Phil Scheurer earned the baccalaureate degree in special education from Trenton State College (1965) and the MS in education from Southern Illinois University (1967). He joined the UT staff in 1967 as assistant dean of students for fraternity affairs. He served as director of student activities (1968–76), dean of student activities (1976–83), and associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of student activities (1983–84). Following the death of Howard Aldmon, popular vice chancellor for student affairs, Scheurer’s appointment as his successor in 1985 was a controversial one.
In 1990 Chancellor John Quinn expanded Scheurer’s responsibilities—first to Student Affairs and Administration, giving him control of the institutional finance function, and later adding Business Services, Admissions and Records, and Space and Facilities. President Wade Gilley appointed him vice president for Knoxville operations and also included the statewide building program within his portfolio of responsibility.
In the aftermath of the removal of President John Shumaker, Scheurer was criticized for his role in expenses incurred for the president’s residence and for awarding projects for international activities without bids. He retired in 2005.