Elizabeth French has been a member of the staff of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) since 1978 where she currently holds the position of Director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning. She has earned degrees from Wheaton College (Illinois), the College Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati, and Boston University. Postdoctoral study in administration of higher education was completed at the University of Arizona.

As a professional musician, Dr. French served as a tenured member of the faculty of Concord College in Athens, Virginia (1964-1970); was appointed musical director of the Barter Theater in Abingdon Virginia (1966); and has enjoyed an extensive performing career as organist and harpsichordist, including several seasons as harpsichordist with the baroque ensemble, Birmingham Musica Antigua (Alabama). In addition to her position as Director of Music of Temple Beth Or (Montgomery) which she has held for more than thirty years, she also serves as organist at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (Montgomery).