February 15, 2022
Dr. Kent Alipour: professor, Jurassic tour guide or mythic figure
Dr. Kent K. Alipour is an assistant professor of management in the College of Business. He earned his doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, with a specialization in organizational behavior and organizational research methods, from Penn State University. He currently teaches negotiation and leadership courses at both the undergraduate and MBA level.
Additionally, his research focuses on two main areas: leadership and teams. Within these areas, he is interested in adopting a multilevel lens, with specific attention toward the environment or situation in which individuals and teams function.
Dr. Alipour’s work has been featured in several peer-reviewed journals, including Academy of Management Annals, The Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Business and Psychology, and Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice. Moreover, he is a former winner of the annual Academy of Management: Conflict Management Division’s Best Paper Award, and his work on maximizing the benefits of team diversity has been featured on Inc.com.
Dr. Alipour has worked extensively in industry as an external consultant and is passionate about actively utilizing research to solve organizations’ real-world problems.
Proudly borrowing from the Proust Questionnaire, we asked Dr. Alipour some questions so we can get to know him better.
What was your first concert?
My first concert was Creed.
My older brother had two tickets, and he planned on taking a date to the event. Fortunately, she canceled on him at the last minute, so he brought me along. Honestly, I didn’t even know who Creed was at the time. I was just happy to have something to do!
What are the qualities you might like in a person?
In my experience, I’ve found that every individual is unique, and because of that, I’ve grown to appreciate so many different qualities. Thus, I wouldn’t say that a person has to be a specific way to be likable.
However, it’s hard for me to dislike individuals who consistently demonstrate selflessness, empathy, and humility.
Simply put, it’s easy to think about yourself. In contrast, it’s much more challenging to put yourself in others’ shoes and operate in a manner that promotes them first.
What is your idea of happiness?
For me, happiness is a mindset. It’s about finding joy in the moment, and realizing that the only thing guaranteed is the here and now!
If not a professor, what would you be?
Shortly after earning my PhD, I interviewed for a job with the U.S. Army Research Institute. At the time, I thought I was going to be an applied researcher.
However, their offer came two weeks later than expected, so I had already accepted an academic position.
If those job offers came in a different order, I’d probably be in another profession today.
If you could go back in time and witness anything in history, where would you go?
I love animals and have always been fascinated by dinosaurs. I imagine it would be quite an experience to witness different types in their natural habitats. Let’s just hope I live to tell the tales!
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
I really liked Ned Stark’s character in Game of Thrones, and I’m still salty about what happened to him.
On a more serious note, my full name is Kent Kaveh Alipour. To clarify, my parents named me after a Persian mythological figure known as Kaveh the Blacksmith. Apparently, the guy was pretty awesome, or at least they thought so!
Who are your heroes in real life?
My heroes are the people around me, every day, who show me love and support. Sometimes it’s tough love, but I appreciate it nonetheless.
My wife, Maria, is at the top of the list!
Who are your favorite writers?
My colleagues here at ECU are my favorite writers. Don’t forget that we publish too!
I’ve never met George R. R. Martin. He might be one of the kindest human beings on earth, but I haven’t had a single interaction with him. Also, he’s not hurting for fans.
In contrast, I know my ECU colleagues personally, in addition to the work that goes into their jobs. In many cases, their efforts are met with very little fanfare.
In short, they could use more supporters, so I’m happy to fill that role!
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Hearing the ice cream truck driving through my neighborhood with its music blaring is something I look back on with nostalgia. No matter what was going on, that music combined with the task of scrounging up enough spare change to buy some ice cream was a welcome distraction.
Unfortunately, even as an adult, it could be below freezing outside, and I’ll still happily eat some ice cream. Sometimes old habits die hard!
What’s your favorite ECU/College of Business memory?
I don’t know that any single memory here stands above all others.
However, I will sometimes receive a really nice email from a student at the end of a semester. I greatly appreciate those personal notes and will reflect on them at times to not lose sight of why I teach.
Relatedly, it’s been the relationships built with faculty, staff, and students in the College of Business that I’ve valued most.
What’s the one thing people would find most surprising to learn about you?
I’m not exactly sure what’s likely to surprise others. However, I can say that I’ve been surprised by my own career, to some extent.
My mother didn’t graduate from high school. My father was an immigrant who, upon arriving in this country, worked as a dishwasher who couldn’t speak English.
Further, I tend to violate several assumptions about the typical academic. For instance, I never breezed through school. It actually took me 6 years to earn my bachelor’s degree.
Taken together, if the American dream exists, I am absolutely it. That’s why when I look at our students here in the College of Business, I believe that the sky is the limit for them. Just start with a goal, and keep falling forward. If you’re persistent enough, you’ll eventually cross the finish line!
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