Dr. Scott Shawn Richardson
Dr. Scott Shawn Richardson, 52, passed away on August 2nd, 2021 in his home in Houston, Texas. “Scottie”, as he was affectionately known, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the late Jeanette and Joseph Richardson. He is survived by his son, Jordan Scott Richardson; his daughter, JayLa Andrea Jeanette Richardson; his sisters Cheryl Richardson Scott (Thomas Scott) and Melody Tarpley; nieces and nephews, Alonna McClain (Naim McClain Sr.), Trinity Scott, Cohen Scott and Theodore Tarpley; great niece and nephew Naim Jr. and Nura McClain, Alaya and Sky Tarpley, and a host of family members and friends.
He was a proud graduate of Milton Hershey School class of 1987, where he was an avid sportsman in basketball, football, and track and field. Born into a musical family, he loved singing and did so with the school gospel choir, varsity choir as well as creating his own singing group Fellaship. It was there he decided to pursue his passion of music, academics and sports. He loved sports and even coached the women’s basketball team at Misericordia University and won a national championship. He went on to play football and basketball during his academic career at Kutztown University.
Dr. Scott earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music and later his Master’s of Education degree in Curriculum Development and Pedagogy, both from Kutztown University. In 2010, Dr. Scott completed his Doctoral degree in Education Administration and Leadership Studies from Widener University. At the time of his untimely death, he was employed at the University of Houston – Clear Lake as the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Title IX Coordinator where he served for 3 years. Empowering minority students and university retention with first-generation college students was his passion.
Scottie created success in the music industry as the co-founder of Top Notch Records and released a gold record. He was also one of the founding members of the Beta Kappa chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. at Kutztown University and was affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Melody”. He was a free spirit that also enjoyed cigars, camping, fishing and hiking. He could always be found with a quality cigar on hand and a warm, bright smile. Scott made friends wherever he went and his loving soul always left a lasting impression. He was a beloved friend, mentor and lifelong educator who lived a full life. Above all, he loved his children and committed himself to being the best father possible to them.
In lieu of flowers, any love and financial support for his daughters’ scholarship fund to ensure she follows her academic pursuits in honor of her father would be appreciated. GoFundMe information will be provided soon.
A memorial service will be held on August 6th,2021 at 6:00 PM at Crowder Funeral Home of Webster,Texas.
It was an honor to work with Dr. Richardson and gain from his unique perspectives. He was passionate about education and equality and served as a role model for many students, faculty and staff. Proverbs 23:12 states “Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” Dr. Richardson was the epitome of an educator who instructed and provided knowledge to all. UHCL was blessed. God Speed Dr. Richardson.
W. Brad McGonagle, Ph.D.
I had the distinct honor of working with him as part of the Leadership Strategy Team at UHCL. His ideas and perspectives were always refreshing and his energy infectious. My prayers are with his loved ones during this time.
I had the honor of calling Scott my brother! Though I only knew him for a few years, his imprint on Houston, our cigar shop, The Smoke ring, and UHCL is the long lasting. Scott changed the atmosphere of every room he walked in. Scott taught and lived equality. He will be missed dearly, but he would expect us to keep going, to keep striving, to keep loving. “The human condition!”
Scott,
Rest In Peace my dear friend. You’ve earned your wings doing Gods work educating kids!!
God Bless!!
An incredible person with a beautiful soul. Scott, you will be missed dearly and remembered fondly.
I had the honor of working with Scott and becoming his friend at Misericordia. He left an impression on me that I can safely say no one else ever has. His passion for life, positivity and kindness are all traits that made him a wonderful person. He also taught me as a graduate student where he challenged me and other grad students to think outside of the box and dig deep to understand how important, challenging topics effected all humans. I will never forget his infectious smile and laugh. To Scott’s family, I send my deepest condolences, prayers and love. He will be deeply missed by all he encountered.
My brother Scott…
I am so glad that we had the chance to talk not so long ago, just about the time I found out we were expecting our third grandchild. It must have been in late May.
I think you called me. I was driving to the post office and when I saw your name I picked up immediately.
We talked about family and our kids (my grandkids). You said you couldn’t believe I was retired. At least you didn’t call me old. Haha. We were just about to start talking about another subject, when I lost you. That wasn’t unusual. It has happened many times. Sometimes months would go by before we connected again.
But we always seemed to find each other again. Sometimes in the strangest places…like the parking lot of my hardware store…just out of nowhere…just in time to lend you a camp chair for the concert you were going to that weekend. Or when we bumped into each other at the Brooks Brothers outlet at homecoming when I needed a belt to go to dinner.
Our Emily, who lives in Hershey now, saw the news of your passing and texted me right away. I don’t know what happened. But, rest easy now. You will live on in the memories of your children, family, friends, students and colleagues.
My brother from MHS, my colleague at Reading Area Community College, alumnus along with my wife, Maryellen, at Widener.
You were the best. You lived life to the fullest. You never gave up, on yourself or anyone else. You were younger than me, but you gave me so much good advice and insights. To this day, whenever things are going off the rails, and I don’t know which way is up ⬆️, I say out loud to anyone who might be around, ‘Scotty Richardson always said to me, “Ken, get a system AND USE IT, and your system will never let you down.”
I can add to that, “Find a friend that you can count on, and they will never let you down.”
I am missing you right now, my brother, my friend. I don’t know when it might occur, but we will meet again. We will recognize each other immediately. It will be just like the last time we saw each other. We won’t skip a beat, and we will finish that last conversation and you can fill me in on all the new things you have learned since you were here last.
I just received the news of Dr. Scott’s passing. I worked briefly with him at UHCL however he made a huge impact on me and the actions he took for employees of color. I was able to experice his williness to serve employees and student and implement inclusion at UHCL.
Scott contributed so very much to our campus and encouraged us always to keep our “eyes forward.” I am grateful for the role he played, grateful for the support he offered to the entire campus community, and grateful to have known him. May he forever rest in peace.
He was a good man, Rest In Peace!