Being Successful in College: Lessons from a Professor Who Has Seen It All

Author(s)
Scott H. Belshaw
Edition
1
Copyright
2026
Pages
132
Book Type
Academic
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CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT
Help Me Choose

Paperback Book

$19.95

ISBN: 9798319745682
Details: 
Print Product

eBook

$13.00

ISBN: 9798319745699
Details: 
Electronic Delivery EBOOK - 365 days

College is one of the most important transitions you will ever make but it doesn't come with a manual. In this practical, encouraging guide, Dr. Scott Belshaw draws on more than twenty years of teaching experience, military service, and real-world insight to help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

From building a growth mindset and mastering time management to developing strong study habits, protecting mental health, navigating money and work challenges, and preparing for a meaningful career, this book delivers clear, actionable strategies that actually work. With honest reflections, Professor's Playbook tools, and student-friendly exercises, Dr. Belshaw shows you how to turn setbacks into comebacks and make the most of your college years.

Whether you are a first-year student feeling overwhelmed, a returning student balancing work and family, or anyone who wants to succeed on your own terms, this book is your trusted mentor. Success in college is not about being perfect-it is about showing up, learning how to learn, and growing into the person you are meant to become.

You belong here. Your story is just beginning.

Scott H. Belshaw

Scott H. Belshaw, Ph.D., is Professor of Criminal Justice and Security Studies at the University of Dayton and former chair of the department. A U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he spent years as a Harris County probation officer and later owned a Texas-licensed investigative and mitigation firm appointed in capital cases—including work on the Anthony Allen Shore defense. At the University of North Texas he founded the Cyber Forensics Laboratory, trained law enforcement in digital evidence and dark-web investigation, and served as President of the Faculty Senate.

He is the author or co-author of The Tourniquet Killer (with Matt DeLisi), Galveston’s Vice, Galveston’s Maceo Family Empire, The Widow Next Door and the Caretaker’s Shadow, and the textbooks Introduction to Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Ethics. His research on cybercrime, corrections, and juvenile justice has appeared in Crime & Delinquency, American Journal of Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Review. He lives and writes in Ohio.

"Dr. Scott Belshaw has written the essential guide for today's college student. Drawing from his remarkable journey as a Navy veteran, probation officer, seasoned investigator and dedicated educator, he delivers practical wisdom that goes far beyond typical success manuals. This book is a powerful road map for navigating academic challenges, building resilience and launching a meaningful future. Every student, especially veterans and first-generation learners, will benefit from this honest battle tested advice"

-Dr. Chad R. Trulson, Professor of Criminal Justice, University of North Texas

College is one of the most important transitions you will ever make but it doesn't come with a manual. In this practical, encouraging guide, Dr. Scott Belshaw draws on more than twenty years of teaching experience, military service, and real-world insight to help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

From building a growth mindset and mastering time management to developing strong study habits, protecting mental health, navigating money and work challenges, and preparing for a meaningful career, this book delivers clear, actionable strategies that actually work. With honest reflections, Professor's Playbook tools, and student-friendly exercises, Dr. Belshaw shows you how to turn setbacks into comebacks and make the most of your college years.

Whether you are a first-year student feeling overwhelmed, a returning student balancing work and family, or anyone who wants to succeed on your own terms, this book is your trusted mentor. Success in college is not about being perfect-it is about showing up, learning how to learn, and growing into the person you are meant to become.

You belong here. Your story is just beginning.

Scott H. Belshaw

Scott H. Belshaw, Ph.D., is Professor of Criminal Justice and Security Studies at the University of Dayton and former chair of the department. A U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he spent years as a Harris County probation officer and later owned a Texas-licensed investigative and mitigation firm appointed in capital cases—including work on the Anthony Allen Shore defense. At the University of North Texas he founded the Cyber Forensics Laboratory, trained law enforcement in digital evidence and dark-web investigation, and served as President of the Faculty Senate.

He is the author or co-author of The Tourniquet Killer (with Matt DeLisi), Galveston’s Vice, Galveston’s Maceo Family Empire, The Widow Next Door and the Caretaker’s Shadow, and the textbooks Introduction to Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Ethics. His research on cybercrime, corrections, and juvenile justice has appeared in Crime & Delinquency, American Journal of Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Review. He lives and writes in Ohio.

"Dr. Scott Belshaw has written the essential guide for today's college student. Drawing from his remarkable journey as a Navy veteran, probation officer, seasoned investigator and dedicated educator, he delivers practical wisdom that goes far beyond typical success manuals. This book is a powerful road map for navigating academic challenges, building resilience and launching a meaningful future. Every student, especially veterans and first-generation learners, will benefit from this honest battle tested advice"

-Dr. Chad R. Trulson, Professor of Criminal Justice, University of North Texas