Born in Austin, Texas (United States), Merry Saegert graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1968.
After moving to Beirut (Lebanon), he earned a master's degree from the American University of Beirut. He then taught at Beirut University College for a year.
After returning to the United States, he earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1983.
For nine years, he taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Texas, United States).
She is currently president of the Carolan Research Institute.