Her Story
About Chaunda
Dr. Chaunda L. Scott is a distinguished Professor of Human Resource Development at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where she has served for more than 28 years. A dedicated educator, researcher, and mentor, she has built an exceptional career centered on advancing leadership, workforce development, and organizational learning. Dr. Scott earned her doctorate degree from Teachers College Columbia University and her master’s degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education which are credentials that have supported academic excellence in teaching, , scholarship, service and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to preparing future leaders while making meaningful contributions to the field of human resource development. An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Scott was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to teach and conduct research in Cape Town, South Africa and has presented her research at conferences and academic forums across the globe, including Montreal Quebec, Canada, Oxford, England, Limerick, Ireland, Dubai UAE, Beijing, China and several U.S. cities.. She has co-edited ten scholarly books, 75 single and co-authored articles and book chapters and is currently working on another co-edited book project.. In recognition of her significant contributions to the profession, she received the Academy of Human Resource Development’s Book of the Year Award in 2020, one of the field’s highest honors. Her work has earned national recognition for its impact on research, teaching, and the advancement of human resource development, reflecting her commitment to expanding knowledge and fostering excellence in higher education. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Dr. Scott is passionate about preserving African American history and promoting community engagement. She works alongside her family who launched Minnesota’s Black Community Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to documenting, celebrating, and sharing the achievements of African Americans. In 2025, the organization produced a documentary highlighting Minnesota’s intergenerational African American professional community, furthering its mission to educate, inspire, and preserve important historical and contemporary accomplishments and contributions of African Americans in Minnesota. Through her leadership in education, research, publishing, and community service, Dr. Scott continues to make a lasting impact both within academia and beyond, exemplifying a career defined by scholarship, service, and a commitment to empowering others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chaunda
01What do you attribute your success to?
Having a clear understanding of what success means to me professionally, along with seeking out opportunities that are aligned with my career goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to put time and effort into everything I do and to do it well. I’ve learned that consistent dedication, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in even the smallest tasks ultimately defines my professional reputation and long-term success. By approaching every responsibility with purpose and integrity, I ensure that my work reflects both my values and my high standard for quality.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering academia is to seek out a mentor who can give you a realistic understanding of what the profession truly involves. Take the time to shadow experienced faculty and observe the full scope of academic work, not just what is visible in the classroom. Many people only see teaching, but that is just one part of the role. To succeed as a professor, publishing is essential and often represents the majority of the work, alongside teaching and service responsibilities. Understanding this balance early will help you prepare, set realistic expectations, and build a strong foundation for a successful academic career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Learning how to AI and Chat GPT to advance the field of Human Resource Development.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are about putting real effort into everything I do and not rushing through things just to get them done. I believe that if you are going to do something, you should take the time to do it properly, improve it, and make it the best it can be. It is not enough to just put something out there you should make it meaningful, thoughtful, and something you can stand behind with pride.
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