Liz Diener
Dr. Elizabeth Diener has taught in programs of nursing for the past 30 years in New York, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Her areas of teaching include Leadership, Dissertation Seminar, Master's Project, Qualitative Research, Nursing Theory, Bioethics, and Philosophy of Science. She currently works as Contributing Graduate Faculty with Walden working with doctoral students. Liz is a Caritas Coach in Watson’s Caring Science Institute, holds a certificate as a SoulCollage Facilitator, completed a post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Arizona in Integrative Nursing Curriculum, and holds a Level 1 teaching qualification in MBSR, and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. In 2024 she completed her training as a facilitator for Healing Circles Global and volunteers her time to lead social support groups with aging individuals and groups for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Her research interests are qualitative research, with experience in several methodologies. Topic interests include a wide range of educator concerns both in the classroom and exploration of DEI, ethical, and work culture issues. Other research interests include Caring Theory applications and Integrative curriculum. Prior educator experience before coming to Walden included appointments as Assistant Dean, Chair of Graduate Programs, and serving as a tenured Professor of Nursing. Clinical expertise include 28 years of experience as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Administrative Supervisor, and experience in Hospice, Palliative Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Newborn Nursery.
Education
PhD, University of Missouri-St. Louis
MSN, University of Missouri-Kansas City
BSN, Lindenwood College (now Lindenwood University)
BSN, Lindenwood College (now Lindenwood University)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Washington University School of Medicine- Division of Healthcare Research
Caritas Coach Education- Cohort 1 Watson's Caring Science, Watson's Caring Science Institute
Public Service
Diversity Center of Oklahoma City, Volunteer - Oklahoma City
Awards / Honors
Faculty Excellence Award, Daisy Foundation, 2022
Oklahoma State Nurse of the Year in Education, March of Dimes, 2014
Scholarly Excellence Recognition, Oklahoma City University, 2014
Presentations
Diener, E. J. (2023). Troubling Qualitative Research in Doctoral Education: New Methodologies with Old Rules. University of Illinois
Diener, E. J. (2022). “Getting lost” in the Forest: Walking with Epistemic Upheaval. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign