Scott Zimmerman

Scott Zimmerman currently serves as Director of the Steven and Barbara Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship and full-time faculty member in the Business Administration Department at Columbia College’s Robert W. Plaster School of Business. Based at the Main Campus in Columbia, Missouri, Scott oversees the strategic and day-to-day operations of the Center, whose mission is to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and promote entrepreneurship as a career choice. He leads the continued development and engagement of the Center’s Advisory Council, providing strategic direction and fostering connections within the entrepreneurial community.

As Director and faculty member, Scott’s role includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Leadership, and Management, with a typical academic load of 12-18 hours per year, including dedicated credit hours for Center leadership duties. He is responsible for curriculum development and oversight of relevant courses across all Columbia College locations, supporting the needs of in-person and online learners nationwide.
Prior to his current appointment, Scott was Chair of the Undergraduate Business Administration Program at William Woods University, providing strategic and operational oversight for the university’s largest and fastest-growing program. In this role, he pioneered innovative programs, launched new initiatives, and enhanced instructional methods to promote student success and engagement.

Scott’s expertise includes entrepreneurship program development, curriculum design, strategic planning, resource optimization, stakeholder management, and team leadership. He is recognized for his ability to build authentic relationships, develop inclusive communities, and drive institutional change through strategic planning and faculty leadership.

A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Scott served in senior leadership roles within the Missouri Army National Guard and National Guard Bureau, managing multi-million-dollar operations, implementing recruiting initiatives that led to national recognition, and fostering organizational diversity.

Scott was also a small business owner and is an advocate for entrepreneurial leadership, having spoken at national conferences on adaptive leadership and decision-making. He holds a Ph.D. and Ed.S. in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Regent University, an M.A. in Homeland Security from American Military University, and a B.A. in English from Missouri State University.

Scott Zimmerman is dedicated to supporting innovation, creativity, and a strong commitment to academic excellence—championing the next generation of entrepreneurs through exceptional teaching, program oversight, and leadership in higher education.