Though he only served as president of Bridgewater State for four years, Dr. Zenos Scott left a mark on the institution by striving to make what was a predominately female school more co-educational.
Today, Scott’s name graces the residence hall for which he once advocated.
Named For
President Zenos Scott
The Backstory
Scott, whose teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse, came to Bridgewater in 1933 after stints in educational administration in New Jersey, Kentucky and Massachusetts. He brought educational ideas from other parts of the country to Bridgewater.
Scott supported clubs and sports teams and encouraged students to attend games, performances and social activities. Students remembered him fondly for his smile and welcoming attitude. The president even set aside time each week to meet with them.
“An idealist and an ideal, he instilled in us love for our college and enthusiasm for our chosen profession,” members of the Class of 1939 wrote in a tribute in their yearbook.
In 1937, Scott left Bridgewater to return to his prior job as superintendent in Louisville, Kentucky.
As Bridgewater president, he supported constructing a men’s dorm. That came to fruition in 1960, with the construction of the New Dormitory for Men. A decade later, Bridgewater named the building Scott Hall.
The residence hall, which is now co-ed, underwent a significant renovation and expansion in 2008 and 2009.
Use Today
Located on the corner of Park Terrace and Summer Street, Scott Hall houses 269 residents. Students live in double and triple rooms on five floors.
Material in this article comes from Scott’s official biography, the 1939 yearbook and Not to be Ministered Unto, But to Minister: Bridgewater State University, 1840-2010 by Dr. Thomas R. Turner.