Dr. Scriven studied mathematics, philosophy and religion as an undergraduate at Florida A&M University.  He went on to earn master's and Ph.D. degrees from Purdue University in philosophy; specializing in philosophy of religion, social philosophy, and ethics.

Dr. Scriven has been professor of philosophy at Wilberforce University, Southern University, & was the Inaugural Associate Director of Education at the Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and in Healthcare.  He was a Fulbright Scholar to Morocco & Tunisia and Chair of the Department of Visual Arts, Humanities, and Theatre at Florida A&M University.  Following this, he served as Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education as well as the the John & Anna Hanes Distinguished Professor in the Humanities at Winston-Salem State University.  Later he served as Dean of Arts & Sciences and Fellow in the Shipley Center for Innovation at Clarkson University.  Currently, Dr. Scriven is the Inaugural Executive Director of FAMU Centers and Institutes.  He delivers dozens of lectures each year and has been invited to speak to audiences in Africa, Europe, Hawaii, Australia, and throughout the continental United States.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Dr. Scriven is a motivator, public intellectual, and entrepreneur.  He has 9 books, 4 documentary films, and encourages people to work hard to succeed in school, business, and life.  In his keynotes, seminars, and workshops, Dr. Scriven teaches that it does not matter where you start out in life, you can have and do whatever you dream of doing.  All you have to do is have faith, work hard, stay relentless, and keep a great attitude.  Because the only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude... and attitude is everything!