Meet Al Sturgeon: A Q&A with Ripon College’s new dean of students

Al Sturgeon has officially stepped into his new role as Ripon College’s vice president and dean of students this summer, following the retirement of Chris Ogle ’80. Before this promotion, he served as the inaugural associate vice president for student success and will maintain his previous role as an assistant professor of political science.

His journey in student affairs has taken him all over the U.S., including the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in Malibu, Blackburn College in Illinois and Lipscomb University in Nashville.

With a juris doctor and a certificate in dispute resolution from Pepperdine and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Al knows a thing or two about navigating the academic world.

We had the chance to talk with Al for a Q&A session, where he opened up about his path to student affairs, shared some golden advice for incoming students and even revealed a few fun facts about himself. Stay tuned for more insights and advice from Al.

What led or inspired you to pursue a career in student affairs?
I was unaware of student affairs as a career path and stumbled into it accidentally after graduating from law school in my early forties. Upon graduation, I was hired to do academic success work initially, which soon morphed into a dean of students role. It was wonderful to discover a field that combined my eclectic experiences as a teacher, coach, pastor, lawyer and mediator!

What are your goals for the first year in your role as dean of students?
My primary goal is to do honor to the tremendous legacy left by Dean Chris Ogle. Within that overarching goal, I hope each Ripon College student will sense that they are valuable and loved, and I hope to continue to develop an outstanding team of student affairs professionals.

What are you most excited about in your new role as dean of students?
I am excited to have expanded opportunities to work with even more aspects of student life on campus, which provides expanded opportunities to work directly with students. Working with students is always the most exciting and rewarding part of the job.

What has been your favorite Ripon memory thus far?
Wow, there are so many to choose from! The Dickens Holiday Parade was so much fun. Taking students to Alabama on a civil rights trip was unforgettable. And teaching sports law to an incredible class of students was fantastic. Do I really have to pick just one?

If you could give a TED Talk on any topic, what would it be and why?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. I have taught a course titled Apology, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation over ten times to college students, graduate students and law students, so I feel like I have enough knowledge to engage something interesting there. We’re all familiar with the phrases “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you,” but it is fascinating to unpack the different meanings behind the words, including how we often individually use those phrases while meaning different things ourselves!

What’s your favorite book, movie and album?
I love books so much, so picking one is unfair. I’ll say “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver to play along. Favorite movie: “Field of Dreams.” Favorite album: “Legend” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
The same advice I gave my daughters: Have a plan, but hold it loosely. Having a plan starts you down a road toward a destination, and on the journey — if you keep your eyes open — you will encounter doors and opportunities you didn’t know existed. Life can be a great adventure, and new college students have an incredible world of opportunities in front of them.

If you could have dinner with one to three people, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
My parents died long ago, so that’s an easy one for me. But if you want me to say someone famous, I’ll go with Ted Lasso (although that’s not a real person).

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m an introvert who enjoys running, reading and writing. But I enjoy work, too, which is a great privilege.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?
My great-grandfather was born in 1863!

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Walleye. Do I get my Wisconsin card now?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Australia. I once set a goal to go for a run on all the continents (Antarctica is optional), and I only need Australia to reach my goal.

You can contact Dean Sturgeon by emailing [email protected].