Dr. Scott Shaw is currently serving as the Dean and Professor of Business Innovation & Public Service at Grace Christian University. Dr. Shaw is not your average professor. Starting part-time in 2003 and becoming full-time in 2010, Dr. Shaw has spent over 20 years shaping minds in fields ranging from business, psychology, and human services to criminal justice and higher education leadership. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Shaw teaches in several of Grace’s programs, and is a leader in education and student development, his journey has been nothing short of impressive.
Why Grace?
When asked why he chose Grace Christian University out of all the colleges he could have joined, Dr. Shaw’s answer is simple but heartfelt. He says, “I love the people, the atmosphere, the values, and being able to serve through teaching students.” Grace Christian University’s commitment to fostering transformational relationships is something that resonates deeply with him. He believes that small class sizes allow him to connect with students on a personal level, creating an environment where meaningful interactions take place.
Dr. Shaw’s Academic Journey
It’s rare to meet someone with not just one but three doctorates. Dr. Shaw holds a Doctor of Ministry in conflict management, a PhD in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. His academic background is a reflection of his desire to serve in diverse capacities. Whether it’s designing curriculum, chairing the psychology program, or ensuring accreditation standards are met, Dr. Shaw’s expertise supports his various roles at Grace.
Martial Arts and Law Enforcement: A Unique Addition
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Shaw brings a unique skill set to the Grace community—he’s a black belt in multiple martial arts. When transitioning to a full-time professor in 2010, one of his conditions was to start a martial arts program at the university. He now holds a first-degree black belt in Shinsei Arnis Jitsu (a Filipino stick and knife fighting style) and a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo. He even teaches Taekwondo at Grace while preparing for his fifth-degree black belt.
Dr. Shaw’s background also includes working as a police officer and a county sheriff’s deputy. Certified in defensive tactics and PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics), he has taught law enforcement practices in his classes. He’s even involved in teaching women’s self-defense through the SHARP (Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention) curriculum, integrating evidence-based practices into his instruction.
Encourage Critical Thinking and Creativity
When it comes to teaching, Dr. Shaw emphasizes critical thinking and creativity. He encourages students to question everything. “Just because I say something doesn’t mean it’s right,” he states. Creating a classroom environment where students are invited to ask questions and challenge ideas is important. Dr. Shaw believes that humility is at the core of learning and that it’s important to create space for differing perspectives.
From real-world scenarios to role plays, Dr. Shaw uses creative teaching methods to help students think on their feet. Whether it’s a counseling scenario or a criminal investigation, he challenges students to ask, “What do you do?”—leading them to find solutions themselves. This approach not only prepares them for the real world but also encourages a collaborative learning experience.
Merging Biblical Learning with Mental Health and Law Enforcement
One of Dr. Shaw’s standout qualities is his ability to create a safe space for both mental health and biblical learning. As someone who values psychological safety and belonging, he understands that students need to feel safe to express diverse opinions and learn without fear. He says, “Nobody really cares what we know until they know how much we care.” Caring about people first allows him to create a space for learning where students feel heard and valued.
Dr. Shaw ensures that students understand how to approach topics like psychology, criminal justice, and law enforcement from a biblical perspective. By bringing real-world professionals, such as Navy SEAL Commander Mark Devine and resilience experts like Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, into the classroom, he blends theory with practice. Students are not just reading about the topics—they’re applying what they’ve learned in real-world contexts.
Walking the Journey Together
One of the most profound aspects of Dr. Shaw’s teaching philosophy is that he walks alongside his students to continually learn and grow. He admits that he doesn’t have all the answers, but he’s committed to learning and growing together with his students. “We’re all in a learning process together,” Dr. Shaw explains. “Let’s keep striving to refine our knowledge and gain greater clarity.” Whether it’s psychology, criminal justice, or leadership, he continues to expand his knowledge, refining and developing new skills. This collaborative journey ensures that students feel empowered to take ownership of their learning.
Building Relationships First
At the heart of Dr. Shaw’s teaching approach is his dedication to building relationships. He believes that before you can effectively teach someone, you must first care about them as a person. This is something that has shaped his teaching and mentoring style throughout his career at Grace Christian University. By demonstrating that students are more than just students—they are image-bearers of Christ—Dr. Shaw creates a space where they feel valued and supported. He takes the time to get to know students at a personal level and invest in their lives and futures.
Conclusion
Dr. Scott Shaw’s journey at Grace Christian University is a testament to his passion for education, leadership, and student development. Through his expertise in psychology, business innovation, martial arts, and law enforcement, he brings a unique blend of real-world experience and biblical principles to his teaching. Dr. Shaw continues to inspire and challenge his students to grow as individuals, both academically and spiritually. His commitment to building relationships, fostering critical thinking, and walking alongside students in their educational journey embodies the mission of Grace Christian University: equipping students to become courageous ambassadors for Christ.
Grace Christian University is fortunate to have such a multifaceted leader and professor who not only excels in his academic fields but also genuinely cares about the growth and well-being of his students. Whether through martial arts, psychology, or ministry, Dr. Shaw continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those he teaches, guiding them to learn, grow, and serve.
