When Mikel Lott graduates from UNT Dallas with his bachelor’s degree on Tuesday, his father won’t just be cheering from the audience; he’ll be right beside him on stage.
Lamontry Lott, 53, is also graduating with his bachelor’s degree. For him, the moment is decades in the making.
“It’s gonna be awesome because for me, I get to support my son and also fulfill a lifelong dream that I have for myself,” Lamontry said. “So this will be, personally, my first time walking across a stage with a cap and gown on.”
Lamontry grew up in West Dallas and dropped out of high school. “So I had to get my GED then,” he said. He later completed enough college coursework to become a Dallas Firefighter Engineer.
While Lamontry serves his community, his son has served his country. Mikel Lott, a U.S. Army sergeant and Afghanistan veteran, is now a teacher at Hillcrest High School in Dallas ISD. He was recently named Teacher of the Year for Promise, an award given to newer teachers in the district.
“That’s why I tell him all the time I’m blessed to have a father like my father,” Mikel said. “He’s outstanding! He’s always preaching education is very important, and he’s leading by example.”
“Now, I didn’t graduate summa cum laude like my son, but I am graduating,” Lamontry said, smiling. “For us, we want to break that family cycle, that generational cycle, so that everyone—not only we encounter but in our personal families—understand that education is the key.”
Graduation won’t be the end of their academic journey. Both plan to continue their education together.
“We’re gonna get our master’s together, yes. We’re going to grad school together,” Lamontry said.
“I’m happy! I’m happy. I’m happy,” Mikel added.
Both father and son plan to begin graduate studies at UNT Dallas in fall 2026.
Great Job Noelle Walker & the Team @ NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth for sharing this story.
