Robert Resek is a Professor Emeritus of economics at the University of Illinois, where he has served on the faculty since 1961. Resek received his BA from Illinois and his Master's and PhD from Harvard University.

In addition to his role as professor, Resek also served as director of the university's Bureau of Economic and Business Research from 1977 to 1987 and was the university's vice president for academic affairs from 1987 to 1994. He currently holds the title of Vice President Emeritus.