As Sarasota University celebrates the launch of our doctoral program, we are excited to announce a scholarship in the name of someone who helped build the foundation for that program. I am pleased to share that the Dr. Michael Dorer Doctoral Studies Scholarship has been established.
This scholarship celebrates Dr. Dorer’s life, values and lasting impact on SU and the Montessori community. All current and accepted doctoral students will be eligible to apply. More information will be available in August. In addition, we are actively raising funds for that scholarship. If you are interested in donating, please click the button for more details on how to contribute.
Sincerely, Michael Levens, Ph.D. President, Sarasota University
There is a long-standing tradition of institutions of higher education in Europe and the United States conferring honorary degrees. Honorary degrees are also known as honoris causa (“for the sake of the honor”) and are usually, but not always, awarded at the doctoral level. The administration and Board of Directors of Sarasota University have decided to join this tradition and will be awarding the institution’s first honorary doctoral degree during our September graduation.
The degree to be conferred will be a Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) (Litterarum humanarum doctor), and the selection criteria included demonstrating a lifetime/significant contribution to the Montessori Community and being an upstanding pillar of society. The recipient has been identified and will be announced during the graduation ceremony, followed by a broader notification to the entire SU community. We are excited to continue to grow as an institution in size and in participating in the professional Montessori community, as well as in the field of higher education as “The Montessori University.”
Sincerely,
Doug Reidmiller, Psy.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Sarasota University
Sarasota University has launched its inaugural Doctoral Program! Students enrolled at SU will earn a Doctor of Education degree (Ed. D.) in Montessori Education with concentrations in PK – 12th grade OR Teacher Education/Leadership.
Our program was a dream of the late Dr. Michael Dorer. It is thanks to Dr. Dorer that I was recruited to join the faculty at SU and for this I am eternally grateful! Many of you knew him and undoubtedly heard him excitedly share his dream that Sarasota University might one day offer this doctoral track.
Many of you reading this email might have encountered puzzlement or even pushback if you ever proposed a thesis or research project around Montessori in traditional education programs.
Such is not the case at Sarasota where our research and coursework are founded on Montessori and embedded with Montessori content and principles! Dr. Dorer recognized that there was an unmet need for Montessorians wishing to earn a doctorate.
His dream revolved around the idea that the program would be developed by and for Montessorians who want to center research about Montessori education, philosophy, and life! It is on this visionary foundation that we developed the 66 credit, laddered degree plan AND the DOCTORAL COMPLETION plan!
Yes, not only do we have a program for folks who are starting the EdD from the beginning, but we also have a Doctoral completion track for people who might have started a doctoral program in a related field and either didn’t finish or who wish to move to Sarasota University to ensure that they are able to focus their efforts on MONTESSORI Education!
Yes—if you are that ABD student and interested in completing your EdD, SU might be the place for YOU! The next doctoral cohort launches in January 2026!
Hope to see YOU at SU soon!
Lindsey Pollock, Ed.D.
Provost, Sarasota University
At Sarasota University, we take pride in staying connected with our alumni, checking in to see how they’re doing, offering continued support, and reflecting on how their time at SU shaped their journey.
Take a look at what Shauna Nobile, a recent graduate of our Master of Arts in Montessori Leadership program, shared about how impactful her SU experience was to her career and life, along with what she is up to now:
“I entered the master’s program at Sarasota University shortly after transitioning to the head of school role at my home school. I felt honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in this new way, and I knew that it was vital to strengthen my skills and dedicate myself to my professional growth.
During my coursework, I was given the opportunity and support to work on practical and relatable tasks that had an immediate impact in my school. Our school already sees the lasting effect of these shifts. As wonderful as these shifts are, the most transformational outcome of this experience has been the inner work. With the encouragement throughout this program, I have learned to draw on my strengths and have been reassured in my natural leadership instincts. Now, having completed the Master of Arts in Montessori Leadership program, I am confident and inspired in my continued work.” – Shauna Nobile
Upcoming In-Person Events
Connect With SU Faculty & Alumni
Texas Education and Advocacy for Montessori (TEAM) in Houston, TX (November 6-8)
Public Montessori Educators of Texas (PMET) in Houston, TX (Sept 26-27)
Sarasota University proudly stands as a fully accredited institution by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). This accreditation solidifies our commitment to providing an exceptional education rooted in Montessori principles.
Sarasota University
5104 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Ste 102, Sarasota, FL 34234
