Business Doctor

Robert W. Elsasser '21, who was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce of New Orleans in December, is a college professor turned businessman. He is a management analyst and derives huge satisfaction from his role of "business doctor" and from helping others.

Following his graduation from Dartmouth as a Phi Beta Kappa student, Elsasser taught economics while attending Tuck School. In 1924 he returned to teach economics in the College before joining the faculty of Tulane University in 1926. Resigning from there in 1942 with the rank of Professor of Economics and Management in the College of Commerce and Business Administration, he joined the Pendleton Shipyards as personnel director, during the war emergency, and became vice president and general manager. Since 1947 he has had his own firm, offering professional service in management, economic, and statistical analysis.

Elsasser has consistently put to use his belief in the value of a combined theoretical and practical approach in the solution of economic and social problems. In an interview following his election as president of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, he urged perspective, recommending that businessmen and consumers take a longer look at public questions when they arise.

In his write-up for the 25th Anniversary Report of 1921, he stated: "We have developed some tools and techniques of management that work. They've been presented to trade and professional groups in articles and talks, and they've been tested. Out of it all we hope there will emerge a key to increasing the usefulness of social principles."

It was in Hanover that Elsasser met his wife, the former Helen Pelton, whom he married in 1922.

Robert W. Elsasser '21