Joseph P. Lakatos
UNC Pembroke
Dr. Joseph P. Lakatos, Associate Professor, Department of Accounting and Information Technology, School of Business, University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Lakatos has taught in his department for the past eight years.
Dr. Lakatos has a motto which guides his teaching philosophy, "Inspire, inspire, inspire." He feels that it is the teacher's inspiration that helps students to believe in themselves, to dream, and ultimately to achieve those dreams. Dr. Lakatos firmly believes that he not only serves as a role model for students in his classes, but also in the business profession and life itself. He feels that to succeed in life one must be able to think outside the box and see what no one else sees and be passionate about wanting to do so. One of the best ways to do this, according to Dr. Lakatos, is to continuously learn and be able to see "the forest" and "the trees." It is the premise which forms the cornerstone of his teaching philosophy. Two principles that form the foundation around his core teaching philosophy are professionalism and respect for others. He aims to demonstrate both of these principles to his students on a daily basis in and out of the classroom.
Dr. Lakatos is a constant inspiration for his students and faculty in his department. Students consistently comment on the dedication he gives to his students and the time he is willing to spend with them in and out of class to insure that they understand class materials. He keeps his students on their toes during lecture by calling on them by name and asking them to explain a concept and/or give an example of class ideas to see if they understand fully the materials he is teaching. He will always ask the student, "Is that clear as mud? Or, is it crystal clear?" He always makes sure that the student is "crystal clear" in their knowledge before he moves on to the next idea and the next student. As one student stated, "Dr. Lakatos is one of, if not the most insightful, concerned and caring professors I have ever met…Everyday, he lives and breathes to be a mentor to his students." Another student stated, "Unlike so many, he offers his time, talent and expertise to help implement his suggestions and resolve problems and issues. Dr. Lakatos is a remarkable educator and person."
The Chair of Dr. Lakatos' department shares the same insights on this gifted teacher, "In the classroom, he clearly is concerned not just about getting through a presentation, but about the student learning. "Clear as mud? Or, crystal clear? Is a regular question as he gets students accustomed to interacting and responding to him. Crystal clear is the norm, but when it is not he continues to help students grapple with the idea or concept until that goal is reached."
Dr. Lakatos earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame, the Juris Doctor at St. John's University Graduate School, and the L.L.M. in Banking and Financial Law, Boston University School of Law.