WASHINGTON – Howard University has appointed Morris Thomas, Ph.D, as its new Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (CETLA), effective July 6, 2020.  Thomas brings more than 17 years of experience in higher education to the University with a background in both academic and student affairs, as well as with academic credentials and experience in online education.

“We welcome Dr. Thomas to our Faculty Development team as the lead for the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Anthony Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph. “He brings significant experience and background in online instruction that will be helpful as the University prepares for the fall semester and our future plans for degree and/or certificate granting programs online.”

Director Thomas is highly skilled and has an impressive background in facilitating learning and the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SOTL) across modalities (face-to-face, hybrid-blended, and online). Most recently, he was associate professor and the inaugural director for the Center for the Advancement of Learning at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).  During his time as director, he created a robust professional development model that significantly increased faculty engagement. This professional development model contributed to more than 500 faculty being trained to teach and or build online courses.  In addition, he worked with programs at UDC to implement full online programs such as the Professional Science Master’s program.  This program, and others, rely on Quality Matters, a nationally recognized, peer-review process used to ensure the quality of online and blended course design. Thomas holds several Quality Matters certifications, including Master Reviewer, Peer-Reviewer and Quality Matters Coordinator. Through the Quality Matters organization, Thomas serves as a Peer-Reviewer for newly built online course for universities across the United States.

Thomas also has a subspecialty  in accessibility & disability services.  For three years, he worked in the Office of Specialized Services and Supplemental Instruction at New Jersey City University, serving students with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. During his tenure, he served as an advocate and resource for students with mobility, vision, hearing, learning and other disabilities. He also served as a trainer/evaluator for a Supplemental Instruction program which provides academic support through collaborative learning environments.

Director Thomas is an established scholar who has focused on instructional dynamics which encompass instructional domains, design and delivery of online courses.  His work is based on a conceptual framework he developed called the E.N.H.A.N.C.E. Learning Model.  This conceptual framework provides seven strategies to inform intentional course design and delivery. He is particularly interested in ensuring that various instructional dynamics create inclusive learning experiences and serve diverse learners online.  His publications include articles, book chapter, editorials and a book titled, “Focus: The Missing Factor; A Practical Guide to Accomplishing Your Goals.” Thomas serves as an editorial board member for the American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, and as reviewer for the International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and for webinars. 

Director Thomas received his Ph.D. in higher education administration from Morgan State University, a M.A. in educational policy and leadership from The Ohio State University,  a M.S. in instructional technology management from LaSalle University, a M.M. in classical vocal performance from New Jersey City University and a B.A. in music from Fisk University.  He also completed post graduate studies at Cornell University and Georgetown University in project management and holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification with the Project Management Institute, Inc. (PMI).

“I am excited and honored to serve Howard University as CETLA’s Director,” said Thomas. “I plan to continue and expand the great work already being accomplished. It is my goal that CETLA will serve as a global exemplar for excellence in providing dynamic learning environments and experiences.”

Director Thomas replaces Interim Director Alice Thomas who supported the office during the transition to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

“On behalf of the University, I want to thank Professor Alice Thomas for her excellent management of CETLA as the interim director,” said Provost Wutoh.  “She served admirably in that capacity since January 2018, and particularly during the spring 2020 term as the University had to move online as a result of COVID-19.   Our sincere thanks and gratitude for her exemplary service.”

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