[ Skip Main Nav ]

| Student Login »
Request Info
Chat Live Now

Doctoral Faculty Profiles

Students really enjoy applying what they are learning, rather than rote memorization of dry textbook theories.

Patricia Adesso

Patricia Adesso

School of Advanced Studies

Patricia Adesso, a San Diego resident, earned her doctoral degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 1988.  Subjects she teaches include philosophy and psychology, as well as management.

Patricia has 14 years of professional experience as an independent consultant and 20 years as a manager/internal consultant. She’s been involved in managing mergers, acquisitions, and other large-scale organizational changes. She’s involved in projects such as strategic planning, personality assessments, and helping organizations assess their corporate cultures.  She builds executive, management and work teams through personality assessment and alignment with the characteristics of high-performing teams.  She also provides workshops in areas such as conflict resolution, stress management and project planning.  She is on the adjunct staff of the Center for Creative Leadership in San Diego, where she provides intensive one-on-one feedback and coaching to executives.

The University of Phoenix educational process focuses on teams and individuals applying grounded academic theories. It is this practical approach that I believe allows the students not only to earn their degree, but to graduate knowing how to make it work in their workplace.

Kevin Gazzara

Kevin Gazzara

School of Advanced Studies

Kevin Gazzara, a senior partner at Magna Leadership Solutions, has earned several degrees. These include a Doctorate in Management and Leadership from University of Phoenix in 2001, a Master of Business Administration in Management from Philadelphia University in 1983 and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Engineering from Drexel University in 1979. He teaches Management, Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Marketing within the School of Advanced Studies.

Kevin’s work history includes consulting for Success Insights International and managing the first and mid line management and leadership development programs for Intel Corporation. He’s served as University Research Chair for Organizational Behavior for the University of Phoenix and was honored with Fast Company Magazine’s award for innovative mentoring.

Helping students achieve their academic aspirations provides opportunities to make a difference, expand intellectual horizons, and create a brighter tomorrow.

Louise Underdahl

Louise Underdahl

School of Advanced Studies

Louise Underdahl earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration in 1989, a Master of Public Administration in 1973, and a Master of Library Science in 1972 Administration from University of Southern California.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1970 from University of California, Los Angeles. She has taught University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies online courses in health administration since 2004.

Louise has more than 30 years of administrative experience at UCLA and has served as Risk Analyst for UCLA Health System Risk Management since 1992.  She was presented with the University of California's 2005 Best Practices Award for Web-based informed consent resources and 2005 Best Improvement Award for Professional Liability Management. Louise was also awarded the FDA MedSun Project subcontract to improve medical device reporting compliance in 2005.

Request for Information

  • Request Info Online
  • Chat Live Now
  • Program Finder
  • Campus Finder