As Sarasota University prepares to celebrate its largest graduation class ever, it is important to remind ourselves about the hard work of the students, faculty and staff throughout the degree process.
It is also important to acknowledge and thank the families and friends of everyone involved in the educational journey. Please join me in congratulating all our graduates. In partnership with all of you, Sarasota University is honored to serve its community and society.
Sincerely, Michael Levens, Ph.D. President, Sarasota University
Sarasota University is pleased to award its inaugural Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters [Litterarum Humanarum Doctor (L.H.D.)] to Dr. Johnathan Wolff! After earning his B.A. degree in Secondary Education from Temple University, Jonathan began teaching at-risk youth in Philadelphia. Early in his career, he read several books on the Montessori philosophy and quickly recognized the power her work in human development had to effect transformation not only within the young child, but within adults as well. He went on to study with Mother Isabelle Eugenie, one of Dr. Montessori’s first students, earned his Early Childhood Credential through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and began his career as a Montessori educator at one of the first Head Start Montessori Centers in the United States.
Jonathan’s incisive ability to apply Dr. Montessori’s educational constructs to training adults led him to positions as a teacher trainer, as the director of education and training for various education and business organizations, and as the administrator for several nationally recognized schools. Thirty years in the field have provided him with solid first-hand experience in leading and managing rapidly growing for-profit and not-for-profit schools, education institutions and business organizations.
Sincerely,
Doug Reidmiller, Psy.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Sarasota University
CONGRATULATIONS to our graduating class of 2025! It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and the work they have accomplished. This commencement ceremony honors graduates of our Bachelor’s of Science in Montessori Education (Completion Program) and our Master’s of Arts Degrees in Montessori Education and Montessori Leadership.
Our first cohort of our Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Montessori Education is now in progress with the second cohort starting in January. We also have a doctoral completion program for adult learners who may have started a doctorate elsewhere and who have a desire to return to school and finish their degree. If any of these programs align with your your personal and professional goals, we’d LOVE to speak with you! If you’ve in the vicinity of the Twin Cities in MN, I will be attending Indigenous People’s Weekend October 10th -13th in St. Paul and would love to meet with you in person. Otherwise, a member of our Admissions Team would be delighted to speak with you online! As a reminder – our programs are 100% online with courses offered in 8wk sessions.
We’d love to see YOU at SU!
Hope to see YOU at SU soon!
Lindsey Pollock, Ed.D.
Provost, Sarasota University
Dr. Heather Gerker is an educational researcher and advocate who cares deeply about creating inclusive, equitable learning environments. She brings people together through community engagement, collaborative leadership, and thoughtful research. At the heart of her work is a strong commitment to justice, empathy, and lifting up the voices of educators while building meaningful connections with communities.
With over 20 years of experience in Montessori education, Heather has worn many hats, such as an early childhood teacher, teacher educator, director of a teacher education program, and researcher. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in educational policy, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a teaching credential from the American Montessori Society.
Dr. Gerker is an adjunct professor at both the University of Cincinnati and the College of Mount Saint Joseph where she leads courses in research methods, human development, and inclusive leadership.
She has published several peer-reviewed articles and contributed to edited volumes, with a focus on the intersection of Montessori pedagogy and educational policy.
Staying connected in the Montessori community is a big part of Dr. Gerker’s life. She serves as a board member and vice president for the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, is on the American Montessori Society research committee, leads as President of the Clark Montessori Foundation and is an active member of the Montessori Research Collective.
Outside of work, you’ll find Heather hiking with her family, planning a camping trip, caring for her jungle of houseplants, or teaching herself how to embroider.
We are grateful to have Dr. Gerker’s expertise here at Sarasota University and to welcome her as part of our community. Her depth of knowledge, dedication to equity, and passion for Montessori education strengthen our mission and inspire those around her.
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
