Dr. Eric M. Kirby is a distinguished award-winning educator, mentor, 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.

Dr. Kirby has taught numerous courses in student development, leadership, management, business and law at the university level. Known for blending academic rigor with real-world expertise, he has successfully engaged students in the MBA, MPA, and undergraduate levels. 

In his diverse leadership roles within higher education, including Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Acting Director of the MBA Program, and Director of the Leavitt Center for Politics, 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 success, 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 strategic 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 currently works as the Director of Talent Strategy for Leavitt Group Enterprises.

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 strategic management, leadership, business law/human resource management, generational dynamics, and student success.

With a legal career spanning nearly a decade, Dr. Kirby practiced in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, specializing in business law, civil litigation, and construction law. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Kirby is an endurance athlete and adventurer, completing multiple ultra-marathons, triathlons, and a wide array of outdoor adventures. 

As a proud father of six—four Gen Zers and two Gen Alphas—Dr. Kirby draws inspiration from his personal experiences to shape many of his books and insights, guiding teenagers and college students (and their parents) through the challenges of adolescence and preparing them for successful futures. Through his multifaceted career, Dr. Kirby remains committed to empowering teenagers and college students, developing leaders and managers, advancing organizational excellence, and building meaningful connections in a rapidly changing world.