Gesine Gerhard

Gesine Gerhard

Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

925-631-4000
gesine.gerhard@stmarys-ca.edu

Gesine Gerhard, PhD, joined Saint Mary’s College as the inaugural Dean of the new School of Arts & Sciences on July 1, 2026. A nationally respected academic leader, scholar, and educator, she brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience and a deep commitment to liberal arts education and interdisciplinary learning.

Before coming to Saint Mary’s, Dr. Gerhard served for eight years as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Drake University, where she led the institution’s largest academic unit through a period of academic innovation, strategic planning, interdisciplinary growth, and enrollment transformation. Earlier, she held several academic leadership roles at the University of the Pacific, including Associate Dean of the College of the Pacific and Director of General Education, helping guide curricular reform and initiatives supporting student success and belonging.

A scholar of modern European and German history, Dr. Gerhard has published extensively and presented internationally while remaining actively engaged in teaching throughout her administrative career. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, academic excellence, and whole-person education, aligning closely with Saint Mary’s Lasallian, Catholic mission as she guides the College’s newly unified School of Arts & Sciences.

More about Gesine Gerhard can be found in SMC’s announcement of her appointment.