Larry Gerston

EXPERTISE:
Public policy, Civic Engagement, and State and U.S. Politics

CONTACT INFORMATION:
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0119

OFFICE HOURS:
Friday 8:15am - 9:15am in-person
and by appointment via Zoom

EDUCATION:
Ph.D. University of California, Davis, 1975

BACKGROUND:
Professor Emeritus Larry Gerston examines public policy at the national and state levels of government. His Public Policymaking in a Democratic Society: A Guide to Civic Engagement has been praised for its "hands on" approach to citizen participation. A reviewer of his fourteenth book, Trumpism, Bigotry, and the Threat to American Democracy, describes the book as "a monumental work" about the imminent threats to democracy. He is currently researching and writing Overcoming Trumpism: How We Can Save Democracy.

Professor Gerston is also an award-winning children's book author. The themes in his books include appreciating the journey en route to the destination, discrimination, bullying, and self-esteem.

Larry Gerston appears twice weekly as the on-air political analyst for NBC Bay Area television and speaks as political analyst for KCBS radio. He has been interviewed on NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, CNN, BBC, CNBC, C-SPAN and Time. He has written more than 150 op-ed columns and has been quoted in several national newspapers.

A sought-after motivational speaker, Professor Gerston lectures several times each year on civic engagement and empowerment. He has a unique ability to passionately put complex issues into an understandable perspective.

When not teaching or writing, Professor Gerston consults on media training, crisis management, and strategic thinking.