Molly A. Schaller

Molly A. Schaller, Ph.D. holds dual roles as Associate Dean and Full Professor in the School of Education at Saint Louis University. Her expertise spans leadership in higher education, college student development, and intentional design of academic programs. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from The Ohio State University, M.S. in College Student Personnel from Miami University, and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University.

Her research focuses on college sophomores’ development, the impact of physical spaces on learning, and student affairs in Catholic institutions. Key achievements include the ACPA Diamond Honoree award (2023), Miryam Award (2016), and teaching/service awards at the University of Dayton.

Prof. Schaller has authored over 40 publications and co-edited books on second-year student success. She advises numerous doctoral students and oversees graduate programs. Her leadership includes Interim Dean at SLU’s School of Education (2017), Department Chair at the University of Dayton (2011–2017), and roles in faculty development and mission integration.

Her work bridges academic excellence with institutional mission, emphasizing spaces that foster learning and leadership. Recent initiatives include Opus Prize coordination and mission priority examens. She actively consults on sophomore programs nationally and contributes to accreditation reviews.