Robert Weinstein
After 35 years on the Hilltop, the Foster College of Business will be saying goodbye to a dedicated member of the faculty.
Professor of economics Robert Weinstein, announced his retirement at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.
“Through my years at Bradley University, I’ve found myself in many roles, but I especially enjoyed returning to my role as professor in the Economics Department,” Weinstein said. Weinstein taught Microeconomics, The Principals of Economics and Urban Economics, as well as a specialty course he designed in Supply Chain Economics.
In 1980, Weinstein joined Bradley as executive director of the Institute for Urban Affairs and Business Research. After serving as the associate provost for research in 1984 and Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School through 1996, Weinstein served as President of the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center before returning to his role as a professor of economics in 2011.
“I’ve really loved the opportunity to return to teaching and to share what I’ve learned with students from my various experiences working with industry,” West said. “I know how important this is, as university business classes may be their first exposure to the functions of the economy, and how they can personally understand and are affected by the industries and markets of the world.”
As for a farewell message, Weinstein said he has some words of advice.
“Overall, I want students to understand why they’re here,” Weinstein said. “Their Bradley experience will be an invaluable resource if they really dedicate themselves to their studies and to gaining the most they can from their education.”
Robert Baer
Before joining the team at Bradley University’s Foster College of Business, professor Robert Baer had a completely different path in mind: psychology.
“From consumer behavior to advertising to industrial organizational behavior, I’ve always been interested in how psychology relates to business,” Baer said. “After I went in for a marketing professor position, however, I was hooked, and I never looked back.”
Baer began work at the Foster College of Business Administration in 1984, and has since had a hand in multiple marketing classes and study abroad opportunities.
“I spent a number of years as the Dean of Foster College and when I returned to teaching after that, I taught some international business classes that I’ve really enjoyed,” West said. “I’ve traveled with students to China, India and Dubai several times.”
Baer said these trips and the time spent with students were the highlights of his time at Bradley.
“A handful of classes really stick out to me,” Baer said. “I remember the individual students and how engaged they were. When good classes click with good students, it’s like magic.”
Baer plans to retire at the end of the semester, taking the memories of these courses and
“There’s a whole world of opportunity out there,” Baer said. “The past 31 years have been great. I can’t say I have a single regret.”
Chuck West
Nearly two decades after joining the faculty of Foster College of Business, professor Chuck West announced his retirement at the end of the semester.
“I’ve taught from sixth grade on up, but I’ve especially enjoyed my time here at the university level,” West said.
Before joining the staff of Bradley University in 1997, West had over twenty years in various military, business and technology fields.
“I’ve done work with computer science and business, and teaching the ‘techie courses’ has always appealed to me.”
West has had a hand in creating nearly a dozen individual courses here at Bradley and has taught 16 during his time as a professor in the Entrepreneurship, Technology and Law program.
“One of the best parts of teaching here was being able to meet new open minds every semester. I’ve really enjoyed bringing my business and military experiences forward to the classroom,” West said. “Education becomes more relevant if the student can see how it can be put to practice.”
As for specific retirement plans, West intends on taking it easy.
“I’m looking forward to having more time for golf, pickle ball, and other recreational activities,” West said. “And spending more time with my family and our dog.”
