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Liz Deegan graduated from Graceland University with a B.A. in English, Visual Communications, and Publications, Writing & Design. After a few years working as an executive assistant and galley director, she moved to Oklahoma to complete her Master of Arts in English and Screen Studies. Following her MA degree, she attended Michigan State University where she completed a Ph.D. in English, with specializations in Film as well as Gender & Women’s Studies. While completing her doctorate, Liz moved back home to Rockland County, New York to reconnect with her family.

As she completed her Ph.D., Liz began to explore careers beyond academia and landed a position working as an Editorial Assistant at Michigan State University Press. She utilized her research, communication, and organizational skills to support numerous manuscripts to production. In this role, she also trained and oversaw student interns to teach them publication processes and provide feedback and guidance on their work. It was this element of the position that reminded Liz how much she missed teaching and creating learning materials.

During her graduate studies, Liz taught college courses for 6 years. Teaching, planning curriculum, and organizing online classrooms were the highlight of her time in higher education. It was this passion that led Liz to the field of Instructional Design and Thayer Leadership. 

Liz currently lives in Tomkins Cove, New York with her mother and sister. When not working, Liz enjoys spending time with her beloved dogs, Lucy and Lambchop, playing board games with her family, and tending to her indoor plants.