gifts for advocacy and debate in a manner that allows students to shine. He remembers a faculty that adapted the curriculum to fit the students, rather than making students adjust to the curriculum. His advice to students is: “Don't just focus on academia. There’s so much more. Be willing to be a little bit creative. And don’t feel like you are stuck in the box of a program.”  

Life took Will to China where he continues to seek out the gifts all students bring. He is currently an academic director for Tournament of Champions Asia (TOC Asia).  Alongside this, he is a director for a speech and debate league for SpeechCraft that he passionately leads, focusing on inclusivity for students at all levels. “It’s not only the kids who get trophies that matter,” Will said.

Will Scott is making a difference as a speech and debate coach. His students recently gifted him a Manchester United jersey that reads, “Best Coach,” a testament to his dedication to watching his students grow. We are proud to have him as a part of our alumni family, sharing his passion and impact across the globe.