Mary Scherer

Mary Scherer is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Sam Houston State University, affiliated with the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Her research examines social inequality in higher education, particularly how class-cultural backgrounds influence students' academic experiences. Scherer holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and focuses on first-generation and working-class students' navigation of hidden curricula in non-elite institutions.

Her research interests include social mobility, qualitative methods, and intersections of race, gender, and class. She teaches courses such as Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Social Inequality.

Scherer's publications analyze mentorship disparities, class-based academic strategies, and critiques of the 'culture of poverty' discourse. Recent work emphasizes institutional contexts and equity in higher education.