Welcome back to another edition of Inside the Mind of an Academic. This time, we had the unique privilege of sitting down with Dr. Phillips, an experience so rich, it took two full days to complete the interview. Trust us, it was worth every minute.
Meet Dr. Phillips
He is an associate Dean of the School of Business at Emporia State University. He oversees the accreditation of graduate programs and, in his own words, handles “everything the dean doesn’t want to do.” As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Phillips brings energy and expertise to a wide range of courses, including Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management. Beyond his impressive resume, he truly enjoys being part of the Emporia community.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
From Dropouts to Dean
Dr. Phillips shared his remarkable journey to becoming Associate Dean, a path that was anything but traditional. He candidly recounted how he dropped out of school four times and spent over 20 years working toward his first degrees. Along the way, he waited tables and took on various jobs just to keep moving forward. It wasn’t until he took a hard look at his career path that he decided to focus and fully commit to his education. This led him to earn an MBA in International Business from the University of Texas at San Antonio, motivated by his goal of entering a Ph.D. program and truly understanding what it means to be a business professional. Reflecting on his journey, he admits he wishes he had completed his degree sooner believing it would have made his early small business ventures more successful.
Now, as Associate Dean, Dr. Phillips plays a key role in coordinating the needs of the School of Business and Technology. He’s passionate about connecting with students, finding balance in the academic environment, and making a meaningful impact in the business world.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
How Childhood Hustles and Family Inspired a Career
Did you know Dr. Phillips started his entrepreneurial journey at just 12 years old selling cards? When I asked if he would have approached business differently had he earned his degree earlier, he didn’t hesitate. One of the key reasons he pursued a business degree was rooted in watching his father move from one business venture to another. It always puzzled him why his dad never stuck with a single path, and he often wondered what might have been if he had stepped into his father’s shoes.
Looking back, Dr. Phillips believes that if he had earned his degree sooner, he would have had the tools and insight to help steer those family businesses in a more sustainable direction. That realization, combined with his early experiences and observations, ultimately shaped his passion for business and education and continues to drive his mission to prepare students for real-world success.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him.
Dr. Phillips on Leadership and Organizational Behavior
When asked how what he has done in academia shaped the way he looks at organizational behavior and leadership, Dr. Phillips shared that his role as an Associate Professor has significantly deepened his appreciation for evidence-based practices. Through years of research, teaching, and administrative work, he has developed a keen ability to recognize patterns in how people work, interact, and lead, and to apply proven, research-backed solutions to address organizational challenges.
He emphasizes the value of using evidence-based management techniques to improve positive outcomes and create more effective work environments. He believes that because people spend a significant portion of their lives at work, Dr. Phillips is committed to improving the world around him.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
Dr. Phillips on Teaching Management
When asked what he enjoys most about teaching management classes, Dr. Phillips didn’t hesitate: “It’s the people 100 percent.” While he appreciates the material and the theories behind management, what truly excites him is observing how different personalities interact, how people respond to challenges, and how teams come together to solve problems.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him
Balancing It All: Dr. Phillips on Managing Academic Responsibilities
When asked how he juggles his teaching, administrative, and research responsibilities, Dr. Phillips offered a grounded and honest perspective: “There’s always more to do than you have time in the day to do, and always more to do than you have people to do it.”
His approach? Focus on the immediate needs first, and prioritize the development of the people around him. For Dr. Phillips, leadership isn’t just about tasks, it’s about lifting others up. He strives to elevate those around him, helping them move closer to their goals and realize their full potential. Whether it’s a student, colleague, or team member, he does his best to ensure they have the support they need to grow.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him.
Primary Research Focus
Dr. Phillips’ primary research focuses on organizational power and employee voice specifically, how leaders can create environments where employees feel empowered to speak up and engage meaningfully. He explores how organizations can encourage open communication, foster trust, and give people the space to share ideas without fear of judgment.
