Meet a Colleague: Adam Scales Adam Scales is the assistant director of academic resources with the Houston H. Harte Teaching and Learning Center.
Adam Scales, assistant director of academic resources — Harte CenterQ. How long have you worked at W&L?
I’ve been at W&L since September 2021.
Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
This is my first position at a small liberal arts institution and I really enjoy the tight-knit community. It’s tremendously satisfying to bump into colleagues and students around campus, and to maintain close relationships with them.
Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
I enjoy the Center for Global Learning, the Natatorium, and, of course, the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning.
Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small market town called Waltham Abbey in Essex, United Kingdom.
Q. What advice do you have for students (or parents)?
College is a long but rewarding journey full of discovery and self-growth. Take the time to reflect on your learning and study habits along the way, and adjust course as necessary.
Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
I left the UK in 2018 with three suitcases to move to Oʻahu, Hawaii. Four years later – here I am in Lexington, Virginia.
Q. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy swimming, hiking, reading, horror movies, traveling and finding cozy coffee houses in and around the Roanoke area.
Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
I’d consider moving back to Hawaii; albeit, with a stronger game plan.
Q. What book are you reading now?
I’m re-reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
Q. What music are you listening to these days?
I’ve gravitated to podcasts as of late. I’m currently oscillating between true crime (Generation Why), education (The Learning Scientists), and self-improvement (How to be a better human – TED).
Q. Your favorite film (movie) of all time?
I’m an avid horror fan. I do enjoy John Carpenter’s “Halloween” (1978).
Q. What is the website you visit most often and why?
BBC News to keep up-to-date on happenings in the UK.
Q. If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?
A younger Tom Hanks: I’ve been told there’s a resemblance!
Q. Which historical figure do you most identify with and why?
Jack Kerouac – I take pride in pushing societal boundaries and truly believe in the power of art as a vehicle for social commentary and eventually, change.
Q. If you could have coffee with one person (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
I’d have coffee with my grandparents. They passed when I was way too young and I’d want to give them an update on my life’s adventures.
Q. What is your desert island food?
Chocolate … fine milk chocolate.
Q. Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
I have megalohydrothalassophobia.
Q. What is your secret talent?
I tend to have a pretty good intuition … the so-called “sixth sense.”
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