Opening Doors for All to Succeed
Inspiring Others to Reach Their Full Potential
After earning a bachelor ’ s degree in math and economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst , Shaun Doughtery , EdD ’ 05 decided to pursue a provisional certificate to teach high school math . For five transformative years , Shaun taught at North Penn High School in Lansdale , Pa ., where he discovered his passion for education and leadership .
As an advocate for building a world that opens doors for all individuals to succeed and fulfill their potential , I am Mercy in Motion .
This discovery led him to Gwynedd Mercy University , where he enrolled in the Master ’ s in Educational Administration program after numerous recommendations from colleagues and friends . Classes were held offsite in the evenings which was perfect for a teacher ’ s schedule and created a tight-knit cohort .
“ I chose to attend GMercyU for many reasons , including affordability , accessibility , and a mission that aligned with my own values ,” Shaun said . “ The relationships with professors and staff , as well as my colleagues in my cohort , were the single biggest contributors to my learning and success .”
“ The training I had as part of my master ’ s program prepared me well for full-time doctoral study ,” Shaun said . “ Today , I give back to GMercyU so that others can receive the same help and inspiration that I received . As an advocate for building a world that opens doors for all individuals to succeed and fulfill their potential , I am Mercy in Motion .”
Shortly after graduating , Shaun became the Assistant Principal at North Penn , quickly putting the skills he learned in the classroom to practice .
“ The teachings I learned at GMercyU were well-aligned with the demands of my new role ,” Shaun said . “ I believe that the quality of my preparation , as well as the local regard for GMercyU and its graduates , contributed to the ease with which I transitioned into an administrative role .”
Inspired by this new role , a few years later Shaun wanted to explore the larger impact and effect administrative decisions had on students . He decided to pursue a doctorate in Quantitative Policy Analysis at Harvard Graduate School of Education to better understand the effects and inform policy and practice .
Shaun recently joined GMercyU ’ s President ’ s Council and is a longtime supporter of GMercyU ’ s Annual Fund , which fuels the University ’ s most critical functions and areas of greatest need , like the provision of financial aid , program support , expert faculty , and unique student offerings that shape the Distinctive Mercy Graduate .
Now , Shaun is a Professor of Education & Policy and Director of the Catholic Education Research Initiative at Boston College , where he provides insight on the effects of educational policies and programs on society , and the connection between quality education and economic growth , innovation , stability , and equality .
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