Get to Know HFC: Tommy Scott dedicates his career to student success

HFC Pre-Engineering Program Advisor Tommy Scott always wanted to be an educator.

“Throughout middle school and high school, I knew I wanted to teach math. I later worked in K-12 for 10 years,” said Scott.

Ensuring students transition to college successfully

The youngest of two sons, Scott lives in Dearborn. He is a graduate of the Henry Ford Academy. During his senior year of high school, he was dual enrolled at HFC and completed 15 credits. One of his teachers was HFC mathematics instructor Scott Barnett.

At Grand Valley State University, Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics and computer science. He later earned his master’s degree in educational leadership and is working on a second master’s degree in school counseling – both at GVSU. He expects to complete that degree by the end of 2027.

For the first decade of his career, Scott worked as Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Center in Livonia, which provides personalized tutoring in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, and test preparation for college entrance exams and state exams. While at Sylvan, he taught the college success class at Schoolcraft College.

“When I was at Sylvan, I did a lot of college prep, such as college transition and tutoring students for the SAT and ACT exams,” said Scott. “My master’s project was assisting high schools in creating college and career transition programs. It was not just about helping students transition to college, but also helping them be successful in their early semesters.”

Helping students navigate the transfer process to a 4-year school

While working at Sylvan and teaching at Schoolcraft, Scott decided to transition into higher education. He started working at the College in June of 2024.

His first role at HFC was as an Academic Advisor. He began his current position as a Program Advisor in 2026, advising students in the pre-engineering program.

“Pre-engineering students take a lot of math classes. I used to be a math teacher, so I feel right at home,” said Scott. “I love advising our engineering students and helping support them through the program. I'm excited to work more closely with our team in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Pre-engineering is a tough program, and our faculty do so much to support and encourage our students. I'm also looking forward to helping our students navigate the transfer process to universities once they complete the pre-engineering program.”

Scott moved from the Welcome Center to the Health Sciences Education Center (Building G on the main campus), allowing him to be working closely with faculty and staff in the School of STEM.

“I work with students on individualized learning plans. It’s not one-size-fits-all. For example, if you’re majoring in pre-engineering, yes, you’re taking the same classes as other students, but your experiences will be different. You might be full-time or part-time, but your goal is the same – completing your associate degree,” explained Scott.

Added Jennifer Markin, Scott's supervisor: “Tommy's approach to advising is rooted in building meaningful connections with students. Drawing on his background in education and his passion for supporting students through key transition points, he takes the time to understand their individual goals and helps them make informed decisions that support their immediate success and long-term plans.”

Scott plans to follow a career path in advising and higher education.

“What drew me to the College is how advising has changed over the years and how it’s integrated into the college experience, mirroring what our university partners are doing. I enjoy being part of something that’s growing and developing as a critical part of the College experience,” he explained.

Actively involved in community efforts

Outside HFC, Scott has worked part-time for the City of Dearborn Parks & Recreation for 20 years. For the last seven years, he has trained lifeguards. He is active at Dearborn Christian Fellowship, where he has been the volunteer leader of its high school youth group for 14 years.

“This is one of the things I love about working at HFC,” he said. “It’s close to home and part of the community I know and love.”