Meet Dr. Adam Scales

Hello and welcome!

My name is Dr. Adam Scales and I have been working with students for the last 9 years to support their academic growth and development.

I understand your journey

As somebody who spent over 10 years learning in college, I understand the student journey - the excitement, adventure, and newfound freedom. I also understand the challenges and roadblocks that can get in the way of our ability to reach our full potential. That’s why I have dedicated my life to supporting students in their academic and personal journeys to be the best version of themselves.

My Story

I graduated with a BA (Honors) in Film and English in 2010 and then a Ph.D. in Media (Audiences) in 2016. I initially trained to be a faculty member but fell in love with working one-on-one with students to help them succeed. Upon completion of my graduate work, I worked as a Learning Development Advisor at the University of Surrey (UK) and then as a Lead Academic Coach at Arizona State University. I am now an Assistant Director of Academic Resources at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia where I manage the academic coaching program and peer tutoring program for almost 2,000 high-achieving students.

Upon completion of the UC Davis Professional Coaching for Life and Work Program in 2023, I became certified as an academic coach with the world’s leading organization for professional coaching - the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I have experience in supporting high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in writing centers, student success teams, summer bridge programs, and centers for learning and teaching at both public and private institutions in the UK and the USA.

I live in Roanoke, Virginia, and love all of the wonderful outdoor opportunities that living here brings. I also enjoy exercising, reading, swimming, eating good food, and spending time with loved ones.

Professional Qualifications

  • Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate, UC Davis

  • Associate Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Media (Audience Research)

  • M.Ed. in Higher and Postsecondary Education, Arizona State University

  • Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching, University of Surrey, UK

  • BA (Hons) Film and English Studies, University of East Anglia, UK