Alumni Spotlight: Daniel U. Scott, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.A. (’19 & ’24)

From the courtroom to the classroom, Daniel U. Scott has spent over three decades shaping the legal landscape while living out his calling to integrate faith and public service. A proud Liberty University alumnus, Daniel earned both his Master of Public Administration (2019) and Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (2024) from Liberty’s Helm School of Government—degrees that deepened his understanding of governance through a Christian worldview.

Daniel’s legal journey began after earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1993. Sworn in on Valentine’s Day 1994, he launched a career that included roles as a criminal defense attorney, court attorney, and Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Army Reserve. Since 2013, Daniel has served as an Administrative Law Judge for New York State, presiding over hundreds of cases each year with fairness, professionalism, and compassion.

While his legal credentials are impressive, Daniel credits Liberty University for transforming his perspective on leadership and ethics. “The Christian worldview I encountered at Liberty was the missing piece,” he shared. “It reinforced that every decision—legal or personal—should reflect God’s higher purpose.” His time at Liberty was marked by perseverance and faith, especially during his Ph.D. dissertation process. Daniel thanked his wife, Christie, for her encouragement and support, as well as Dr. Belmain, who helped him navigate personal loss and complete his research on legal ethics.

Today, Daniel combines his judicial role with a passion for education. He teaches law and business courses as an adjunct professor at multiple universities, ensuring that future professionals understand the importance of integrity and ethical leadership. He is also a published author, contributing to academic works on governance and ethics, and was recently honored by Marquis Who’s Who for his legal acumen and professional distinction.