About Elizabeth
I help groups and organizations name your values, make explicit your ways of thinking and practicing, improve your practices, and invite others into your work.
I operate from the foundational belief that changing our conceptions helps us change and improve our practices—around teaching, learning, writing, and the daily activities of our workplaces.
Education
PhD, Rhetoric and Professional Communication, Iowa State University
Master of Arts, English, University of Louisville
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, University of Louisville
20+ Years of Leadership Experience
Over two decades of accumulating experience as a teacher, teacher-trainer, faculty development leader, workshop leader, and speaker.
Contributions to Writing Across the Curriculum
I have directed writing programs at both private and public universities, chaired a large writing department, and currently oversee the Howe Center for Writing Excellence at Miami University.
Fundraising and Grantwriting Experience
I previously worked as a fundraiser and grantwriter for nonprofits.
Deep Change Efforts
I have designed, implemented, and published about successful programs for engaging people in deep change efforts around teaching, learning, and writing.
Talks & Workshops
I regularly lead workshops and give talks around the country to large and small groups of faculty, staff, and business leaders, using the threshold concepts framework and learning, writing, leadership, and change theories.
Listen to My Conversation with Jason Feifer of Entrepreneur Magazine
“Why People Can’t Write, and How to Fix That”
Hear from me in this episode of the Build for Tomorrow podcast, hosted by Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine.
Read More Below:
“Writing has Changed. It’s Time Higher Ed Got the Support to Change, Too.” Dayton Daily News, August 7, 2025.
“Students Aren’t Cheating Because They Have AI, but Because College is Broken.” Cincinnati Enquirer, June 18, 2025.
“Don’t Let AI Do Your Writing For You.” Entrepreneur Magazine. September 2025.
Public Commentaries on Teaching Writing and Enacting Change
It’s Never Too Late to Realize You’re a Writer
Inside Higher Ed, September 28, 2022
“In a world that needs strong writers and thinkers more than ever, we cannot afford to share what we know only with paying students fortunate enough to enroll at our institutions. And we cannot afford to squander money on rock-climbing walls, new buildings and beautified campuses while our central mission of educating informed citizens languishes.”