Eric Kirby
Assistant Professor of Management and Business Law | Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT, UNITED STATES
Specializing in management, leadership, generational nuances (Gen Z), student success strategies, business law, and student retention
Biography
Dr. Eric M. Kirby is a distinguished award-winning educator, attorney, and thought leader in the fields of leadership, management, and student success. With a dynamic career spanning academia, legal practice, and consulting, he has cultivated a reputation as an expert in fostering generational engagement, developing leaders and managers, providing strategic innovation, and creating organizational success.
Dr. Kirby holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Global Leadership from the School of Business at Indiana Institute of Technology, a Juris Doctor (J.D. - law degree) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Legal Administration from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science with a minor in Business Management from Southern Utah University.
In his diverse leadership roles within higher education, including Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Acting Director of the MBA Program, and Director of a Political Center, Dr. Kirby has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have driven remarkable results. His strategic leadership has helped lead departments and organizations to historic improvements in student retention, persistence, and graduation rates, setting new benchmarks for institutional success and earning national recognition for innovative approaches to student engagement and achievement.
A prolific consultant and sought-after speaker, Dr. Kirby delivers keynotes, workshops, and corporate trainings nationwide. His expertise in management, leadership, organizational behavior, generational nuances, and student success has made him a trusted advisor to organizations navigating the complexities of the twenty-first century. Dr. Kirby also co-hosts a podcast (ASCEND) and has authored multiple publications, including an Amazon Top New Release Leading Gen Z: Insights and Strategies for Managing, Parenting, and Teaching Generation Z. His diverse work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and national conferences, solidifying his position as a thought leader in organizational management, leadership, law, generational dynamics, and student success.
Dr. Kirby has taught numerous courses in business, law, leadership, management, political science, student development, and criminal justice at the MBA, MPA, and undergraduate levels.
Spotlight
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Industry Expertise (4)
Education/Learning
Research
Legal Services
Management Consulting
Areas of Expertise (8)
Leadership
Generation Z
Student Success Strategies
Management
Organizational Behavior
Employee Development and Retention
Business Law
Student Retention in Higher Education
Education (4)
University of Denver: J.D., Law
Indiana Institute of Technology: Ph.D., Global Leadership and Academic Administration
University of Denver: M.S., Administration
Southern Utah University: B.S., Political Science
Accomplishments (8)
Commitment to Excellence (professional)
Southern Utah University Thunderbird Award
Five-time Legal Rising Star
Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers
Board of Trustees Award of Excellence
2016
Advisor of the Year (professional)
Southern Utah University
Outstanding Mentor (professional)
Southern Utah University
Gerald R. Sherratt Award (professional)
Southern Utah University
SUU Campus Influencer Award (professional)
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
SUU’s Distinguished Service Award (professional)
2020, 2021
Links (3)
Languages (1)
- Spanish
Media Appearances (6)
Sophomore Retention Rates Increase Through SOAR Program
SUU News online
2019-02-27
According to Eric Kirby, assistant vice president for student affairs (Completion and Student Success), “Southern Utah University increased retention of first-year students by 9% over the past three years.” Because retention for first-year students has increased by so much, SUU turned their focus to sophomores at SUU.
Solving the Retention Puzzle
SUU News online
2018-07-16
Colleges and universities around the country are struggling to keep first-year students engaged and enrolled year after year. Only 61% of first-year students who started in 2015 returned to the same institution in 2016, according to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse.
Utah Court of Appeals visits SUU
The Spectrum online
2016-01-28
This is the second time the Court of Appeals has come to the university and the sixth time to Cedar City to hear oral arguments. Eric Kirby, executive director of completion and student success at SUU, said the proceedings gave students an in-depth look at Utah’s court system. “This will provide an education opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members to give them a unique perspective on our justice system,” Kirby said.
Utah Intercollegiate Legislature gives students hands-on experience
Higher Ed Utah online
2015-03-31
Twenty-two students from across the state convened in the Senate Building at the Capitol Complex for the inaugural Utah Intercollegiate Legislature (UIL) on Thursday, March 26 & Friday, March 27, 2015. Drawn from the most recent class of legislative interns and student leadership at participating campuses, UIL students participated in a day and a half long legislative simulation of the Utah State Senate. UIL delegates were encouraged to submit bills that were added to a reading calendar, considered in committees, and debated on the floor. Topics of UIL bills ranged from concealed carry provisions to air quality amendments and exploring the expansion of the Frontrunner.
