Elizabeth Ireland

Elizabeth Ireland is the Program Manager for RISE‑MO at the Center for Family & Policy Research at the University of Missouri, where she helps lead statewide efforts to strengthen and expand Missouri’s early childhood workforce.

A lifelong learner, Elizabeth is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Entrepreneurship & Innovation, with a research emphasis in organizational behavior, at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She also holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from UMKC.

Previously, she designed and managed a statewide training initiative that supported early childhood administrators in developing their leadership skills and building strong, sustainable programs. She has also facilitated leadership development for leaders across both nonprofit and for‑profit sectors.

In addition to her program work, Elizabeth teaches courses at UMKC on nonprofit leadership, social impact, and organizational management. She centers her teaching on student engagement and individualized coaching, believing that students are co‑creators in an ongoing learning process.