Professional Development Center News

If you met her today, you’d have a hard time believing Rebekah Hand grew up in Florida. Now living in Fircrest, Wash., with her husband, three sons and their bulldog Mudge, Hand has all the characteristics of a native Pacific Northwesterner. She wishes she had more time for exploring the outdoors, but finds plenty of fulfillment keeping up with her family. And like most of us, she’s a big fan of Star Wars and local craft beer. Hand fits-in one other way, as well: she’s ambitious.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, Hand pursued a career in retail. Starting in 2004, Hand has worked every angle of the retail world, from sales and customer service to management, for companies including Target, New York and Company, and Pottery Barn. Despite her success in her work though, she felt that something was missing.

[Meet the Instructors is a series intended to introduce you to one of the greatest resources the University of Washington Tacoma Professional Development Center has to offer: its diverse team of veteran, industry-tested professionals. The Center’s professional development programs are designed to be rewarding, challenging and cutting-edge. Our instructors play no small part in that, ensuring students are exposed to the most current industry trends while remaining well-versed in the tried-and-true best practices of their professions. We’re excited to share our instructors with you, and their stories are a great place to start.]

Mastering Beer Styles: Exploration and Evaluation is the PDC’s first venture into the world of craft beer. According to the Brewer’s Association, there are nearly 4,300 craft breweries operating in the U.S. That number is only growing, and Tacoma’s thriving beer culture is a testament to that. Looking to serve the growing body of craft beer professionals, this course is designed to take students on an exploration through the world of beer. Over an intensive 10-week, 40-hour curriculum, students will learn the fundamental history, terminology and style characteristics of beers. The curriculum is based upon the information covered in industry standard exam certifications such as the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and Cicerone. At the helm of the course’s first iteration is BJCP Master Judge Trevor Nichol. Nichol is an industry veteran, knows beer much better than anyone at The Center, and took some time recently to answer some of our questions.

PDC alumni uses experience to succeed at Seattle Goodwill

Meet the Instructors: Trevor Nichol, Mastering Beer Styles