It is not often that a college can find a professor who perfectly matches the institution, but Gustavus has found this in Richard Leitch, this issue’s Gustie of the Week.

As an Associate Professor of Political Science, Leitch has become a visible fixture in the campus community. An educator at Gustavus since 1996, Leitch teaches courses such as International Relations, Comparative Politics, Asian Politics, Environmental Politics, Analyzing Japan and Politics of Developing Nations.

Last June, he was awarded the 2008 Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching during the college’s commencement ceremony. His courses are some of the first to fill up during registration. This comes as no surprise to students who know Leitch for his energy and enthusiasm in the classroom.

“He’s very charismatic, and he knows what he’s talking about. Plus, he’s entertaining to listen to,” said Junior Political Science and Environmental Studies Major Brian Curran.

According to the Gustavus website, one student wrote, “Professor Leitch brings an amazing enthusiasm into the classroom. He becomes more than just your teacher, but also your colleague. He pushes you to excel and have a real desire to learn.” Another student simply stated that Leitch “inspires true critical thought—the best teacher I have ever had.” There’s no question that Leitch is among the most popular professors on campus.

Despite his popularity, Leitch remains very humble. When told that he was a rock star of sorts on campus, he responded with a characteristic sense of modesty and humor. “What does that mean, I’m a rock star?  Does that mean I have to walk around in leather pants? I can’t even play air-guitar!” said Lietch. “But no, I’m just so lucky, and I love what I do.”

Leitch is passionate about his job and the students here. “Gustavus is the bomb. I love Gustavus, and I could not imagine being at a different college. People here are doing what they really want to do; they want to be here. This college has all the things that made me want to get into teaching in the first place,” said Leitch.

Professor Leitch earned his B.A. in East Asian Studies from Colby College in 1985. After a two year career on Wall Street, he went on to earn a Master’s in Asian Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Illinois in 1995, where he was the recipient of the Harriet and Charles Luckman Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and the College of Liberal Arts Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Graduate Assistant.

His research interests include Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy, and he is the co-author of Japan’s Role in the Post-Cold War World (1995). He is presently writing a book on Japanese domestic politics.

Lietch lives in Mankato with his wife, his son Bill, his daughter Abbey and two dogs.

When asked what he did this summer, Leitch said, “I was the proverbial soccer-dad. Both of my kids played competitive soccer, which meant that we were driving them all over the state.” Besides cheering on his kids, Leitch also wrote a scholarly review for a book about Japanese politics.

“If I really wanted to change my career while here at Gustavus, I probably could. If I ever got sick of teaching—not that I ever would—I would like to become an administrator. I can’t imagine anybody saying, ‘Well, you’re of no use to this community other than being a teacher.’ So I can’t imagine ever going somewhere else because I just really love this place,” said Leitch.

I think I speak for many on this campus when I say Gustavus loves Professor Richard Leitch, too.

Photo By: Alex Messenger