Elizabeth brings her experience in K-12 education, community college instruction, curriculum design and design thinking  to the Education Design Lab as an Associate Education Designer working with the Community College Growth Engine. Through this project, she will play a critical support role in the development of micro-pathways to drive sustainable transformation to facilitate learner success & create talent pipelines to address labor shortages through the development of strong employer relationships.

Prior to joining the Lab, she had the privilege of serving the rural K-12 learning community through the North Carolina Public Education System and the North Carolina Community College System through employment at Johnston Community College. In addition, she has had the privilege to serve as a curriculum designer, through Design for Change, USA, a non-profit organization centered on empowering students to create change in their communities using the design thinking process. Throughout her career she has engaged in data-driven research and active exploration within her classroom to provide authentic instruction, support and connection for students and colleagues at varying levels. Her experiences have led her to understand that she wants to serve as a creator and collaborator of various professional networks to share common goals and values as we work together to co-create a better future for learners across our nation. She is excited to join the Lab because she is eager to engage with the work of learning, leadership, equity and innovation as she focuses on the interconnection between research, practice and application within the field of education.

HOMETOWN: Mooresville, North Carolina 

BACHELOR’S: History, University of Mount Olive 

MASTER’S: History, University of North Carolina at Wilmington 

DOCTORATE: EdD in Community College Leadership, North Carolina State University – Graduation Pending: 2026 

FAVORITE QUOTE: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. – Eleanor Roosevelt

WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK I’M… enjoying making memories with my family!