Welcome to Dr. Rick Stripling
Leadership. Legacy. Lessons Learned.
More than four decades in higher education have taught me that leadership is not simply about the positions we hold. It is about embracing change, developing people, solving problems, building relationships, and leaving an organization—and its people—better than we found them.
Higher Education Leader • Author • Educator • Mentor
Books by Dr. Rick Stripling
Published Books and Works in Progress
Legacy of Change
Drawing on more than four decades in higher education, Legacy of Change shares practical lessons about leadership, change, university politics, innovation, employee development, and the relationships that shape successful organizations.
Legacy of Change: An Administrators Guide to Navigating Higher Education
Drawing on more than four decades in higher education, Legacy of Change shares practical lessons about leadership, change, university politics, innovation, employee development, and the relationships that shape successful organizations. Through real experiences from a career in higher education administration, Dr. Rick Stripling offers insights for both current and aspiring leaders who must navigate change while keeping their institutions moving forward.
A Journey from the Turnrows of the Delta to the Front Rows of Higher Education
From the cotton fields of the Arkansas Delta to a career spanning more than four decades in higher education, this memoir is a story of faith, perseverance, family, education, and opportunity. Dr. Rick Stripling reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his life and the lessons learned along the way—from growing up with limited resources to serving in senior leadership roles in higher education.
A Journey from the Turnrows of the Delta to the Front Rows of Higher Education
A Journey from the Turnrows of the Delta to the Front Rows of Higher Education is a personal story of faith, perseverance, family, and the transformative power of education. From growing up in the Arkansas Delta and working in the cotton fields to a career spanning more than four decades in higher education, Dr. Rick Stripling shares the experiences, people, and lessons that shaped his life and leadership. The book is a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
This is a story about the people, places, challenges, and unexpected opportunities that shaped my journey—from the turnrows of the Arkansas Delta to the classrooms and leadership offices of higher education. At its heart, it is a story about believing that education can change the direction of a life.
AI in Action: Faculty Strategies for Teaching Online Graduate Courses
AI in Action is a practical guide for faculty navigating the rapidly changing role of artificial intelligence in higher education. Written by four Arkansas State University faculty members, the book moves beyond simply discussing AI and focuses on how faculty can use it intentionally, ethically, and effectively in teaching. Topics include AI-enhanced course design, assessment and feedback, student engagement, academic integrity, faculty development, and preparing students for an AI-integrated professional world.
For faculty, instructional leaders, and higher education professionals seeking practical ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning.
A Lifetime in Higher Education Leadership
For more than four decades, I have had the opportunity to serve higher education as an administrator, educator, and mentor. My career has included leadership in student affairs, enrollment management, campus development, and graduate education. Along the way, I have learned that successful leadership requires more than holding a position—it requires vision, adaptability, persistence, strong relationships, and a willingness to make difficult decisions.
Selected Leadership Accomplishments
Led major campus development initiatives totaling more than $200 million and encompassing more than one million square feet of facilities. Helped expand residential living at Arkansas State University from approximately 1,200 to more than 3,000 students. Led enrollment management initiatives that contributed to a record freshman class of more than 1,800 students and later record overall enrollment exceeding 14,000. Managed a Student Affairs and Enrollment Management organization of more than 165 employees across 15 departments, with responsibility for a $150 million budget. Helped lead the design and development of Arkansas State University’s American-style residential campus in Querétaro, Mexico, a privately funded project exceeding $100 million. Continued the commitment to developing future leaders through graduate education, mentoring, consulting, and teaching.
What I Believe About Leadership
Leadership is not about the title on the door. It is about the difference you make while you are there and the people you prepare to lead after you are gone. I believe effective leaders embrace change, listen to people, build relationships, solve problems, make decisions, and create opportunities for others to succeed. In the end, our greatest legacy is not the position we held, but the people and institutions we leave stronger because we were there.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
Throughout my career, one of the most rewarding parts of leadership has been helping others discover their own potential. Whether working with employees, teaching graduate students, or mentoring emerging professionals, I have tried to create opportunities for people to grow, take on greater responsibility, and develop confidence in their ability to lead. Positions eventually end, but the influence we have on people can continue for generations.
Books in Development
Beyond the Title: Building a Leadership Legacy in Higher Education
Work in Progress — Approximately 80% Complete
Beyond the Title explores how higher education leaders build a legacy that extends far beyond their position or job title. Drawing on more than four decades of leadership experience, the book examines personal leadership identity, influence, relationships, campus transformation, mentoring, and the importance of developing future leaders. Its central message is simple: a leadership legacy is ultimately measured not by the positions we hold, but by the people and institutions we influence.
Two Clocks: Leadership Lessons from Both Sides of the University
Work in Progress — Approximately 80% Complete
Two Clocks explores the very different cultures of the administrative and academic sides of a university. Drawing on my experience as both a longtime senior administrator and now a faculty member and program director, the book examines how administrators and academics approach decisions, shared governance, consultation, speed, and institutional change differently—and how universities function best when both sides understand the value of the other.
Connect with Dr. Rick Stripling
I welcome opportunities to connect with higher education professionals, emerging leaders, former students and colleagues, and readers interested in leadership, organizational change, mentoring, and the future of higher education. I hope the experiences and lessons shared through my books, teaching, and leadership journey can encourage others to lead with purpose and leave a meaningful legacy.