WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2024 – Howard University and Quality Matters (QM) are proud to announce that Morris Thomas, Ph.D., has been awarded the Directors’ Award for Exceptional Service. The award honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to QM’s quality assurance efforts with online and blended education at institutions and for learners.

“Thomas is recognized for his selfless service to the QM community as chair of the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council, a group of educators who guide QM in fulfilling the needs of online educators and learners,” said QM. “During his impactful tenure, he has provided unwavering leadership, particularly in large-scale quality assurance implementation, developing synergy among academic leadership and instructional design and development centers, and championing inclusive online learning. Thomas also served as a panelist at QM Connect 2023 and as an invited contributor to the 2024 QM Research Online Conference. He has facilitated 15 independent workshops and served on 23 QM Course Reviews for Certification.”

Thomas’ roles at Howard University include assistant provost for digital and online learning; director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment; associate professor of educational leadership & policy studies; and QM coordinator.

“I am thankful to my colleagues at Quality Matters for this award and for my teams in the Office of Digital and Online Learning and the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment that support me as I work diligently to promote fostering dynamic learning environments and experiences for Howard University and the global community at-large,” Thomas said. “It is an honor to do my part in upholding Howard University’s motto of truth and service.”

QM is the international leader in quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. QM’s research-supported quality assurance processes help educators and institutions ensure that online courses are accessible, inclusive, and navigable for all learners. Thomas will receive his award at the QM Connect conference in November 2024.

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