Hi, I’m Dr. Liz Evans.

I’m an educator, civic learning advocate, researcher, and leader who believes deeply in the power of education to strengthen democracy.

For the last several months this space served as a record of a journey. I shared the realities of completing a doctorate while working full time, leading programs, supporting students and educators, showing up for family and friends, and trying to build a life that felt meaningful beyond my work.

Now, the dissertation is finished.

What began as Dissertation Diaries has evolved into something bigger than a doctoral journey. It has become a place to reflect on leadership, education, civic learning, personal growth, and the challenge of pursuing ambitious goals while still making room for a full and joyful life.

Why I’m Here

One of the lessons I learned during my doctoral journey is that achievement is never just about the accomplishment itself.

Behind every degree, promotion, publication, or milestone is a person navigating uncertainty, balancing competing responsibilities, and figuring things out one day at a time. The moments that look impressive from the outside are often built through ordinary days, small decisions, and persistence when progress feels slow.

That’s the kind of story I’m interested in telling.

Here, you’ll find reflections on leadership, learning, civic education, productivity, professional growth, and the systems that help people do meaningful work without sacrificing themselves in the process.

You’ll also find honest conversations about rest, sustainability, and what happens after we reach the goals we’ve spent years chasing.

The Work

My professional work centers on civic learning and the educators who make it possible.

Too often, conversations about civics focus exclusively on curriculum, standards, or policy. While those things matter, the heart of civic learning has always been people. Teachers shape how students understand their communities, their responsibilities, and their capacity to participate in civic life.

My research and professional work explore how educators learn, grow, and develop their practice, particularly through professional learning experiences that support both content knowledge and meaningful engagement.

At its core, my work is guided by a simple belief: preparing young people for civic participation is not the responsibility of a single course, teacher, or institution. It is a shared commitment that spans our entire educational ecosystem.

Life Beyond the Work

Outside of work, life is filled with the things that keep me grounded.

I love a good cup of coffee with my husband and sweet treat with my daughter.

I am endlessly devoted to planners, lists, and color-coded systems.

I love gathering people around a table, whether that’s for a meal, a game, a celebration, or simply an excuse to spend time together.

I love to bake and read.

And I share my workspace with Oliver, a golden retriever who remains convinced that every schedule, meeting, and life decision should revolve around him.

If You’re Here

Whether you’re working on a dissertation, leading a team, teaching students, building something meaningful, or simply trying to create a life that feels both successful and sustainable, I’m glad you’re here.

This space exists to share the process honestly, celebrate progress without pretending it’s always easy, and explore what it means to pursue big goals while still making room for rest, relationships, and joy.

Welcome.