Endowed professorships at Flagler College attract and empower distinguished scholars who inspire students to push beyond boundaries and discover creative solutions.
These prestigious positions have transformed the College’s educational landscape by fostering innovation and enriching the student experience. The Peter and Sue Freytag Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Business exemplifies the profound impact these roles can have.
Peter and Sue Freytag
In 2015, Peter and Sue Freytag recognized the potential of Flagler College’s Business Administration program and sought to elevate it through their philanthropy.
“Especially in these times, investing in strong educational leaders helps turn young adults into model citizens,” Peter Freytag said.
The vision behind their philanthropy was clear: attract the finest business minds to campus and create a lasting impact on the College and the community. This vision materialized with the establishment of the Peter and Sue Freytag Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Business.
“When we first discussed the vision of Flagler’s business program with Dr. Abare, we clearly saw the impact that could be made in St. Augustine if Flagler had the financial resources for the program to attract talented professors from across the nation,” Sue Freytag said.
Endowed professorships extend beyond financial support. These positions empower faculty to pursue groundbreaking research, develop innovative curricula, and provide students with unparalleled learning opportunities.
“Endowed professors’ research and work informs their teaching, providing students with hands-on professional experience,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Art Vanden Houten said. “This real-world application separates a Flagler education from other institutions.”
Derek Yonai, who joined Flagler College in 2023 as the second Freytag Associate Professor of Economics and new Brown Innovation Center (BIC) director exemplifies the caliber of talent these positions attract. Recognized for his excellence in teaching and research, Yonai has significantly enriched the academic environment.
Yonai on the left (Commencement 2024)
“It was a true honor to be a Freytag Associate Professor at Flagler College, and I was deeply touched when it was offered to me,” Yonai said.
The achievements of Allison Roberts, the first Freytag Associate Professor of Economics, vividly illustrate the impact of endowed professorships. Roberts spearheaded the development of the BIC, a cutting-edge facility that fosters multidisciplinary collaboration and provides students with opportunities to engage in innovative projects.
The BIC is a hub of creativity and problem-solving, embodying the spirit of academic excellence that endowed positions promote.
David Rivera, Freytag Professor of Hospitality and Tourism (HTM), has leveraged his endowment to transform St. Augustine into a living laboratory for students. As HTM program director, Rivera oversees community events like the annual Spanish Food and Wine Festival, offering students practical experience organizing and managing major events. These real-world applications of classroom learning are invaluable, preparing students for successful careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Charles White, Freytag Professor of Management at Flagler College and Dean of the School of Business exemplifies the transformative power of endowed professorships. Before stepping into his leadership role as Dean, White was recruited to the College and offered a Freytag position; since then, he has been instrumental in advancing the business program and fostering a dynamic academic environment.
Looking ahead, the success of the Freytag-endowed professorships at Flagler College will inspire future philanthropic efforts.
“Professorships give Flagler College a competitive advantage,” Sue Freytag said. “We are pleased our professorship has built up the local community, both by bringing in high caliber thought leaders like the recently named Dr. Yonai and through the profound impact we continue to see from the works of Dr. Roberts, Dr. Rivera, and Dr. White.”
By supporting these positions, donors can help maintain the vibrancy of academic programs, enrich the college’s pedigree, and attract high-merit students eager to learn from industry-leading experts.
The Peter and Sue Freytag Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Business stands as a shining example of the far-reaching impact these positions can have on a college and its community.
If you would like to establish an endowed professorship and invest in faculty research and teaching, please visit: https://www.flagler.edu/flaglerforward
