"[1] A Rhodes Scholar, he served as President of Webster University and founded the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

[2] He attended Lincoln College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar,[4] from which he received a bachelor's degree in music in 1940.

[8][2][9] Gerdine began his teaching career as an associate professor of music at Mississippi State College for Women.

[7] During his time at Washington University, Gerdine also served as director of the St. Louis Civic Chorus and as president of the Musicians' Guild.

[2] The Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts at Webster University was named in his honor.