Rate My Professor Paul Gerhardt

Dr. Paul Gerhardt serves as Professor and Department Chair of Applied Business in the Business and Social Science Department at Pierce College District, Fort Steilacoom campus. He has been a full-time faculty member in Applied Business since 2006, teaching courses in human resources, management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Gerhardt holds a PhD in Management and Organizational Behavior from Capella University School of Business and Technology (2006), an MA in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University (2001), a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Chapman University (2001), a BA in Business, Leadership, and Systems Thinking from The Evergreen State College (2000), and an AA in Business and Technology from Highline College (1998). Prior to his academic career, he worked as a Market Manager and District Trainer at Safeway from 1991 to 2006. He has also served as adjunct faculty in Applied Leadership and Business Doctoral Programs at City University since 2013, adjunct professor at Brandman University School of Business and Professional Studies, and Doctoral Dissertation Chair at City University since 2013. As Program Chair for the Business Department, he contributes significantly to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Business Management program, delivering upper-division courses in a hyperflex modality to support adult learners with industry-aligned skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and self-management.

Dr. Gerhardt's teaching excellence is recognized through several awards, including the President’s Teaching Award from City University (2016), Educator of the Year from WAVA (2008), and All Washington Academic Leadership Award (1998). He is a Master Teacher Certified in the Business Management and Marketing Department and a Quality Matters Certified online instructor. His certifications include MBTI Certified Practitioner (2010), Certified DiSC Practitioner (2012), and Certified Cultural Competence Facilitator (2016). Gerhardt has been involved in various committee roles and student support initiatives, such as co-advisor for the Business Club (2015-present), advisor for Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (2008-2012), member of the eLearning Advisory Committee (2018), and Pierce College Foundation Scholarship Award Committee (2016-present). Additionally, he has facilitated international business seminars with Samyung University as Emerging Student Leadership Facilitator since 2006 and participated in the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee.