Dr. Merilee Krueger, teaching professor of psychological science at Missouri S&T, has been named a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor.

The Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professorship was established at S&T in 1990 to honor outstanding professors, call attention to teaching excellence, and foster improvements in teaching and learning. The award is presented through the University of Missouri System.

“Dr. Krueger epitomizes the essence of effective mentoring by igniting students’ enthusiasm for learning and engaging them in tackling real-world challenges,” says Dr. Mehrzad Boroujerdi, vice provost and dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Missouri S&T. “Countless testimonials from former students attest to her creative teaching style, boundless enthusiasm for both service and learning, and unwavering commitment to their success.”

Krueger joined the Missouri S&T faculty in 1990 as an adjunct instructor. Her faculty duties involve teaching such classes as general psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology and cross-cultural psychology.  She also advises beyond assisting with course selection and works with students on developmental issues as well.

“When I first learned of the news, I was thrilled but also humbled,” says Krueger. “Certainly, I do not do this job for recognition, but it is so gratifying to be acknowledged by my peers and students for doing my job well. Thank you to all the countless students, fellow faculty and staff at the university who have helped me throughout the years. I feel like I’ve learned more than I taught.”

Krueger has earned numerous awards during her time at S&T. She received the Faculty Achievement Award five times, the Outstanding Teaching Award 14 times, and the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award six times. She was named Missouri S&T’s Outstanding Academic Advisor in 2007 and was selected for the University of Missouri System Leadership Development Program in 2014.

In 2020, Krueger was named S&T’s Women’s Advocate of the Year. And in 2021, S&T’s St. Pat’s Board named her an Honorary Knight of St. Patrick. In 2022, Krueger received the Dean’s Medal for Outstanding Commitment to Undergraduate Student Success in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. She is also an advisory member of the Phelps Health Board of Trustees.

Krueger earned an Ed.D. in in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master’s degree in cognitive developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska and a bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology from Creighton University.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.