Ask Scott Ramsower, Head of Private Equity Funds at Teacher Retirement System of Texas, what keeps him coming back to the ILPA classroom, and he’ll tell you it’s the energy in the room; LPs challenging each other, trading ideas, and tackling real-world problems together. As an ILPA Institute faculty member (and also ILPA’s Board Chair!), Scott sees teaching not as a one-way street but as a dynamic exchange that strengthens the entire LP community.
What motivates you to step into the classroom and share your expertise with peers?
There’s something uniquely energizing about being in a room full of fellow LPs who are eager to learn, challenge assumptions, and sharpen their craft. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, and teaching at ILPA is one way I can pay that forward. It’s also a two-way street — every session is an opportunity to hear fresh perspectives, understand emerging challenges, and stay connected to the evolving needs of our community.
From your perspective as ILPA’s Board Chair, why is ongoing professional development so essential for LPs today?
Our industry is constantly evolving — whether it’s the complexity of fund structures, the rise of new asset classes, or growing expectations around transparency and governance. These shifts often demand more time and attention from LPs, yet we’re rarely given additional resources to meet those demands. That’s why I believe ongoing professional development isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. It helps LPs stay ahead of the curve on emerging trends while also building the skills to work more efficiently and effectively.
How have you seen the knowledge and capabilities required of LPs change over the years and how is the Institute helping members stay ahead of that curve?
One of the things I value most about the Institute is that its curriculum is taught by LPs. As our role continues to evolve, having LPs lead the classroom ensures the content remains fresh, relevant, and grounded in real-world experience. ILPA has done a remarkable job of anticipating industry shifts — updating curriculum, bringing in diverse faculty, and creating space for practical problem-solving. The ILPA classroom isn’t just about theory; it’s about tackling the challenges we all face as LPs in real time.
What’s one takeaway or “lightbulb moment” you’ve seen during an ILPA Institute course that underscores the value of learning in this kind of peer-to-peer environment?
One moment that stands out was during a session on co-investing. A participant shared a creative approach their team had taken to structuring their co-investment strategy — something you wouldn’t find in any textbook. That sparked a broader discussion, with others chiming in to share their own strategies. You could feel the energy in the room shift as new ideas took shape. That’s the magic of peer-to-peer learning — it’s grounded in lived experience and immediately applicable.
What do you see as the next frontier for LP education?
I believe the next frontier is personalization — creating learning pathways that reflect where an LP is in their career, the type of institution they represent, and the specific challenges they’re facing. We’ll also see more integration of technology — online offerings, simulations, and case-based learning that bring real-world scenarios into the classroom. But at its core, LP education will continue to be about connection — learning from and with each other in ways that build both competence and community.
MORE: About Scott Ramsower
