Dr. Andy Rojas’ path to becoming a respected educator in business is anything but typical. From a young age in Colombia, Dr. Rojas discovered a knack for negotiation and an eye for opportunity that set the stage for a career in international banking. Today, he brings that experience to students at St. Petersburg College (SPC), guiding the next generation of business leaders.

“As an international student, I learned how education could open doors and connect people from diverse backgrounds. It became the foundation for my career and shaped my approach to teaching,” said Dr. Rojas.

Early Insights and a Passion for Business
Dr. Rojas’ first entrepreneurial venture started with an Atari video game console, gifted by his father. He turned it into a “timeshare” for neighborhood kids, charging a fee for playtime. This experience ignited his passion for business and shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

From Banking to Teaching
After a successful career in international banking, Dr. Rojas felt called to share his expertise through teaching. “I realized prosperity is about helping others reach their goals. Teaching allows me to guide students toward meaningful prosperity—success that aligns with their values.”

At SPC, Dr. Rojas connects classroom learning with real-world practice. “We build relationships with employers, giving students a direct pathway to the job market,” he says.

Global Partnerships for Impact
Dr. Rojas spearheads SPC’s international collaborations with institutions in Japan, Colombia, Jordan, and Greece, building a global community of students and professionals. “We’ve created a network of aspiring professionals who are empowered to make an impact across cultures and continents,” he shares.

Core Lessons for Students
Dr. Rojas emphasizes three principles:

• Be Different: Develop unique strengths into a personal brand.
• Take the Balcony View: Step back to see the bigger picture.
• Cultural Intelligence: Be curious about and respect other cultures in a globalized world.

A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Rojas views teaching as a calling, saying, “In business and life, it’s not just about what you achieve but how you impact others. I want to help students build lives they’re proud of.”

For students interested in learning more about the upcoming Greece trip, you can reach out to Dr. Rojas directly at rojas.andres@spcollege.edu.