Scott Fleming, a proud WVU alum and professor, has recently been highlighted as the Faculty Feature for September. Scott hails from Ravenswood and now calls Elkins home. He chairs the Department of Accounting in the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics.
Scott’s journey began at WVU, where he earned his bachelor’s in accounting in 1988 and later an MBA in 1996. His path took a significant turn in 2004 when he returned to present his research while pursuing a doctoral degree at Virginia Tech. That presentation opened doors for a job interview, leading to his two-decade career at WVU.
“I owe my success to the solid foundation I built as a student here,” Scott says. “WVU equipped me with the tools to succeed, and now I aim to empower others.”
He previously led the department from 2012 to 2015 and returned in 2024, focusing on strategic planning to help students adapt to the fast-evolving accounting field. Scott is deeply committed to enhancing financial literacy in West Virginia. He ensures his students gain hands-on experience through projects like the Small Government Monitoring Project, where students conduct audits for local governments, and the PCard Data Analytics Project. The insights from the latter were even used by the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office to create new anti-fraud software.
Scott believes it’s vital for people to realize how impactful students can be. “Many don’t see that our students are already making a difference by developing innovative solutions,” he explains.
Addressing the ongoing shortage of accountants, Scott dedicates time to recruit students and dispel myths surrounding the profession. He emphasizes that accounting is not just about numbers; it’s about problem-solving. Notably, about 25% of CEOs come from an accounting background, showcasing the value of this career path.
As a behavioral researcher, Scott has shared his work on financial forensics and fraud prevention globally. One of his most memorable experiences was spotting his name and the “Flying WV” logo on a billboard in the Middle East before an event he was leading.
In his multifaceted role, Scott enjoys networking and exploring various opportunities. Outside academia, he and his wife, Julie—a fellow WVU graduate—manage a farm in Jackson County. Scott has plenty of hobbies, including playing guitar, riding motorcycles, mountain biking, and restoring vintage cars.
This dedication to education and community showcases how one individual’s efforts can lead to academic and professional growth in the region.
