Prior to his academic career, Dr. Strempek spent nearly 15 years in business as a civil engineer, consultant, and business executive in the transportation and information systems industries. In the mid-1980s while at CSX Corp, Dr. Strempek was director of Corporate Planning for the $10 billion transportation congomerate with major operations in railroad, inland barge, ocean shipping, real estate development, resorts, information systems, and fiber optics communications.

In academia, Strempek received his Ph.D.in strategic management from Virginia Tech. He taught at Radford University and Virginia Tech before joining the faculty at Elon University in 1994. While at Elon Dr. Strempek developed the initial leadership courses in support of the Love School of Business' Responsible Business Leadership mission. Dr. Strempek began the entrepreneurship program at Elon with a grant from the Coleman Foundation. That program founded Elon ImproVibes, one of the few student-run music recording labels in the country. From 2002-2004, with the support of a large FIPSE grant (US Dept. of Education) Strempek designed and implemented one of the most comprehensive integrated business programs in the county. These programs became the foundation for the ongoing  entrepreneurship program at Elon where students at various times built operational enterprises in music production, publishing, major events production, marketing consulting, graphic design, and vibration-dampening device manufacturing.

Dr. Strempek also holds an SB degree in Civil Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School. 

Virginia Tech, Ph.D., Management, 1997

Harvard Business School, MBA, 1977 (American Trucking Association Scholoarship recipient)

MIT, SB - Civil Engineering, 1974 (Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon honor societies)

Elon University, 1994 - present, currently Tenured Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship

LiQuest Labs, LLC, Founder/President, 2009 - present

Research Triangle Commerce, Inc., Board of Directors, 1991 - 2000

Virginia Tech, Instructor, Management Department, 1992 - 1993

Radford University, Instructor, Management, 1990 - 1992

CSX Corporation, Several Executive Positions at Business Unit and Corporate Levels including Director-Corporate Planning for CSX Corp., 1983 - 1990

Informatics General Corp., Manager - Consulting Services, 1981 - 1983

R. L. Banks and Assoc., Inc., Economist/Consultant, 1978 - 1981

Conrail, Operations Analyst/Project Coordinator, 1977 - 1978

Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas, Transportation Planner/Business Analyst, 1974 - 1976

Undergraduate Classes Taught:      

                New Business Concepts and Market Justification

                Writing the Business Plan

                New Enterprise Start-up and Operations

                Business Policy

                Principles of Management                

                Leadership is a Liberal Art (General Studies Seminar)

                Responsible Leadership

                Entrepreneurship/Intrapreneurship

                Entrepreneurship and the Arts (General Studies Seminar)

Graduate (MBA) Classes Taught:   

                Entrepreneurship I

                Leading Organizations in the 21st Century

                Strategy Implementation

                Management Information Systems

Doherty Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership, 2007 - 2008

Founding Director, Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, 2007 - 2008

Director of the Entrepreneurship Program, 1997 - 2008

Research Interests

• Disruptive Technology
• Entrepreneurship and Business Education
• Leadership

Dr. Strempek recently completed work on a series of articles that documented and assessed the development of innovative (1) integrated business curricula and (2) entrepreneurship education.

Strempek is currently writing case studies about commercialization of disruptive technology. This work is based on Strempek's activity, initially as a consultant to the inventor and then as the leader of a group of investors and executives who have formed LiQuest Labs, LLC. The purpose of this venture is to commercialize a revolutionary fluid control technology, perhaps the most significant breakthrough in fluid control in over 100 years. This technology eliminates the turbulence inherent in fluid control systems thus substantially improving most aspects of systems operation (precision of flow and pressure control, vibration, noise, contaminant tolerance, longevity). The technology has significant application in hydraulics, oil and gas, chemicals, hydroelectrics, steam control, etc., virtually anywhere that requires the control of fluids under hig flow and pressure conditions.

Love School of Business Summer Research Grant (Summer 2005). To conduct study to define Responsible Business Leadership with Kevin O’Mara.

U. S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Grant (2001 - 2004). Grant Amount: $385,325. To establish the Elon Enterprise Academy (EEA).

The Coleman Foundation, Entrepreneurial Education Grant (1997 - 1999). Grant Amount: $23,625. To establish the Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience (ELE) Program at Elon College.

JOURNAL ARTICLES (Refereed)

Strempek, R. Barth. 2011. Teaching Enterprise Network: An Alternative Structure for Entrepreneurship Programs. Advances in Financial Education. Vol. 9, Issues 1 & 2.

Strempek, R. B., Husted, S. W., and Gray, P. 2010. Integrated Business Core Curricula (Undergraduate): What Have We Learned in Over Twenty Years? Academy of Educational Leadership Journal. Vol. 14, Special Issue.

Strempek, R. Barth. 2008.  Academic Benefits, Practical Issues: Assessment of an Integrated Entrepreneurship Program.  Journal of the Academy of Business Education, Vol. 9, Spring 2008.

Strempek, R. Barth; O’Mara, Kevin & Springer, Robert. 2007. Purifying a Murky Mission: Responsible Business Leadership.  Journal of the Academy of Business Education. Vol. 8, Fall 2007.

