The Herbert College of Agriculture Welcomes Christopher Stripling as the New Associate Dean of Academic Innovation and Student Success
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture announces the appointment of Christopher Stripling as associate dean of academic innovation and student success. Starting November 15, Stripling will focus on advancing online curriculum and fostering an exceptional educational experience for all Herbert students.
David White, dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture, shares, “Dr. Stripling’s leadership will strengthen our college’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. His dedication to enhancing the student experience—across every stage from recruitment to alumni engagement—perfectly reflects our mission and what ‘next level’ truly means.”
While working as professor and department head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, Stripling also served as interim assistant dean for the college. Under his leadership, the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications launched Herbert’s first fully online bachelor’s and doctoral programs, achieving enrollment growth of 152% at the undergraduate level and 142% at the graduate level. The programs consistently exceeded 90% retention among second- and third-year students.
A nationally recognized scholar in teaching and learning, Stripling has authored 68 peer-reviewed journal articles on teaching and learning and secured multiple externally funded education grants that engage faculty and students from universities and schools across the country. His impact extends globally, having led professional development programs for agricultural educators in Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and Haiti.
His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Georgia and career and research awards from the American Association for Agricultural Education. Earlier this year he was named a Fellow in that organization. Stripling has also received the Honorary American FFA Degree, and multiple recognitions for journal article of the year.
Before earning his Ph.D., Stripling was an award-winning agriscience teacher in Georgia. His upbringing on a South Georgia farm—producing cotton, corn, peanuts and beef cattle—shaped his lifelong passion for agriculture and education.
Stripling shares, “I am honored to serve our faculty, students and staff. My goal is to support our academic advisors, enhance the student experience and ensure our scholars have access to innovative learning opportunities that prepare them for successful careers.”
In his new role, Stripling will lead initiatives to advance student retention and success, strengthen advising and online curriculum development, foster instructional innovation, and expand digital learning opportunities. His leadership will make a significant contribution to the Herbert College of Agriculture’s drive to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in the fields of agriculture, natural resources and construction science.
Chris Boyer, head of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, has been named interim head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications and will also oversee the search process for the next department head.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.