Dr. Rick Stripling appointed 
vice chancellor for student affairs

Dr. Rick Stripling, a veteran administrator at Arkansas State University, today was named vice chancellor for student affairs by Dr. Les Wyatt, president of ASU.

Stripling has been serving as interim vice chancellor for several months, so he will find the job familiar.

"During the interim appointment, Dr. Stripling successfully guided new and existing student programs, recruited and appointed key staff members, and was effective in facilities development," Dr. Wyatt said. "He earned superior evaluations from the Student Affairs staff, and received commendations from students addressed in his areas of responsibility. I am confident that Dr. Stripling will continue to effectively represent the interests and needs of our students, and that the Student Affairs staff will benefit from his leadership."

Stripling’s most recent major achievements are reflected through his involvement in a building project and a new degree program.

Ground was broken on May 10 to begin construction of a $7 million apartment complex for married and graduate students.

In coordination with the Department of Psychology and Counseling, he helped establish a new master of science degree program in college student personnel services.

In his previous positions as associate vice president and assistant vice president for student affairs, he was instrumental in planning and obtaining funding for the Student Union which is under construction; the parking garage which opened recently; the student apartments north of the Reng Center; and renovation of the Reng Center.

"I am fortunate to work with an excellent staff of professionals who perform their individual duties so well," Stripling said. "Everything we do, we do with the students’ interests in mind. The employees and the students we serve have made this job very enjoyable. The student leadership body has been a pleasure to work with."

Stripling joined the ASU staff in 1979 as a residence hall counselor, then became director of student activities and counselor the following year. He was promoted to assistant dean of students in 1987 and associate dean of students in 1992, and dean of students the following year. He served as interim vice president in 1994-95, followed by his promotions to assistant and then associate vice president.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at the University of Tampa, he completed a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and a specialist’s degree in college student personnel services at ASU. He finished his doctoral degree in student personnel in higher education at Southern Illinois University.

The division of Student Affairs operates on an annual budget of more than $12 million and has 165 employees. The major departments and functions under Stripling’s oversight include Admissions, Career Services, Counseling Center, Disability Services, Dining Services, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Residence Life, Testing, TRIO Programs, University Police, International Student Services, Reng Center, Student Health Center, Student Life, and Arkansas Workforce Center.

In addition to his work at ASU, Stripling has fulfilled leadership roles in his professional associations and in local civic work. He and his wife Vicki, who teaches at Cedar Park Elementary in Trumann, have two children. Ashley is a student at ASU and Todd will be a student at the Nettleton Intermediate Center.

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