“…His respect for all of his students is noticeable - more so than a typical college professor. There was never a time where I felt as though I was unable to receive help…He also stays relevant with what is popular in today’s society and accepting of new ideas, making his teaching and lectures up-to-date and interesting.'“
— Introduction to Creating Media Content student, Fall 2019

"Dr. Panek is an excellent researcher; he brings a lot of thought–provoking questions to each class and challenges the student to critical thinking on the issues.”  
– Social Media Research (PhD Level) student, Fall 2018

"Elliot was interested in my learning more about the subject at hand. He read everything that was submitted and his feedback was specific and instructional, which I believe made me better at not only writing but Film criticism.”  
– Distance Learner, Film History and Criticism, Fall 2018

“Without any doubt, the best professor I have had in all my time at UA. I cannot say enough good things. If I ever encountered a problem, he responded to me very quickly, but also so thoroughly. He cared that I understood how to solve the problem rather than just telling me to how to fix it.”
– The Fundamentals of Media Technologies student Spring 2018

"He is a captivating speaker that knows how to engage a large room. He knows what he is talking about, and knows how to teach others what he knows. He doesn't put up with any distractions in the lecture hall, which helps students pay attention and succeed in his class. He offers 5 minute breaks during the 3 hour class period to allow students to refresh. It is clear he values students' learning of the material." 
– Film History and Criticism student, Fall 2015

"Dr. Panek was extremely helpful, especially when there were any issues that arose throughout the course. He readily clarified any confusion students may have had and was very fair in his methods of student assessment and grading." 
– Film History and Criticism student, Fall 2015

"Probably my favorite professor so far. He brings energy to a long class, engages the students, and is all around a great teacher. I can't imagine taking this course with anyone else."
 – Film History and Criticism student, Fall 2015

"He cares a lot for his students' success and gives lots of feedback to homeworks to increase students' understanding. He is such a great teacher. Can be such a hard/boring course material at times, but he really goes over and beyond to help his students."
– Communication Research Methods student, Fall 2015

"Dr. Panek was a great professor! He is very passionate about what he does and that shows. He made me excited for our research projects and offered constructive criticism to help us improve for the future."
– Communication Research Methods student, Fall 2015

"Dr. Panek is top-notch. He is one of the highest quality professors I have ever had at the University."
– Communication Research Methods student, Spring 2015

"AMAZING instructor. He is available outside of class for help and responds to emails quickly. He is very nice and approachable. He wants his students to succeed."
– Communication Research Methods student, Spring 2015

"He was very nice and willing to work with students outside of class. You could also tell that he really loves what he does."
– Communication Research Methods student, Spring 2015

"He is very passionate and knowledgable about his course, and wants the students to be as well."
– Film History and Criticism student, Fall 2014

"Dr. Panek is an amazing professor. I walked into the class thinking I would be so bored and I couldn't wait to this prerequisite class was over but boy was I wrong. This class was so much fun and I learned so much from Dr. Panek. He is always prepared for class and he does a great job at explaining the material."
– Film History and Criticism student, Fall 2014

"Honestly, I think this guy is brilliant. I took the class because I heard it was an easy A and that the teachers didn't care, but this guy came in fresh this year and changed everything. I questioned his grading policies at first, but now everything makes sense. Go to class and participate, you get a good grade. Skip class and slack off on online discussions, and you fail. He makes the class extremely interesting and he is clearly passionate about how he teaches. I'm genuinely more interested in film than I ever have been before, and it's because of how well-taught this class was. Probably one of the best professors I have ever had. Hell, I wanna shake his hand and tell him he's awesome to his face. Bravo."
– Film History and Criticism student, Fall 2014