Dr. Scott W. Thayer has been an advocate for historically underrepresented students throughout his professional career. Dr. Thayer received his doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from the University of Southern California focusing on African American male achievement. He completed his Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rollins College in Florida and his Associate of Arts degree from Normandale Community College in Minnesota. 

Dr. Thayer has served in various administrative capacities (Interim President, Vice President, Dean, Assistant Dean, Director) throughout his career at San Bernardino Valley College, Cuyamaca College, Pasadena City College and Los Angeles Southwest College. His administrative responsibilities have included the following college programs and areas: Admissions and Records, Counseling, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, Health Center, Athletics, Transfer, Outreach and Recruitment, Associated Students, Student Clubs and Organizations, Cross Cultural Center, Mentoring, Student Discipline/Student Due Process/Title IX, Commencement, Athletic Eligibility, Auxiliary/Flea Market, and oversight of the following federally funded TRIO programs (Student Support Services, Upward Bound, Math/Science Upward Bound and Talent Search).

Dr. Thayer is an established grant writer and has secured over $5M in grant funding to assist underrepresented students in their pursuit of a higher education. He is a part-time faculty member teaching in the San Diego State University Community College Leadership program and serves on doctoral dissertation committees. Scott W. Thayer has been active in professional development and community organizations such as the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA), the Have Faith, Be Strong (HFBS) non-profit organization for childhood cancer awareness, the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) where he previously served as a regional board member, the southern California chapter President, and was involved in committee work within the organization. Dr. Thayer is a founding member of the non-profit organization African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND).