This article was first published in the Summit Daily News
Written by Kathryn Corazexelli
Alton Scales never envisioned himself as a college dean. In fact, the Summit County Colorado Mountain College CEO of over three years says he almost missed out entirely on earning a college degree.
“Initially I was in college to run track and to say I was in college” the Texas native said. “I do believe, in the absence of athletics, I would have never acquired a college degree.”
Scales said that to remain eligible to run, he had to remain in the classroom.
“It kept me in the game long enough to see the merit of (an education),” he said.
Scales ended up attending “several” different schools, finally graduating from the University of North Texas with a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering. He planned to work at General Motors in Arlington, Texas, until a friend asked him to take a temporary position at the University of North Texas.
“I said, ‘you guys don’t make much money, and I’ve been broke all my life.’” Scales said. “No can do.”
He was convinced to take the position after his friend promised to put him in touch with alumni working in his field.
“29 years later and I’m still in higher education,” he said. “I like what I do.”
Academic career
Scales held numerous positions in his academic career before ending up at CMC. At the University of North Texas, he started out as a nighttime desk clerk. He became property manager for housing and residence life and then special assistant to the associate vice president of student affairs. He then moved to the University of Kansas, where he worked as the director of multicultural affairs and resource center. At Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas, he got his big break: He became vice president of academic affairs after working as the dean of students for only two months. He then went to the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where he worked as the assistant vice president for student services. Scales said his mix of experience in student affairs and academic affairs make his skill set unique.
“I’m one of the few that has been the highest-ranking student affairs person, as well as the highest-ranking academic affairs person. Those two camps often don’t mix.”
Scales moved to Summit County after his mother fell ill. He wanted to find a location that was no more than an hour flight to his hometown in Texas.
“I took a compass and drew a circle,” he said. “I only applied for positions within that circle,” he said.
Scales said he enjoys the scenery and people of Summit County.
“I couldn’t have found a better place,” he said. “This has been one of the most affirming communities I’ve ever been a part of.”
Since his November, 2007 arrival at CMC, Scales has taken part in the groundbreaking and opening of the new Breckenridge campus. He helped expand partnerships with the school district, and initiated the community lecture series, jazz series and a partnership with the Metropolitan Opera. He has also expanded course times to better utilize building space.
Scales said challenges within the job arise “all the time.” But, he said it comes with the territory.
“You can’t enjoy the ocean without its roar,” he said.
Supporting cast
Scales said there have been many turning points in his life. His ninth-grade track coach, Coach Allen, gave him discipline. Before Allen, Scales’ highest ribbon was fourth place.
“This man took me on, and I didn’t lose a race for almost two track seasons,” he said.
Coach Allen was also his math teacher.
“He was a no-nonsense kind of guy. He set the foundation for the vehicle that saw me through college, both academically and athletically.”
Scales’ parents and four older siblings also helped him through challenges. His sister would help him work through his textbooks by recording them for him. Later on, he discovered he was dyslexic. His brother — eight years older — gave him much-needed guidance.
“He was instrumental in aiding me through some of the challenges that occur with young black males in their development,” Scales said. “I had a supporting cast that was absolutely incredible.”
Relaxed and happy
Scales says he likes the problem-solving and envisioning involved in his current position. He likes the positive impact on student’s lives, and he enjoys their idealism.
“(Education) has provided me with rewards that I didn’t know existed,” he said. “I recognize now that I’ve always been an educator.”
Scales said he’s found happiness through his work.
“When you come to terms with what your skill sets are and apply them in ways that are constructive and meaningful, it lends to your success and personal happiness.”
“He’s super nice and smart,” says Debbie Devine, Scales’ assistant. “He’s really easy to work for. He gives me the confidence to do what I need to do.”
Devine said both students and faculty enjoy Scales’ company.
“Students love him. They think he’s cool,” she said.
In his spare time, Scales likes to read about science and technology. He also plays the drums; something he said he greatly enjoys.
He plays in a jazz band — Trading Fours — at Silverheels in Frisco almost every Friday. During the summer, he plays with the rock band Lost Dogs.
Scales also said has a green thumb.
“My goal is simple: I plan on retiring to some ranchland in Texas,” he said. “I want to have a really large garden.”