Scott was a long-standing member of the University Council for the past eight years and was Deputy Chancellor from 2017 until 2021. His leadership, insights and perspective over the term of his Council membership, during a time of significant growth and change for UniSC, has greatly assisted the Council and its Committees in their work.

Scott has demonstrated consistent support for Graduation ceremonies through his attendance and in his capacity as Deputy Chancellor, including his dedication to act as Chancellor at numerous ceremonies. His willingness to give freely of his time to attend events has always been very much appreciated.

Since 2016 he has been one of UniSC's most proactive donors, assisting 73 students with a Scott Williams Foundation Study Support Bursary. In 2018, he matched UniSC's Giving Day donations up to a total of $50,000 and in 2019 he raised that limit to $75,000, helping UniSC to raise a total of $156,000 for student bursaries. Again in 2021 he supported Giving Day and matched every donation to student support up to $50,000.

Overall through the Scott Williams Foundation, he had funded bursaries totalling $375,000 to UniSC and Central Queensland University. He meets with each of the bursary recipients, encouraging them to make the most of their studies and find ways that they can also give back.

In 2019 he was named Queensland Community Foundation Higher Education Philanthropist of the Year, reinforcing the significance of his generous support to multiple universities.

He is a Member of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to local government, business, community radio and higher education and for educational philanthropy.