Juliet Lilledahl Scherer, Ph.D., professor of English at St. Louis Community College-Meramec, has been awarded the 2012 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the National Association for Developmental Education (NADE). 

In addition to a plaque and $500 stipend, Scherer’s dissertation, “Developmental Reading Course Repeaters with Significant Cognitive Disabilities at the Community College: Evaluating Enrollment Motivations and Goals,” has earned her an invitation to present at the 2012 NADE Conference in Denver, CO. 

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to return to my community and work to increase student success and opportunities for current and future STLCC students, which is the focus of my dissertation work,” Scherer said. “I’m also pleased to share this award with my colleagues across the district in the Reading program, the Access office, and Institutional Research and Planning, who all contributed selflessly to the study.” 

Scherer, a full-time faculty member at STLCC-Meramec since 1999, also is a graduate of the college. She earned an associate degree in general transfer studies and graduated with honors in 1994. 

“The quality of my dissertation is a reflection of the quality of my higher education, beginning with the challenging courses and extraordinary professors I encountered as a student at Meramec,” she said. “Therefore, this award honors all STLCC faculty and staff members, past and present, who have helped so many STLCC students realize their potential.” 

Scherer earned her doctorate in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2010. She also holds a master’s degree in education from Purdue University, and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Bradley University.

Established in 1962, St. Louis Community College is the largest community college district in Missouri and one of the largest in the United States. STLCC has four campuses – Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood – and annually serves nearly 80,000 students through credit courses, continuing education and workforce development programs. For more information about STLCC, visit www.stlcc.edu.