1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $(-6)^2 \div 4$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Exponents are evaluated before division. 3. **Calculate the exponent:** $$(-6)^2 = (-6) \times (-6) = 36$$ 4. **Substitute back into the expression:** $$36 \div 4$$ 5. **Perform the division:** $$\frac{36}{4} = \cancel{\frac{36}{4}} = 9$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$9$$