Elizabeth (liz) Anh Thomson (they/them/theirs) has nearly 25 years of working in higher education with expertise in direct student contact, underrepresented and marginalized student populations, and teaching Asian American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, and Disability Studies. liz uses intergroup dialogue methodology to increase community, understanding, relationships, and empathy. They value interdependence, curiosity, cross-movement solidarity, and knowing one’s history.
liz is excited to bring their experiences and multiple and intersecting identities to the Education Professional position to support faculty and graduate instructors by teaching GRAD8101 in Preparing Future Faculty program, providing teaching-related consultations, liaison to the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities, and co-leading a group of faculty with the Student Experience Project.
Prior to joining CEI, liz served at the UMN Morris campus as the director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Intercultural Programs, Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Their responsibilities included overseeing initiatives and implementing creative and meaningful programs and events toward increased intercultural education. At Morris, they greatly appreciated learning more about land, tribal sovereignty, and rural geography.
liz earned their PhD in Disability Studies at the University of Illinois Chicago; Master’s in Women and Gender Studies at Roosevelt University; and B.A., in Sociology/Anthropology and German at Lake Forest College.
Outside of work, liz enjoys a variety of art and culture, kayaking, playing the harmonica, and trying new foods. They have travelled to Europe and Asia.
liz serves as liaison to:
- College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
- Morris