Strempek, R. Barth, Burbridge, John J. Jr., & Paul, Kenneth E. 2004. Taking Student Engagement in Business to the Next Level: The Enterprise Academy.  Journal of the Academy of Business Education, Vol. 5, Spring, 2004.

Strempek, R. Barth & Metzger, Jon. 2003. A New Vision for Jazz and Entrepreneurship at Elon University.  Jazz Education Journal.  October 2003.

Strempek, R. Barth & Alexander, Larry D. 2000. The Adoption of Electronic Commerce in the United States Hosiery Industry.  Journal of New Product Development and Innovation Management. (2, 1: 13-24).

Strempek, R. Barth & Alexander, Larry D. 1999. The Nature of Adaptability and Its Effect on Firm Performance.  Journal of Contemporary Business Issues  (7, 2: 20-26).

PROCEEDINGS and PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES (Refereed)

Strempek, R. Barth. 2011. Teaching Enterprise Network: An Alternative Structure for Entrepreneurship Programs. Paper presentation at the Academy of Business Education Annual Meeting, September 23, 2011. Orlando, FL. Best Paper Competition: Honorable Mention. Published in electronic proceedings of the conference.

O’Mara, Kevin & Strempek, R. Barth. 2006. A Pragmatic Approach to Operationalize a Business School’s Mission: Responsible Business Leadership. Presentation and Proceedings of Academy of Business Education Meeting. Houston, TX, April 8, 2006.

Strempek, R. Barth. 2006. Academic Benefits, Practical Issues: Assessment of an Integrated Entrepreneurship Program. Proceedings of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Annual Meeting. Tuscon, AZ, January 13, 2006.

Herring, R. A. III; Khojasteh, M.; Pirkle, K. M.; & Strempek, R. B. 2003. How to Motivate Faculty to Conduct Research in Teaching-Oriented Schools of Business: A Comparison of Three Different Schools. Proceedings of the Southeast Decision Sciences Institute Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, VA, February 27, 2003.

Strempek, R. Barth, Burbridge, John J. Jr., & Paul, Kenneth E. 2002. Taking Student Engagement in Business to the Next Level: The Elon Enterprise Academy. Electronic Proceedings of the Academy of Business Education Annual Conference. Key West, September 20, 2002.

Strempek, R. Barth. 2000. Leadership is a Liberal Art: Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Inquiry in Leadership Studies. Proceedings of the Academy of Business Education Annual Conference. Bermuda, September 23, 2000.

Strempek, R. Barth & Alexander, Larry D. 1999. The Adoption of Electronic Commerce in the United States Hosiery Industry. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference IeC'99. Manchester, UK. November 1-3, 1999.

Strempek, R. Barth & Alexander, Larry D. 1999. The Nature of Adaptability and Its Effect on Firm Performance. Emerging Issues in Business and Technology 1999 Conference Proceedings. October 28-30, 1999.

Strempek, R. Barth & Guffey, W. Robert. 1991. An Integrated Model of Intrapreneurial Incentive. Southern Management Association Proceedings. Southern Management Association.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS and PRODUCTIONS

Strempek, R. B., Baker, B. & Pieper, J. (Producers). Better Side, music CD featuring singer, songwriter, guitarist, James Pieper. Release Date: October 4, 2006. Elon ImproVibes, a project of the Elon Enterprise Academy (EEA) at Elon University.

Strempek, Barth (Project Director). Inventing a Life: The Journey Through College and Beyond by Richard W. McBride. Published December 2003 by Squirrel Prints Publishing, a division of the Elon Enterprise Academy (EEA) at Elon University.

Strempek, Barth (Project Director/Producer). Common Ground, music CD featuring jazz vibraphonist Jon Metzger, saxophonist Jack Wilkins, pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Carroll V. Dashiell, Jr., and drummer Allison Miller. Release date: September 19, 2003. Marketed by Elon ImproVibes, a division of the Elon Enterprise Academy (EEA) at Elon University.

Strempek, Barth (Project Director/Producer). Evening in the Country: Folk Influence in the Music of Bela Bartok, classical compact disc featuring Victoria Fischer, piano. Release date: September 20, 2002. Marketed by Elon ImproVibes, a project of the Elon Enterprise Academy (EEA) at Elon University.

Strempek, Barth (Project Director/Producer). Times Fly – The Music of Benny Goodman, Jazz compact disc featuring well-known jazz vibraphonist, Jon Metzger, and clarinetist, Gregg Gelb. Release date: September 28, 2001. Marketed by Elon ImproVibes, a project of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience (ELE) program at Elon University.

Strempek, Barth (Project Director/Producer). Homegrown, sampler CD of Elon college music groups. Release date: December 18, 2000. Marketed by Elon ImproVibes, a project of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience (ELE) program at Elon College.

Strempek, Barth (Project Director/Producer). Teach Me Tonight, jazz CD featuring vibraphonist, Jon Metzger, and his professional quartet. Release date: September 18, 1998. Marketed by Elon ImproVibes, a project of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience (ELE) program at Elon College.

