
Global Thinking, Real-World Learning
Faculty Spotlight: Professor Pradeep Gopalakrishna, PhD

We had the opportunity to speak with Professor Pradeep Gopalakrishna, PhD, the chair of the Marketing Department at 男女操逼视频软件男女操逼视频软件檚 Lubin School of Business, about his 29-year career with the university. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer in India, he pursued an MBA in marketing and management at the University of North Texas, driven by a deep curiosity about business.
With expertise in consumer behavior, strategic marketing, and cross-cultural studies, he has authored numerous articles and developed real-world case studies. At Lubin, he champions experiential learning, guiding students through hands-on projects and industry collaborations. His passion for mentorship has helped students secure internships and full-time roles in marketing.
Name: Dr. Pradeep Gopalakrishna, more commonly known as Dr. G.
Department: Marketing
Why Marketing?
In the 1980s, as a mechanical engineering student at Bangalore University in India, I noticed a prevalent trend among engineering graduates: many pursued a management degree to explore various business functions. Marketing, in particular, stood out as a priority for many, including myself. This curiosity led me to pursue an MBA in Marketing and Management at the University of North Texas in 1981.
During my MBA journey, I navigated a competitive job market, taking on roles that, while modest, laid the foundation for a fulfilling career. I maintained strong ties with the university, which eventually led to an invitation from my professors to further engage in academia after completing my MBA.
When I teach marketing, I often challenge my students to reflect on its critical role within an organization. I ask, why is marketing essential to study? I direct their attention to an income statement, where marketing represents the top-line activity男女操逼视频软件攖he only function responsible for generating revenue, driving demand, and fueling growth. It男女操逼视频软件檚 this profound impact that continues to inspire my passion for marketing and shape my teaching approach.
Why Lubin/Pace?
In the mid-1990s, I had been teaching at Hofstra University for six to seven years when I began exploring academic opportunities beyond Long Island. At the time, I even considered positions in the Midwest. Around that time, 男女操逼视频软件 was seeking a visiting professor, and I joined as an associate professor of marketing.
Pace男女操逼视频软件檚 proximity to the Financial District and Wall Street, along with its strong industry connections男女操逼视频软件攑articularly with marketing firms such as IPG, Ogilvy, and WPP男女操逼视频软件攎ade Lubin an excellent platform for expanding my professional network. Being near Madison Avenue allowed me to engage with leading firms and strengthen both my academic and industry relationships.
What are your research interests/areas?
My initial academic interest centered on services marketing, which was the focus of my dissertation. As I expanded my network with academic professionals abroad, my research evolved into cross-cultural marketing, examining consumer behavior across diverse markets.
Writing has also been a significant passion of mine, particularly crafting case studies on real companies to analyze consumer preferences and marketing strategies. My teaching and research encompass several core areas, including consumer behavior, services marketing, strategic marketing, and cross-cultural marketing. Over the course of my career, I男女操逼视频软件檝e authored more than 50 articles, contributing to academic and professional discourse in these fields.
Why is it important to advance research in this area or these areas?
Change is a constant in the business world, particularly from a practitioner男女操逼视频软件檚 perspective, underscoring the importance of academic research keeping pace with industry evolution. While academia and industry operate in distinct spheres, it is crucial for research to align with real-world practices and trends. In today男女操逼视频软件檚 fast-paced environment, maintaining relevance requires actively bridging these two domains.
What do students learn in your classroom?
My classroom fosters a dynamic learning environment where students develop transferable skills through debates, discussions, case studies, and both individual and group presentations. A hallmark of my teaching philosophy is experiential learning, where students work on real-world projects with actual or simulated clients.
For instance, each year, I guide Norwegian students in creating a marketing plan for a real client. One particularly memorable project involved launching a new e-health platform for Norway男女操逼视频软件檚 leading bank, DNB, in the New York City region. Students conducted extensive consumer behavior research and developed a comprehensive product launch strategy for the United States. These hands-on experiences equip students with critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are directly applicable to their careers.
Notably, the project presentation was accepted by the client, who then proceeded with the launch. Additionally, one of the students from the program later accepted a position with DNB in Oslo, Norway.
To continue to stress the industry nexus with the classroom, I believe in forging and maintaining relationships with employers in the New York City area. For over fifteen years now, I have been taking students to meet with business professionals of the New York Mets at Citifield, and Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Several students have succeeded in securing internships and full-time positions as a result.
Discuss your professional path and its impact on how you teach and what you teach.
My professional aim has always been to integrate teaching with research. I actively incorporate my research into the classroom, using it to enrich discussions, provide real-world insights, and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
What are some challenges you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
One of the biggest challenges I faced upon arriving in the United States was adapting to cultural differences and language barriers. Being outspoken by nature, adjusting to a new cultural context required patience and a willingness to learn.
Of which triumph are you most proud?
Supporting student success, particularly when it leads to internships and full-time employment, has been one of my greatest achievements as an educator.
What is the single most important lesson you男女操逼视频软件檇 like to impart to your students?
I emphasize the importance of analytical skills above all else, alongside curiosity and communication. In today男女操逼视频软件檚 social media-driven world, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for navigating the rapidly evolving marketing landscape.
What does #LubinLife mean to you?
#LubinLife means being collegial男女操逼视频软件攕taying connected and engaged, both as a student and as a faculty member男女操逼视频软件攂y fostering relationships, contributing to the academic community, and supporting lifelong learning.
Classes you have taught or are currently teaching:
- MAR 201: Principles of Marketing
- MAR 222: Marketing Research
- MAR 394: Marketing Internship
- MAR 675: Strategic Marketing Planning
- MAR 681: International Marketing
- MAR 806: Driving Marketing Performance
- DPS 840: Doctoral Foundation Seminar in Marketing
In addition to these courses, I also occasionally teach internationally focused courses sponsored by the Center for Global Business Programs.