Scott Marshall, CEO and President of Semester at Sea, Lifelong Learning Starting Early

August 1, 2025·55 min·5 clips

Steve Anderson shares how his journey to create a library of leaders led to interviewing Scott Marshall about global education.

This episode features an interview with Scott Marshall, the President and CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education, which runs Semester at Sea. Host Steve Anderson explores Marshall's professional journey and leadership philosophy. Marshall previously served as a professor, vice provost, and interim dean at Portland State University's College of Business. Marshall's commitment to global education began with his own undergraduate study abroad experience in Japan. He later participated with his family in the Spring 2017 Semester at Sea voyage before joining the organization. Semester at Sea is described as a 61-year-old nonprofit and the world's leading comparative study abroad program. Marshall holds a Ph.D. in international business from the University of Michigan. His academic career included writing over 40 articles, book chapters, and case studies. He taught courses in strategy, entrepreneurship, and management. A key insight is that Marshall's leadership transitioned from traditional academia to overseeing a unique, ship-based educational community. His firsthand experience as a participant on a voyage with his family directly informed his subsequent leadership role. The episode likely delves into the operational and philosophical challenges of running a nonprofit study program on a ship. Marshall's background in business and international affairs provides a specific lens for discussing organizational strategy. The conversation covers the integration of academic rigor with immersive, global travel experiences. Managing a diverse community of students, faculty, and crew while at sea presents distinct leadership scenarios. The discussion probably touches on sustaining a 61-year-old institution and adapting its educational model. The tone is conversational and inspirational, framed within a storytelling format about leadership journeys. The style is interview-based, focusing on professional biography and institutional mission. Listeners interested in higher education administration, study abroad programs, and nonprofit leadership would find this episode valuable. Those seeking highly contentious debate or technical business analysis might find it less engaging.

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