Academic Success Center Professional Tutor Mary Duggan, Ed.D., completed her doctoral dissertation defense on Friday, February 3. Her dissertation was titled, “Struggling to Maintain Academic Success: A Phenomenological Study of Students with Disabilities’ Experiences with Limited and/or Reduced Supports in Higher Education.” Her dissertation is soon to be published in ProQuest’s online database.

Dr. Duggan specializes in special education at the higher education level. Special education has become her passion since her daughter was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder at age 6. Her doctoral journey began when she advocated for her daughter in helping her to successfully transition to higher education and navigate her successful program completion. She wanted improved access and support to higher education, not only for her daughter but also for others with academic disabilities. Her daughter has since successfully completed her BFA in Graphic Design in 2019. 

Dr. Duggan is hoping to implement curriculum changes at the high school level, so students with disabilities can attain greater success at the collegiate level going forward. Eventually, she wants to work with state and federal legislators in updating the current laws to further improve academic success for this demographic in the future. 

Dr. Duggan earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from Northcentral University, which was recently merged with National University. Her commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres MLB team) in San Diego, CA.

The Medaille community congratulates Dr. Duggan on this hard-earned educational milestone!

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Posted by: Medaille University