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 and 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.

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.”

The Time for Small Ideas is Over

Inside Higher Ed, March 25, 2020

“To survive and thrive in the long run… triage will not suffice. We … need innovative leadership for truly transformational change.”

You Know More Than You Think About Teaching Writing

Inside Higher Ed, January 31, 2019

“Is it possible to improve the teaching and learning of writing by providing faculty with language and theory to help them understand what they already do with writing as disciplinary experts?’

What Critics of Student Writing Get Wrong

The Chronicle of Higher Education, August 30, 2019

“The research is clear that we can help students improve as writers, but this requires a system in place for long-term faculty development and support. Institutions and their faculty and students can only benefit from investing in such support.”