Ronald Riggio

Ronald Riggio is the Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology in the Department of Psychological Science at Claremont McKenna College. He has been at CMC since 1996, following years of work in the Cal State and University of California systems. He previously served as Director of the Kravis Leadership Institute and is also a Visiting Leadership Scholar at Churchill College, Cambridge University.

Education:

• B.S. in Psychology from Santa Clara University
• M.A. and Ph.D. in Social/Personality Psychology from University of California, Riverside

Riggio is a prominent leadership scholar whose research spans multiple domains. His early work focused on social psychology and nonverbal communication, which evolved into leadership studies, particularly charismatic and transformational leadership. He examines communication processes in organizational settings, assessment center methodology for personnel selection, and learning strategies in higher education. His interdisciplinary approach connects psychological principles with practical leadership applications across various contexts.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of leadership, psychology, and communication. Over time, his work has expanded from foundational research on nonverbal communication to comprehensive studies of leadership development across the lifespan, including the early emergence of leadership in children and young adults. His recent work emphasizes 'soft skills' in leadership, such as interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Teacher Award, Western Psychological Association, 1993
• Meritorious Performance and Professional Promise, Cal State Fullerton (1985-1990)
• Professor of the Year, Dept. of Psychology, CSUF (multiple years)
• Honorary Faculty Member, Golden Key National Honor Society, 1990
• Honorary Life Membership, Claremont McKenna College Alumni Association, 2013
• Elected President of Western Psychological Association, 2008
• Fellow of the American Psychological Association
• Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science

Riggio has advised numerous students and contributed significantly to leadership education. He has served as a consultant to dozens of organizations across business, education, and non-profit sectors, including Fortune 500 companies. His work with the Fullerton Longitudinal Study has provided valuable insights into leadership development across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood.

As former Director of the Kravis Leadership Institute, Riggio helped establish CMC as a leader in undergraduate leadership education. He continues to advance leadership scholarship through his Psychology Today blog 'Cutting Edge Leadership' and ongoing research on leadership development in educational contexts.