CUNE welcomes new faculty – meet Drew Gerdes
Eden Dehne
Sower Staff
Concordia has a number of new faculty members this year. Let’s meet Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Early Childhood Education Program, and Director of Student Teaching Drew Gerdes.
Q: What is your full official title?
A: Assistant Professor of Education; Director of the Undergraduate Early Childhood Education Program;
Director of Student Teaching
Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in Minnesota but spent most of my career teaching and leading Lutheran schools in Missouri. This summer, my family and I moved to Seward from Shanghai, China, where we spent the past seven years at Concordia International School, where I served as the Early Childhood Principal.
Q: What brought you to Concordia?
A: Jesus brought us to Concordia! God knows us well and calls us where He would have us serve best. After spending seven years overseas in China, we felt it was time to return to the United States so our two young children could be near grandparents and other family members. I’ve always known about Concordia Nebraska (my undergraduate degree is from Concordia in St. Paul, Minnesota), and I felt that the university’s mission and values match those that I have. I want to serve the Church-at-large, continue my own learning and support future educators.
Q: What can students expect from you in class?
A: I hope my students experience humor, real-world experience and deeper understandings of concepts, pedagogy and reflective practices — all of which contribute to the passion of being a life-long learner. I know the importance of being organized, so students will experience clear expectations within a course, but also support from me when needed. My office door is often open, my email always receives messages and I welcome conversation whenever a student sees me around campus.