When these principles are applied effectively, Dr. Phillips believes they don’t just improve performance, they transform workplaces. Employees are more likely to contribute innovative ideas, feel supported, and grow into who they truly want to be. For him, leadership is about more than authority, it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
Dr. Phillips on Integrating Research into Teaching
For Dr. Phillips, the concepts he teaches whether in leadership, organizational behavior, or strategy aren’t just theoretical; they’re based on actual experiences that have been modeled, studied, and turned into actionable frameworks. By examining how things have been done in organizations and asking what could be done differently, he helps students connect theory to action, and prepare for the real challenges of today’s business world.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him.
Leadership Lessons
One of the most important leadership lessons Dr. Phillips has learned as an Associate Dean is patience. Leadership, he explains, is about taking the time to listen, to observe, and to look for the right opportunities to effect change. It’s also about recognizing that there’s rarely only one way to reach a goal.
A key part of his leadership philosophy is having a clear vision of where you want to go, and then taking the time to identify the obstacles that might stand in the way. Equally important, he says, is elevating the people around you, because leadership isn’t just about reaching your destination, it’s about bringing others along and helping them rise too.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him.
Faculty’s Role in Shaping the School of Business and Technology
When asked about the role faculty play in decision-making within the School of Business and Technology, Dr. Phillips was clear: “Faculty own curriculum.” From deciding what to teach to how it’s taught, faculty members are at the heart of shaping the academic experience.
Beyond curriculum, faculty contribute to broader strategic decisions and are instrumental in guiding the direction of the school through meaningful interactions and collaboration. Dr. Phillips emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for faculty to share their voices ensuring that decisions are informed by those directly engaged in teaching and mentoring students. For him, a strong academic community is one where faculty influence is not only welcomed but central to the school’s success.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
Advice for Aspiring Academics
When asked what advice he would give to anyone considering a role in academia, Dr. Phillips didn’t hesitate: “You have to be patient.” He explained that reaching academic goals isn’t a solo journey, you have to bring people along with you. He also encourages aspiring academics to volunteer. “Say yes to opportunities,” he suggests. For Dr. Phillips, the heart of academic leadership is rooted in service, patience, and helping others rise with you.
Dr. Phillips on Academic and Research Goals
When asked about his academic and research goals, Dr. Phillips shared that his primary mission isn’t just to publish but it’s to help students grow. His goal is to engage students in meaningful research that creates real change in the workplace and contributes to personal and professional development.
He aims to publish with students, not just for the sake of academic recognition, but to give them opportunities to share their work at conferences, expand their understanding of the world, and deepen their expertise in their chosen fields.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
Lasting Connections: Dr. Phillips’ Advice to Students and Faculty
When asked what general advice he would offer to both students and faculty, Dr. Phillips kept it simple but powerful: “Make relationships.” For him, it’s not just about academic success or professional advancement, it’s about building meaningful connections.
He believes that relationships are what truly make a place feel like home. The bonds you create in school or in your career can carry with you for a lifetime, shaping your personal growth, opening doors, and enriching your journey. Whether you’re in the classroom, the boardroom, or just starting out, Dr. Phillips reminds us that investing in people is the most valuable part of the experience.
Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
A Personal Note
And to his beautiful wife, Dr. Phillips adds a heartfelt message: “I love you very much.” Or, as he would say in Thai “ฉันรักคุณมาก” (Chan rak khun mak).
Watch the clip to hear to hear directly from him, Dr. Polly.
The Power of Patience, People, and Purpose
Dr. Phillips’ journey is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and people. From selling cards at age 12 to becoming Associate Dean, his story is filled with hard-earned lessons, resilience, and a deep commitment to education and leadership. Whether he’s guiding students through the complexities of organizational behavior, supporting faculty in strategic decisions, or reminding us that relationships are the foundation of a fulfilling life, Dr. Phillips leads with authenticity.
Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, he’s not only shaping the future of business education, he’s helping others find their path and their voice. In a world that often moves too fast, Dr. Phillips reminds us that patience, purpose, and genuine connection will always stand the test of time.
Join us next time on Inside the Mind of an Academic as we continue to explore the stories, insights, and inspirations behind the educators shaping tomorrow’s leaders.