Scott, Hubert Donovan "Don"

In Memory of Hubert Donovan “Don” Scott

April 26, 1944 – July 28, 2006

Hubert Donovan (Don) Scott was born in Tarboro, NC, in 1944 to Hubert Cox and Mozelle Fitzgerald Scott. In 1948 his parents moved the family to his father’s native farm outside of Kenly, NC. Don graduated from Lucama High School in 1962. He continued his education at NC State University where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He graduated in 1966 with a BS degree in Crop Science and again in 1968 with a MS degree in Soil Science. On August 17, 1968 Don married Janice Elizabeth Sanford in Lincolnton, NC. They promptly moved to Lexington, KY, where Don earned his PhD in Soil Physics from the University of Kentucky in 1971.

Don’s first employment was at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a professor of Soil Physics. He taught and conducted research in the Agronomy Department for 30 years. He was devoted to his graduate students and was privileged to be the major professor of 19 students who obtained their master’s degree and 10 who obtained their doctoral degree. He taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses; excelled in research in the areas of soil physics and water conservation; was listed as author or co-author on over 350 articles, book chapters, and abstracts; and in 2001 authored a textbook Soil Physics: Agricultural and Environmental Applications, which is still used by graduate and upper-level undergraduate students around the world. Don was recognized nationally and internationally for his research endeavors.

While living in Fayetteville, Don and Janice had two children: Michael Donovan Scott in 1973 and Mark Fitzgerald Scott in 1977. Don participated in such activities as pitching for the Agronomy Department’s softball team, coaching youth soccer teams, officiating at University track meets, and teaching Sunday School classes at First Baptist Church.

In January 2002 Don retired from the University of Arkansas. He and Janice moved back to their home state and settled in Goldsboro, NC. Don began employment as the first director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at Mount Olive College. Under his leadership, an academic curriculum was developed leading to the choice of two degrees: a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness. Upon Don’s death in 2006, the H. Don Scott Endowed Agribusiness Scholarship was established at Mount Olive College.

Don’s background on his parent’s farm provided him a most tenacious work ethic. He revered the dedication of his father and mother to their livelihood and used it as a model for his own career. Like his father, Don was always up on the latest technology and techniques used for his profession and worked long hours. He strived to make a difference in the lives of those surrounding him in his college community and prodded his graduate students to do their best and reach for goals they never thought were attainable. He took from his mother the love of flower and vegetable gardening, often beginning the design of the next plot before the previous ones were complete. True to his profession, Don would quickly remind those who erred, “Gardens are planted in soil, not dirt!” Also like his mother, Don was a gracious host. He enjoyed entertaining his graduate students, colleagues, and Sunday School class members in his home. He was a well-rounded individual, a true reflection of his parents.

Biographical information submitted in August 2012 by his wife, sons, and siblings Judy Pate, Rachel Crawford, and Howard Scott. The photo was taken in 2002 by Brown’s Photography in Mount Olive.