少女福利

Professor Robert Letovsky retired in Fall 2024 after four decades of impactful teaching at Saint Michael鈥檚 College. A seasoned professional with a diverse background in international business, he dedicated his career to providing students with a global perspective and real-world experiences. Below, he reflects on his journey, the value of a well-rounded education, and what made his time at Saint Michael鈥檚 so meaningful.

Letovsky鈥檚 interview has been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Professor Robert Letovsky, center, works with students American University of Afghanistan: in Kabul in 2007.

What initially drew you to teaching, and how did you end up at Saint Michael’s College?
鈥淚 spent about a decade in the corporate world, but I鈥檝e always had a deep passion for education. I started teaching night classes before transitioning into a full-time role at Saint Michael鈥檚 College 40 years ago. My background in international business, partly influenced by my father鈥檚 work, led me to teach abroad in places like China, El Salvador, and Afghanistan, where I helped establish the business department at the American University of Afghanistan. Bringing these global experiences back to the classroom has always been central to my approach to teaching.鈥�

What would you say has been the highlight of your teaching career?
鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 always been about the connections I鈥檝e made with students and the opportunity to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. One moment that really stands out was when my students testified before the Vermont legislature about financial regulation. Seeing them apply what they鈥檇 learned to a real-world scenario and present their findings to policymakers was incredible. It brought the classroom to life.鈥�

What makes Saint Michael鈥檚 College unique in your eyes?
鈥淭he sense of community and the level of personal attention that students get here make Saint Michael鈥檚 stand out. The small class sizes create an environment where students really connect with their professors and peers. It鈥檚 not just about academics鈥攊t鈥檚 about fostering values like respect, hard work, and community. These are the qualities that make Saint Michael鈥檚 students not only well-prepared for their careers but also ready to contribute positively to the world.鈥�

What are the most important skills you believe students gain from a Saint Michael鈥檚 education?
鈥淚 always emphasize the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These are core skills that transcend any particular job. The liberal arts foundation at Saint Michael鈥檚 ensures that students are exposed to a broad range of disciplines, which helps them develop both technical skills and the soft skills necessary for navigating an ever-changing world. It鈥檚 that combination that makes Saint Michael鈥檚 graduates so successful.鈥�

Professor Robert Letovsky, far right, poses with Saint Michael’s students and Prof.essor Karen Popovich, far left, at SUNY Plattsburgh Free Enterprise Marathon 2019.

What advice would you give to students as they prepare for their future careers?
鈥淭ake the time to explore a wide variety of experiences鈥攚hether it鈥檚 through internships, business competitions, or simply engaging with people who bring different perspectives. When I look at our students who鈥檝e participated in competitions like CHAART or LaunchVT, I see them not just developing skills but also building relationships that will last throughout their careers. The connections they make with professionals, alumni, and their peers are invaluable.鈥�

Looking back on your career, what would you say has been your greatest fulfillment as a teacher?
鈥淭he greatest fulfillment has been seeing my students succeed鈥攏ot just in their careers but as individuals. Saint Michael鈥檚 is all about developing students who are ready to make a difference in the world, and I鈥檓 proud to have played a small part in that. After all, it鈥檚 not just about the degree鈥攖hey leave here with the mindset and values that will guide them in everything they do.鈥�

What does retirement look like for you?
鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to do work I truly love, but I鈥檓 looking forward to this next chapter, where I can continue to mentor students in different ways. I鈥檓 also excited to spend more time with my family and reflect on what I鈥檝e learned over the years. As I move into retirement, I鈥檒l always carry with me the sense of purpose that teaching at Saint Michael鈥檚 gave me.鈥�

Professor Letovsky鈥檚 career at Saint Michael鈥檚 College has touched countless students, and his legacy lives on in the values of community, adaptability, and purpose that he instilled in all who had the privilege of learning from him.