AD+PR Professor of Practice, Robert Kolt, Earns Emeritus Status After 30 Years Teaching
In 2023, Kolt was honored with professor emeritus, the first public relations professor from Michigan State University to receive this title
By: Mary Robertson
“It’s a tremendous honor. [Emeritus] says the university recognizes and has distinguished your work and wants the long-term relationship to remain after your employment with the university ends,” said Bob Kolt, ADPR professor of practice and professor emeritus.
Kolt began teaching for MSU’s Department of AD+PR in 1993, and since then his impact on students’ education has been significant. When Kolt started teaching, there was only one public relations class available. Throughout his time as a professor of practice, Kolt helped the public relations curriculum grow into a certificate, minor and an established major.
“Watching the department grow has been terrific. We wanted to establish it very strategically and I worked with other members of the advertising department to develop the public relations program,” said Kolt.
Kolt is CEO of Kolt Communications, which allows him to bring unique experience and case studies to his curriculum and help students learn experience and examples from his career. Kolt was also appointed to the Michigan Community Service Committee by that state governor in 2012 and currently serves as a chair. These positions and continued learning experiences help Kolt keep his classes engaging.
“I love teaching, it’s terrific,” said Kolt. “I like to interact with people. I lecture but I also engage in conversations because I want to learn about people.”
Kolt taught five classes in spring 2024 semester: three public relations classes where he says he enjoys watching students develop their skills, one communications class that he established toward the beginning of his career, and one special advertising class on election campaigns, where he combines his time on the Michigan Community Service Committee and his experience with AD+PR.
The combination of experience and desire to meet people and watch them succeed is a key factor in his distinguished status. Kolt says that it keeps the job rewarding when he engages with students, not just teaches them.
“The great thing about teaching at Michigan State is the students I have had,” said Kolt. “Many are still in touch and stay in touch over all these years, so it’s not just teaching a class it’s creating friendships and relationships with new professionals.”