TEACHES IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM(S)
Business
School of Business
Biography
Robert Salas brings over 20 years of experience in IT consulting, business intelligence, and data analytics to his role at Carroll University. He has dedicated his career to making complex information accessible and actionable for everyone. His extensive experience as an entrepreneur and consultant, coupled with advanced certifications and user-community involvement and leadership in the field underscores his passion for data-driven decision-making and innovative problem-solving.
Prior to consulting, he was a manager in the hospitality industry, served in the US Army, Special Operations Command, and taught social dance—all very grounding and formative experiences which provide a plethora of small life lessons. He’s conducted hundreds of hours of in-person training throughout his professional career and taught as an Adjunct Professor at Carthage College prior to joining Carroll University.
Robert has two daughters, enjoys traveling and exploring the distant corners of the world, and frequently tries to get out hiking and biking.
Education
M.A., Webster University – Computer Resource & Information Management
B.A., Pomona College – Economics
Areas of Specialization
Business Analytics
Service to Carroll University and Profession
- Continued involvement in data & business analytics through professional consulting with local and regional clients in the retail, health care, and state government sectors.
- Co-leader of the Tableau User Groups for Madison and for Wisconsin. We organize and host in-person & hybrid events, creating presentation content, providing networking opportunities, and subject matter expertise for data visualization learning for members of the user community. (2022 - present)
What is your teaching style?
I try to provide an engaging learning environment that also embodies real-life working scenarios. I try to create challenging, but fair and achievable assignments, to give experience that is valued, rewarding and practical. Teaching is an endeavor of giving of ourselves and it feels very fulfilling to see a light bulb go off with a tricky concept and for students to really rise to the task and show up for themselves and their best work.
Why do you do what you do?
I want to equip students with practical skills and knowledge for a future career and their whole life, and to nourish the hallmarks of a liberal arts education: learning to read critically, to think broadly, to become adaptable, and to communicate clearly and effectively. All of these are the key strengths the future will require and value. I strive to be approachable and truly value learning about each and every student by simply engaging in conversation together.
How do you make learning engaging?
I’ve had several careers before teaching and each one comes with a plethora of lessons learned that I can share, be vulnerable about mistakes and foibles, and build upon those stories to engage in relevant discussion. My background in IT makes me extremely comfortable with technology but I never forget that connection, communication, and adaptation are the most important skills students need to develop. Since I teach Applied Analytics, my classes focus on hands-on projects and skill development.
What should students know about you?
I’ve had a meandering and wildly unexpected career path, none of which I foresaw while I was in college. I want students to know it will all be okay, whether they know right now what they want to do or are not completely certain.
I firmly believe in work ethic and follow through, both of which are requisite to success and lifelong learning. My time in the service imbued a strong awareness of timeliness and decorum, which I encourage as a sign of respect for your classmates and for yourself and your own learning. Consulting requires a high degree of self-starter mentality and realizing your own value and I hope to instill that in every student through challenging and interesting course projects with meaningful feedback.