Of course, Montgomery wasn’t your typical UVA undergraduate applicant. By the time he attended that game, he was middle-aged father of three, running a successful IT consulting firm, and married almost 20 years to his wife and business partner, Katelyn.
Scott had completed his associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College years ago, but dreamed of finishing his bachelor’s degree. At UVA, he found the right path to do so, enrolling as an adult student in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program, a part-time, online program in UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
“Our school is about creating opportunity for adult learners to further personal and professional journeys,” said Melissa M. Lubin, dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
“Scott is a terrific example of a student who took their accomplishments to the next level while pursuing a degree. We’re happy to help celebrate the publication of his book, and I can’t wait to cheer him and our other SCPS graduates on at Final Exercises this year.”

You can pick up a copy of Montgomery’s new book, “How Did You Get Here?” at the UVA Bookstore.
The school’s programs are designed for people just like Montgomery, adult learners looking for online classes that are tailored to people with responsibilities beyond school, such as work and family.
“I saw that there were over a million Virginians who have some college credits but no degree, and I read that President Jim Ryan emphasized reaching those students in his strategic plan,” Montgomery said. “That really resonated with me.”
He entered the program in 2020, and it turned out to be a good move. Students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies earn a full undergraduate degree from UVA, and in a few weeks, Montgomery will line up with his classmates on Central Grounds to officially become a UVA graduate.
In addition, he’ll walk the Lawn as a published author. Montgomery’s first book, “How Did You Get Here? Lessons of Unconventional Success,” was published by Leaders Press in February. There are copies for sale in the University Bookstore and others permanently housed in the Rotunda.
An Unconventional Path to Success
Montgomery grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and said academics weren’t always his first priority.
“I slacked some in high school, but I made it through,” he said. “I tried the community college route right out of high school, but I found out the hard way that partying and spending money was more fun. I was fortunate, because I was around people who saw I had potential.”
After high school, Montgomery took a job with Verizon, working in sales. He soon realized he had a knack for business. It wasn’t long before he was promoted to a management position in Northern Virginia.
Over the next decade, he’d meet his wife, start a family, and build a career for himself. At the age of 29, he chose a corporate buyout and decided to try something new. He went back to community college and earned his two-year associate’s degree in a single year. Montgomery also started contemplating a business of his own.