Prior to teaching, Robert J. Guttman’s career involved interviewing presidents, running international publications and shaping conversations on politics and foreign affairs, experiences he has shared with students for more than a decade. Now, the longtime School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) professor is giving back in a new way: by establishing the Guttman Public Service Scholarship to benefit students in the school’s online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program.
"I’ve been teaching at UVA for 12 years, and I’ve seen how hard my students work while juggling families, jobs and classes. Anything I could do to help the students felt worthwhile, and a scholarship seemed like the best way to support them in continuing their careers and studies.”
Robert J. Guttman, UVA SCPS Professor
Guttman’s Path to UVA SCPS was Anything but Traditional
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University and a Master of Arts degree from American University, Guttman served as an international economist at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He went on to found Political Profiles, a nonpartisan publishing company that gained national attention for its in-depth coverage of political figures, and eventually led him to found the Center for Politics and Foreign Relations at Johns Hopkins University. Over the years, his career has taken him across the globe as a journalist, interviewing world leaders, publishing books, organizing international conferences and working as editor-in-chief of EUROPE Magazine, the official magazine of the European Union.
“I grew up in a small town in Indiana,” Guttman reflected. “I could have stayed in my dad’s furniture store, but I wanted to be part of politics and world affairs. I tell my students that you don’t have to wait for permission to start something—you can just do it. That’s how I launched my first publication, and it changed my life.”
Opening Doors Through Education
Guttman’s strong commitment to his students inspired him to establish the scholarship fund. He says today’s students at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are more engaged than ever—better informed, eager to debate current events and genuinely passionate about public service. For him, the classroom has become a place for thoughtful dialogue, where students from all walks of life bring their perspectives to discussions about democracy and politics. “I’ve spent a lifetime in world affairs and economics,” Guttman said, “and it’s incredibly rewarding to share those experiences with students who are so motivated to learn.”
“The students at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are really extraordinary. Many of them are working adults—nurses, police officers, business professionals—who come to class because they truly want to learn. Their interest in politics and democracy is very genuine, and it makes teaching here such a joy.”
Robert J. Guttman
Guttman has guided several of his SCPS students toward prestigious graduate programs, writing recommendations and mentoring them throughout the process. Many of his students didn’t necessarily set out to study politics or foreign policy, but once they started, they discovered a passion for it and a desire to continue their studies. For Guttman, “to play even a small role in that is incredibly rewarding.”
Why Public Service Matters Now
Guttman’s hope is that the scholarship strengthens our democracy by developing future leaders in public service. “Public service is an honorable calling,” he said. “Whether you work in government, with nonprofits or in international organizations, you’re helping strengthen democracy. At a time when trust in government is fragile, investing in students who want to serve the public is more important than ever.”
Guttman often reminds his students that big opportunities can come from small beginnings. “I tell them that if you have an idea, try it,” he said. “You don’t have to be afraid of failure. You can keep trying until it works. That’s what entrepreneurship and public service have in common: taking the leap.”
Building a Lasting Legacy at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Guttman’s passion for teaching comes from a personal place. His late father predicted at a very young age that he would become a professor. Guttman’s lifelong admiration for Thomas Jefferson also makes teaching at UVA especially meaningful.
“Thomas Jefferson has always been my political hero,” Guttman said. “To be able to teach at the university he founded is an honor. Creating this scholarship feels like a way to carry forward that legacy.”
Looking back on a career spanning Washington, D.C., Europe and beyond, Guttman says his greatest satisfaction comes not from the interviews with presidents or the books he’s written, but from seeing his students succeed. “Every semester I’m inspired by the people in my classroom,” he said. “If this scholarship helps even one student move forward in their education, then I’ll know it made a difference.”
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