Carl Scotius Ledbetter was born in Pyatt, Arkansas on 19 August 1910. He attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma; Kentucky Christian College in Grayson, Kentucky; and Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. From those various schools he received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religious Education and Religion, and a Master’s degree in Church History. Ledbetter was ordained in November 1933 by the Christian Church of Disciples, and in 1941, he became a chaplain in the United States Army.

During his military service, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Ledbetter was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster upon retirement. From 1961 to 1969, he held the position of Dean of Men and assistant Dean of Students at the University of Redlands in Redlands, California. In 1969, he became part of the faculty at Lea College, Albert Lea, Minnesota and served until the institution closed in 1973. Ledbetter held the positions of Professor of Psychology, Associate Dean of the College, Faculty Chairman, Academic Dean, and the college’s Vice-President.

Ledbetter died 9 January 1996.