Elizabeth S. Parks

Assistant Professor

Listening. Leadership. Communication Ethics. Dialogue & Difference.

Elizabeth S. Parks is a globally recognized scholar, educator, and leader whose career spans over 25 years in higher education, global research, international nonprofit organizations, and public engagement. With a deep-rooted passion for ethical leadership and intercultural dialogue, she has dedicated her work to building bridges across diverse communities and empowering others through listening, education, and mentorship. She has taught nearly 100 courses across ten colleges and universities, influencing over 1,000 students with her inclusive approach to learning and transformation.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Parks has served in key leadership roles including Dissertation-in-Practice Chair at Creighton University, Associate Dean at Colorado Mountain College, tenured Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Colorado State University (CSU), and Assistant Director at CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Listening, a board member of the International Listening Association, Director of Ethical Listening at the Global Listening Centre, and lifelong member of the National Communication Association. Her academic contributions include two books (“Listening: The Key Concepts” (2025) and “The Ethics of Listening: Creating Space for Sustainable Dialogue" (2018)), more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, and participatory research in 16 countries including as a Fulbright Specialist in Uruguay. Recognized with 14 research awards and five honors for teaching and coaching, she is a thought leader in listening, leadership, social justice pedagogy, multilingual education, linguistics of signed languages, and research ethics. She is currently working on her third book "LISTEN: Ethical Listening for Leaders and Changemakers" with a projected early 2028 release date.

As a certified professional coach, Dr. Parks advises organizations and individuals on communication strategy, leadership development, and cultural competency. Through her consulting work, she has mentored leaders globally, supporting their growth with empathy, accountability, and purpose. At the heart of her career is a belief in the power of listening—not just as a skill, but as a foundation for equity, connection, and transformative change.

Education

PhD, Communication, University of Washington, USA

MA, Communication, University of Washington, USA

MA, Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies, Gallaudet University, USA

BA, Communication Studies, Creighton University, USA

AAS, Sign Language Interpreting, Iowa Western Community College, USA