Biography -- Dr. Joe LeVesque

Hello, everyone, I am Joe LeVesque, from Arlington, Texas, and very happy to be here. I have been teaching for about 15 years. I am having a great time at this, and have been really enjoying the lively discussions with people from around the world. It is, indeed, a new world in which we live, and these classes exemplify this. I teach a variety of classes, from Philosophy to Risk Management. It is a great vocation, and I love it.

I am happy to report that I have two grandchildren, both under 3, Veronica Ann and Monica Renee. Sounds a bit like a comic strip, doesn't it? Our daughter, Sarah, is 21, and contemplating going back to college. Seems that parenting is not as easy as she once thought it would be. I have some news for her. This grandparent stuff is the way to go! I never had this much fun as a parent, so my time has arrived.

My background, professionally, is in the area of Tourism. Eight years in the Marketing Department at Six Flags Over Texas, two years with Wet n Wild, three years with a Wax Museum, two years with Sea World. Hey, you pick a theme park, and if I haven't worked for them…..I probably have done some consulting with them. It is a fun industry, but the compensation is quite poor at the Middle Management level, and that is primarily why I don't work for any of them now, except the consulting work. I am a guy who is motivated by money. I am not asking you to agree with me, just letting you know where some of my arguments are based.

All three of my degrees are in Management. My BA is from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, MBA from University of Dallas (just love those Catholic schools), and the Doctorate from the University of Sarasota. Just finished in March of 2000, and it was a tremendously rewarding experience. I commend all of you for continuing your education. I got mine the same way you did, as an adult student, and by sacrificing time with my family. Trust me, the rabbit will be worth the chase. I have not regretted one hour of my academic work. (Well, that is kind of stretching it, since there were a few classes that were a real waste of time.)

Finally, I am also an entrepreneur. I own a production company here in Arlington, and produce Armadillo puppet shows for State Fairs, festivals, casinos, and related events. If you like, you can see some of our work at www.armadillo-puppet.com. It is total nonsense, but extremely lucrative. You should try it. I also am fairly active in the nutritional supplement arena. If you like, you may visit my site at www.lifeplus.com/levesque. (That, by the way, is a very discreet sales pitch.)

I am an easy instructor. Past classes have given me good feedback, but the major weakness of my classes is that they are not rigorous enough for some. That is probably a valid point. However, in my defense, I have noticed that instructors tend to teach in the manner that they liked being taught. Some of them liked losing body parts in their classes, I think. I am not one of them. However, I do expect participation for a high grade.  That will help you in this class, I am sure.

I look forward to helping each of you achieve your individual goals. Just let me know what they are. Talk to you soon. Joe