Faculty

Robert Ivany, PhD, MA

Major General (Retired, U.S. Army)
U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1969
Areas of Expertise

Learning from Ronald Reagan and famous military leaders, culture building, coaching

Experience

After 13 years as president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Bob now serves as the president emeritus. He came to Houston after retiring as a major general with 34 years of service to our nation. During his Army career, Bob was fortunate to serve in a wide array of challenging assignments. As a 1969 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, he fought in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. He went on to command armored cavalry units from platoon to regiment. He completed overseas tours in Vietnam, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Germany.

Bob observed firsthand the leadership of the President of the United States from 1984-1986 as the Army Aide. In this assignment, he carried the “football” for Ronald Reagan and witnessed the unfolding of global events. His final assignment as the Commandant of the Army War College offered him a wide interaction with corporate CEOs and business school faculty engaged in leader development and change management. Bob has given presentations on leadership and his insights on President Reagan to over 100 corporate conferences, civic luncheons, and business school seminars. In the past, he served on the board of directors for the Mutual of America Capital Management LLC and Allegiance Bancshares of Houston.

Education
  • PhD, Modern European History, University of Wisconsin
  • MA, Modern European History, University of Wisconsin
  • BS, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Publications/Awards
  • Ellis Island Medal of Freedom
  • The Humanitarian Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains
  • The Americanism Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution
  • The George Washington Award for Distinguished Service from the Sons of the American Revolution
  • The Director’s Award from the United States Secret Service
  • The Admiral Thomas J. Hamilton Award for Leadership
  • The Republic of Hungary awarded him the Officer’s Cross, Order of Merit
  • The American Hungarian Foundation presented Bob the George Washington Award
  • Pope Francis bestowed on him the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” medal
  • Published article “From Success to Significance”
  • “The US Army’s Secret to Building a Leader-Driven, Learning Culture: After Action Reviews”, in Chief Executive
  • “Empathy: The Cornerstone of Leadership” in Leader to Leader
  • Initial Certification in Marshall Goldsmith Behavioral Coaching
  • FMI’s Leadership Institute’s Continuing Education Program
  • The University of Michigan Business School’s Leadership Workshops
Organizations
  • Board for the Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
  • Board for the Military Child Education Coalition
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