Dr. Lacefield is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Institute of Mediation, Arbitration, Strategic Studies & Forensics in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Strategic Studies, at Tarleton State University (a Member of the Texas A&M University System) Dr. Lacefield is considered an expert in the fields of Mortgage & Finance Fraud and Conflict Resolution (Mediation & Arbitration). For the past thirty-one years, Dr. Lacefield has worked in both the federal and private sectors regarding financial regulatory related issues.

Through 2016, Gary has either been deposed or testified in over 190 cases as an expert in mortgage fraud, banking, and finance related cases. In the 44 criminal cases where Dr. Lacefield was the expert for the state or Assistant United States Attorney – the prosecution won every case. Dr. Lacefield was the Supervisor of Lending Investigations for HUD in the Southwest Region and Washington D.C for almost a decade. In addition, Dr. Lacefield developed and implemented the Conflict Resolution program in the Graduate School at Dallas Baptist University.

Dr. Lacefield has conducted over 35 arbitrations and 1600 mediations in the private sector as well as being a court appointed mediator for complex cases. Dr. Lacefield’s opinions have been published in the federal register and in concurrence with HUD General Counsel regarding RESPA related issues. Gary is a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator certified by the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, a Nationally Certified Mediator and Federally qualified Arbitrator. Dr. Lacefield has also taught both the Texas Bar sanctioned mediation and arbitration courses for over 25 years. Gary earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Dallas Baptist University. Gary also earned a Doctorate in Supervision, Administration and Conflict Resolution from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Additionally, Dr. Lacefield is a Certified Fraud Examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners since 2012. Dr. Lacefield had been on the faculty at University of Texas at Arlington over 14 years and with some overlap with UTA, served Dallas Baptist University over 21 years.