@NMSU
NMSU alumnus named one of TV's Unsung Pitchmen
When New Mexico State University alumnus Scott Bailey graduated with a mechanical engineering degree, acting wasn't part of his career plan.
Recently named one of "TV's Unsung Pitchmen," Bailey, who graduated in 1997 with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, says he took an acting class during his last semester only to tackle his shyness and be better prepared to give engineering presentations. But while working on his doctoral at UCLA, Bailey continued acting and eventually made the jump from engineer to working actor.
After graduating Bailey went to work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, designing fusion energy systems - in particular the National Ignition Facility. He was awarded a doctoral fellowship to continue researching fusion energy systems at UCLA, but saw an acting opportunity emerge.
"I managed to get a job on a show called ‘Walker, Texas Ranger' with my boyhood idol Chuck Norris, prompting me to drop out of school and pursue acting full-time," Bailey said, " It was the toughest choice of my life to completely change careers like that, but in retrospect I am very glad I followed my bliss, because life is short and I have had an interesting go at it ever since."
Bailey, best known for his role as Sandy Foster on the CBS daytime drama "Guiding Light," has had numerous roles in both movies and television, including the My Network Television one-hour dramatic series "Saints and Sinners;" the Lifetime original movies "Just Ask My Children" and "Prayers for Bobby;" MTV's "Undressed;" the television version of the popular book series "Chicken Soup for the Soul;" and in guest role on the NBC series "Law and Order: SVU" among others. But it was his commercial role as a centaur for the Old Spice Double Impact Body Wash campaign that deemed him one of "TV's Unsung Pitchmen."
"I played the centaur in the Old Spice campaign because I thought it was quite funny and unique, and the campaign sort of took off. People started recognizing me every day as the horse guy," Bailey said.
Bailey says his involvement with campus life helped contribute to his preparation for his current career. He was active in campus and scholastic activities, participating in Tau Beta Pi (the Engineering Honor Society), Pi Tau Sigma (the International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society) and the Golden Key National Honor Society. He also served in the ASNMSU student government as a senator for the College of Engineering.
"Engineering taught me how to solve problems and cram a lot of information for tests. These skills have been highly useful for my current career," Bailey said. "From surviving the rigors of an engineering curriculum to serving in student government to participating in Greek life and earning a Black Belt in Kojosho, I grew into a more well-rounded human being ready to take on the world and whatever it may throw at me."
Written by Donyelle Kesler.