Strempek, R. Barth. 1992. A History of RADVA Corporation. Radford, VA: RADVA Corporation. Placed in Radford, VA time capsule to be opened in 2092.

CONSULTING

Brief Encounter (2008 – 2011) – Assisted musical group with marketing and business-related issues regarding the release of a collector’s edition R&B recording on 45rpm vinyl. Developed a unique plan to penetrate the collectors’ market by imitating the approach to limited edition print art and utilizing eBay auctions to set demand-based pricing. Also, performed the organ part on I Want You So Much.

Markuspoon,  Monaco/France (2007 – ongoing)  – Assisted entrepreneur Ildy Marku with business plan development and search for funding. Composed theme song for this children’s products company.

Creative Capital Companies, Burlington, NC (2007 - 2008) – Assisted entrepreneur Jeff Ellington with strategy development and branding.

Fortress Fencing, LLC, Carrboro, NC (2005  – 2009) – Assisted CEO Jason Truesdale with growth strategy.

Open Space Café Theatre, Greensboro, NC (2008) – Facilitator for strategy development.

Feild Technologies, LLC, Burlington, NC (2000-2002)  – Investor, Advisor on strategy and fundraising

Society Memberships

Academy of Business Education (Member - current)

World Future Society (Member - current)

SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY (Highlights)

Faculty Advisor for Limelight Records (Student-run recording label) (2010 - present)

Long Range Planning Committee (Spring 2007 -  2010)

Retreat on Civic Engagement (Invited participant - January 2008)

Faculty Research and Development Committee (2006 - 2008)

• Distinguished Scholar Award Subcommittee (Chair 2007/2008)

Academic Challenge Committee (2006)

Lyceum Committee (2005 - 2006)

Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning Committee (2002 - 2005)

School of Information Technology Feasibility Task Force (Co-Chair, 2000 - 2001)

Senior Showcase Committee (1996 - 2004)

SACS Technology Self-Study Committee (2000 - 2001)

Elon College Mission Statement Committee (1999)

Long Range Planning Committee (1998 - 2000)

• New Programs Subcommittee
• Sophomore Housing Subcommittee (Chair)
• Distance Learning Subcommittee (Chair)

Faculty R&D Committee (1997 - 1999)

Conducted Strategy training sessions for Teagle Grant (Jan. 1998)

Health Services Committee (1995 - 1996)

SERVICE TO SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT (Highlights)

Conducted Brainstorming Session at Elon Entrepreneurship Bootcamp ( June 2011)

Department Representative (Marketing and Entrepreneurship) on LSB curriculum Committee (2010 - present)

BUS Core Curriculum Committee (2008 - present)

                Chair of Search Committee for Entrepreneurship/Marketing position (2007/2008)

Committee to Assess Online Summer Courses (2007)

                Entrepreneurship Programs Developed:

• Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience program (1997 - 1999)
• Elon Enterprise Academy  (2001 - 2004)
• Entrepreneurship Concentration (2005 - 2008)
• MBA entrepreneurship sequence (Fall 2007 - ongoing)

                Business Core Assessment Group (Fall 2005 - 2007)

                Facilitated study abroad for three business students at International University of Monaco (2005/2006)

Faculty Advisor for Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity (1995 - 2004)

Brought in the Southern Capital Ventures (SCV) Award ($1000 annually)

                Student Characteristics Subcommittee for AACSB Accreditation (2002)

Performed Departmental Assessment embedded within Business Policy Course (1999 - 2003)

Developed Leadership Courses for both Undergraduate and MBA programs (late 1990s)

Developed Embedded Departmental Assessment Approach (1999)

Panel Moderator for E-Commerce Conference (March 1998)

Facilitator for BUS Department Curriculum Review (1996 - 1997)

Facilitator for BUS Department Strategic Plan (1995 - 1996)

Consultant to the Dean (Radford University) on strategic plan development for accreditation (1991-1992)

Amatuer Jazz Keyboardist

Stereo Enthusiast

Golfer (kind of)

Writer (Working on a novel - on the Margaret Mitchell 10 year plan)

Cycling

Best Paper Award (Honorable Mention) at the Academy of Business Education Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, September 22-24, 2011. Paper Title: Teaching Enterprise Network: An Alternative Structure for Entrepreneurship Programs.

Dean’s Award for Exemplary Scholarship (April 2007). For empirical research that helped define the key construct in the business school mission, Responsible Business Leadership. Strempek, R. Barth; O’Mara, Kevin  J. & Springer, Robert. Purifying a Murky Mission: Responsible Business Leadership.  Journal of the Academy of Business Education ,Vol. 8, Fall 2007.

Sabbatical  (Fall 2004).  Conducted full assessment of Elon Enterprise Academy Program.

Dean’s Award for Exemplary Service (Love School of Business - April 2004) – For Outstanding Service as faculty advisor to Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity for nine years (1995 - 2004) during a period in which it grew from approximately 15 to over 70 members..

Faculty Member of the Year, Elon College Student Government Association (April 8, 1999).

Innovative Teaching Award Competition (Second Place).  Southern Business Administration Association. (November 16, 1998). Awarded for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience (ELE) program.