“Not College Material”

Scott Northcutt, ’84, Defies the Odds, Rising From First-Gen Student to Corporate Leadership

In high school, no one believed that Scott Northcutt, ’84, was college material—not his family or his guidance counselor—so he had to believe in himself. He was satisfied with making B’s and C’s until something clicked during his junior year. He realized his future depended on applying himself in school. Plus, he wanted to prove everyone wrong about his potential.  

“Even if I’m not the smartest person in the class, nobody can outwork me,” Scott said.

His determination paid off. He not only earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communication at EKU, but graduated from Miami of Ohio with a master’s degree in organizational communications the following year. He then became the youngest vice president of human resources at Dollar General before turning 30.

After a successful business career working for companies like Dollar General, Sam’s Club and DHL, Scott spent the last 17 years in Bermuda as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the family-owned Bacardi brands. During his tenure at Bacardi, he’s been praised for playing “a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction and success,” through executive coaching, mentoring, talent development and succession planning.

Once setting his sights on college, Scott felt right at home while touring EKU with other first-generation students.

“It felt more personal from the beginning,” said Scott, originally from Oldham County. “I was excited to be accepted and go to school there, and I’ve never lost my sense of gratitude.”

Quickly, Scott found lifelong mentors in Speech Communications Professor Dan Robinette and Student Affairs Vice President Tom Myers. Robinette encouraged him to take business classes to complement his speech communication major, while Myers got him involved in student groups.

Despite a full class schedule and campus work, Scott joined the debate team, wrestling club and dance theater, while also serving as a student ambassador and chief justice in student government. 

Junior year, Scott and his friend Martin Schickel started “UP,” which Scott says “isn’t an acronym, it’s a direction.” UP stressed positive thinking and reframing ways to view obstacles. Instead of “I have to go to class,” Scott explained that saying “I get to go to class” recognizes attending college is a privilege, not a punishment.

He still maintains a strong connection to EKU where he met his wife, Anne Allegrini, ’86, from Fort Thomas. With a degree in speech communication, she credits EKU for teaching her vital interpersonal skills to succeed in her management positions with the city of Newport and Hyatt Hotels.

Scott has never forgotten how EKU helped launch his career trajectory and now serves on the College of Business Advisory Board.

“When I get a call from EKU, I start by saying ‘yes’ and ‘what can I do to help?’” he said.

In honor of their 25^th anniversary, and appreciation for EKU’s role in their combined success, the Northcutts donated funds for a fountain in Carloftis Garden.

“When dating, he always said he wanted to build me a garden, so this placement is heartfelt and we love that others can enjoy the fountain,” Anne said.

Education remains important to the couple, with their three children, siblings and Anne’s parents holding college degrees. Scott’s even considering pursuing a third degree in advanced applied positive psychology in what he calls the “Third Quarter” of his life. 

While he’s retiring from Bacardi, Scott will instead focus on Bacardi Family Development Programs for the Bacardi family. 

And, possibly teaching. 

“There’s a fine line between leadership and teaching, both seeking to inspire others,” Scott said.

By Marie Mitchell