Stewart, Robles have a lot in common in first congressional debate
Deseret News online
2014-09-25
Eric Kirby, executive director at SUU's Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service, called the debate a success for both Stewart, who is pursuing a second term in Congress, and Robles, who has served in the Utah Legislature since 2008. Both parties "played it safe" as they gave polite, comprehensive answers, he said.
Alumni Spotlight: Eric Kirby
SUU Alumni Association online
2012-02-01
Eric Kirby (’03, Political Science) is an attorney at Murphy Decker Hensen & Cook-Olson, P.C. in Denver, Colorado. His education at Southern Utah University taught him that with hard work and dedication he could accomplish his goals.
Articles (2)
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations: To Statutorily Organize or Not?
Wyoming Law Review2024 This Article explores the evolving concept of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) in the context of Web3 technology. It raises critical questions about whether DAOs truly represent a step forward in limiting liability in entity governance structures or if they risk centralizing the decentralized. The text discusses the potential of DAOs to address regulatory and tax challenges while also highlighting concerns about their legitimacy and security. It compares the governance structures of traditional entities to DAOs and contemplates the reasons for formal organization pursuant to state statute.
Retention challenges for indigenous Peruvian college students on Beca 18 scholarship and strategies to improve their experiences and academic success
Diaspora, Indigenous, and Minority Education2020 This paper analyzes challenges indigenous Peruvian college students face in completing their studies, based on field research that included interviews with Peruvian higher education leaders, administrators, researchers, and faculty, and a review of published research. Since 2012, the government of Peru has sponsored Beca 18, a comprehensive scholarship designed to attract and support students from underrepresented populations, namely impoverished and largely indigenous communities.
Courses (10)
ACCT 3350 Business Law and Ethics
A study of our legal system including the Constitution, administrative law, torts, crimes, labor law, antitrust, consumer protection, environmental law, international securities, contracts, UCC Art. 2, property, bailments, business organizations, agency, and intellectual property. Also includes coverage of social responsibility and ethical issues as they relate to business within society.
UNIV 1020 Strategies for Success
This variable topics course explores subjects geared toward student success. Sample topics include career exploration, job search preparation, exploring vocabulary development, and in-depth academic skill development.
UNIV 1020 Peer Leadership Skills
This course was designed for orientation leaders to develop the new orientation system, Thunder Academy, peer-to-peer mentoring skills, and leadership/professional development.
UNIV 1050 College Student Success
This course focuses on student success through systematic exploration of values and skills that will assist student in becoming successful in their academic endeavors. It is designed to help launch students’ university careers successfully and to equip students with tools and abilities to increase their career and academic skills.
UNIV 1057 Student-Athlete College Success
This course provides SUU student-athletes with valuable knowledge and tools that will aid in their transition from high school to college. This course will focus on initiatives of the NCAA’s Student-Athlete Affairs Department, including: Academic Development, Personal Development, Service Development, and Career Development.
UNIV 4920 Leadership & Professional Development
This course introduces students to various leadership philosophies and professional development techniques and strategies to help prepare students to succeed in the professional world as interns, employees, and leaders.
UNIV 4920 State Legislature and Leadership
The purpose of this course was to introduce students to emerging leadership philosophies, trends, and managerial issues that they will confront as future leaders. Also, aspects of professional development techniques and strategies were discussed to help prepare students to succeed in the professional world.
MGMT 4200 Business, Government, and Ethics
A study of the interactions of business, government, and society with a focus on business ethics and the social responsibilities of business firms. Topics include the sociopolitical environment of business, government regulation, personal and organizational ethics, and national and international issues facing businesses today.
MGMT 6100 Managing People and Organizations
This course examines the principles of organizational behavior involved in managing people and organizations in a business environment. Topics include leadership, motivation, effective teams, conflict and negotiations, power and influence, organizational culture, and change management. This course focuses on the practical application of these principles in a meaningful and ethical manner.
MGMT 6150 Leadership
The purpose of the course is to enable students to prepare themselves to become leaders of organizations and to embark on paths of personal leadership development. The course requires personal curiosity and reflection from students as well as personal openness and sharing in class discussions. Leadership development concepts used in the course will be immediately applicable for students and useful for the rest of their lives.
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