NEWS

Louisiana Tech University alumnus Doug Strickel, who transitioned from nearly four decades as a CPA and manager in the business world into a business owner of Strickel Leadership Development, will serve as keynote speaker for Tech’s Spring Commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 24 at the Thomas Assembly Center on the Ruston campus.

A Tech Class of 1987 graduate in accounting and a member of both the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the College of Business Accounting Advisory Board, Strickel will address the College of Engineering and Science and the College of Liberal Arts at their commencement at 9:30 a.m. and the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Education and Human Sciences at their 2:30 p.m. ceremony.

“I hope to take a few minutes to share five life lessons through a personal story, a story that should resonate with everyone in attendance — not only graduates but also family and friends,” Strickel said. “I want to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage their next steps.”  

Strickel was a CPA with the global professional services network of Ernst & Young before serving more than 30 years with International Paper in numerous capacities, including his role as a regional general manager for the Fortune 500 company.

Through working in numerous jobs in various locations and with thousands of other employees and customers, Strickel both developed business plans and leaders. He was on the forefront of his company’s focus on employee engagement, leadership development, and creating a safe and rewarding culture for its people.

The author of People Are the Plan: A Leadership Approach to Winning with People, Strickel came to Tech from a single parent home on a partial academic scholarship, a Pell Grant, and eventually a part-time job at Ruston State Bank (now Century Next Bank).

“I didn’t have a Plan B if I didn’t keep the scholarship or if the grant was taken away,” he said.

And so, Strickel made it count. Tech was there to help.

“The education I received in four years at Tech totally changed the direction of my life,” he said. “My background story doesn’t normally end in a favorable direction; Tech was the start of a new life for me.”

Although he graduated nearly 40 years ago, Strickel has not stopped being a Bulldog. His impact today is what he considers a payback for all those yesterdays.

“I choose to invest time and money to have an impact,” he said. “I want to connect with students, faculty, and administration to add value where I can. It’s my way of paying it forward. I was blessed with my time here and want to be a blessing to others.”