Students and faculty in the Neeley School of Business gathered in Smith Hall Wednesday evening to remember professor Louis Stripling.

Stripling, 70, was found just after 11 p.m. Tuesday in the 2800 block of Park Place, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

According to the report, which ruled his death a suicide, Stripling died from a gunshot wound. He was about a half mile from his home.

Homer Erekson, dean of the Neeley School of Business, described Stripling as a “positive spirit” who always had a smile as he walked the halls of Tandy.

“[Positive spirit] was something he brought to his classes and to his day-to-day conversations,” Erekson said. “Clearly, Professor Stripling contributed to [the Neeley family] with a smile.”

Stripling provided a positive attitude and was a pleasure to work with, said Bob Greer, professor of management.

“It obviously wasn’t the money or the position,” Greer said. “He had plenty to offer and he wanted to help”

The two sections of “entrepreneurship and energy” and one section of “business management in energy,” Stripling taught will be led by Robert Punko, according to the registrar’s class search.

After he adjusts the class syllabi, his classes are expected to resume by the beginning of next week, said Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor of student affairs.

Stripling was as an energetic and passionate professor who was adored by his students, said Hettie Richardson, chair of Neeley’s department of management, entrepreneurship and leadership.

“He had that aura of the tall Texan with the bigger than life personality,” Richardson said. “When [students] left his courses they couldn’t wait to go out and conquer the world.”

Provost Nowell Donovan sent an email to the TCU community informing them of Stripling’s death. He said counseling staff members are immediately available for students and faculty at the Counseling and Mental Health Center in Samuelson Hall or over the phone at 817-257-7863.

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