Cara Doerr, PhD

With over twenty years of professional experience in higher education, having worked at both public and private institutions in Illinois and Missouri. Dr. Doerr has successfully managed high-impact, cross-functional university projects, provided strategic leadership using evidence-based practices, implemented comprehensive academic and student services for undergraduate and graduate students, aligned strategic initiatives with university priorities, managed multi-million-dollar state (restricted) and non-restricted university budgets, ensured compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies, and delivered improved student outcomes with increased enrollment and retention rates. Dr. Doerr’s background in operations, business and finance, enrollment management, and student affairs affords her the ability to engage with the campus community holistically, use data to drive improvement measures, and lead the execution of initiatives for effective change.

Education

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Doctor of Philosophy in Education, 2019

• Saint Louis University, Master of Arts in Higher Education, 2011

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Bachelor of Science, Clothing & Textiles with a Minor in Marketing, 2000

• John A. Logan College, Associate of Arts, 1998

Grants

Primary Investigator, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

Total Funding: $508,115

• AY 2025 – 2026 (Discontinued at Federal level)
• AY 2024 – 2025
• AY 2023 - 2024
• AY 2022 – 2023

Primary Investigator, CVS Health Foundation FNP/PA Scholarship Program Total Funding: $9,000

• AY 2023 - 2024
• AY 2022 – 2023

Primary Investigator, SIU Sustainability & Green Grant: Saluki Recycle Your Bicycle Total Funding: $7,000

• AY 2020 – 2021
• AY 2021 – 2022

Contributor, Missouri State Board of Nursing & Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, Nursing Education Incentive Program 2025

Total Funding: $519,050

• AY 2025 – 2026
• AY 2026 – 2027

Submitted - Primary Investigator, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program 2025 (Discontinued at Federal level)

Total Funding Requested: $3,500,000

Recognition and Awards

• University of Missouri-St. Louis Emerging Leaders, 2023

• Above & Beyond Award, College of Health & Human Sciences, SIUC, 2022

• L.E.A.D. Inaugural Program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2021

  Service to the College Award, College of Applied Sciences & Arts, SIUC, 2017

• Commitment to Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion, Saint Louis University, 2011

Service

SIUC Public Safety Management Program Advisory Board, 2020 – 2024

Murphysboro Unit School District # 186 Board of Education, 2017 – 2021

St. Louis Special School District, Parent Advisory Board, 2010 - 2011

Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, Parent Advisory Board, 2008 – 2011

Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, 60th Anniversary Committee, 2010

Central Institute for the Deaf, Ultimate Picnic Fundraising Committee, 2010

Professional Memberships Part and Present

American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling

Illinois Association of School Boards

National Academic Advising Association

National Association for College Admission Counseling

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

Midwestern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators