Award winning educator, professor of philosophy and
the humanities, skillful communicator, professional musician, prominent martial
arts practitioner and instructor, and a successful business entrepreneur—all accomplishments
wholly found in one person--Dr. Dean
Pickard is uniquely qualified to lead the Pacific Cultural Arts foundation (PCAF) as its Director.
He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, has been the recipient of awards from the National
Endowment of the Humanities as well as the Liberty Fund, and has received fellowships,
scholarships, and academic awards. Dr. Pickard has published several books, as well
as articles and book reviews in academic and popular publications. He has given
radio talks, papers, workshops, and public presentations in the United States and
abroad.
His teaching background in the humanities coupled with his experience as a performing
artist gives him the advantage of understanding the arts from multiple perspectives.
Moreover, after retiring from his distinguished teaching career, he has become a
successful business entrepreneur, which rounds out his suitability to perform his
duties as Director of PCAF. His business success has allowed Dr. Pickard to establish several trusts and
foundations devoted to philanthropy. This philanthropic orientation has led Dr.
Pickard to formulate the Pacific Cultural Arts Foundation as something to bring
the benefit of creative cultural advancement to Southern California and beyond.
He continues to teach college courses, but devotes most of his time to his business
and philanthropic interests.