Faculty Profile: Dr. Drew D. Gerdes

New to Concordia Nebraska, Dr. Drew D. Gerdes has served the university as assistant professor of education, the director of the undergraduate early childhood education program and director of student teaching since July 2023. He coordinates student teaching placements, teaches courses in early childhood education and directs the university’s early childhood education program.   

Gerdes graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul with a bachelor of arts in elementary education in 2000. He received a master of science in education from Southwest Missouri State University in 2004, and a doctor of education from Concordia University, Chicago in 2019. 

Gerdes said the best thing about his job is having the opportunity to work with students and help to prepare them for a career of service and leadership.  

“There is such amazing community at Concordia Nebraska. Supportive colleagues, eager students and a kind community contribute to making this a top-notch university and workplace,” he said. “Being around others who share a common faith allows for rich dialogue, faith-growth, and opportunity to partner in service to God and community.” 

His wife Valerie is a lead teacher at St. John Child Development Center. Their son, Oliver, is in Kindergarten at St. John Lutheran, and their daughter Charlotte is in preschool at St. John Child Development Center.  

“We love to be outdoors, travel, and enjoy being together,” he said. “We moved to Seward after spending seven years abroad, where I was the early childhood principal at Concordia International School in Shanghai, China. We love the people and the sense of community here.” 

Are you interested in learning more about early childhood education offerings at Concordia Nebraska? Read more here.