Elizabeth M. Sturgeon

Strategic educational leader, scholar, and advocate with 20+ years of experience designing transformative learning experiences, building faculty and professional development programs, leading assessment and accreditation initiatives, and advancing equity-centered educational practices. Extensive expertise creating interdisciplinary curricula focused on human trafficking, social justice, mental health, and global citizenship. Proven record of engaging diverse stakeholders across higher education, community organizations, and professional networks to drive institutional change, foster belonging, and improve learner outcomes.

Recognized leader in curriculum innovation, educational assessment, and collaborative program development. Deeply committed to advancing trauma-informed, evidence-based education that equips professionals to address complex social challenges, including human trafficking and exploitation.

Interim Assistant Provost | Director of Assessment | Accreditation Liaison Officer - Mount Saint Mary's University

(2022-01 - 2026-01)

Provide institutional leadership for assessment, accreditation, academic quality, and educational effectiveness across a diverse university community.

• Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen student success, educational equity, belonging, and institutional excellence.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders to improve learning outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Design and deliver professional development workshops focused on assessment, inclusive pedagogy, curriculum innovation, and educational excellence.
• Serve as Accreditation Liaison Officer, leading compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Co-lead university-wide initiatives supporting first-year experience, retention, student engagement, and strategic planning.

Professor of English - Mount Saint Mary's University

(2005-01 - 2026-01)

Developed innovative interdisciplinary courses addressing human trafficking, mental health, women's studies, immigration, global perspectives, and graphic narratives and social justice. Created and taught Human Trafficking in Literature, exploring systems of exploitation, survivor narratives, social justice advocacy, and public awareness. Mentored undergraduate researchers presenting scholarship at regional and national conferences.

Designed high-impact educational experiences centered on critical thinking, civic engagement, and ethical leadership. Integrated trauma-informed and student-centered teaching practices into curriculum design.

Ph.D. - English - Northwestern University

M.A. - English - Northwestern University

B.A. - English - University of California, Irvine

B.A. - History - University of California, Irvine