CETLA Team

Kyndra V. Middleton, PhD is the Interim Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Howard University. She also serves as Chair of the Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies and Professor of Educational Psychology. At Howard, she teaches statistics and measurement courses, serves as the primary methodologist for the school, and sits on numerous university-wide committees. Dr. Middleton serves on the Executive Council of the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences (Math Alliance) and is a member of the editorial boards for Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice (EMIP) and the Journal of Educational Measurement (JEM). Her research focuses on ensuring validity, equity, and fairness for all students, as well as increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. As part of her community service, she chairs the STEM committee for the DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance. Dr. Middleton earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences with a minor in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Educational Measurement and Statistics from The University of Iowa. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Mathematics at Howard University.

Mr. Brion Long serves as Assistant Director for Digital Learning and Special Initiatives at the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CETLA). In this leadership role, he supports the Director in planning, designing, and delivering training that enhances teaching and learning activities across Howard University. Prior to this position, Mr. Long served with distinction for nearly 17 years as CETLA's Program Analyst and Webmaster, where he developed extensive expertise in educational technology systems and digital learning solutions.

As Assistant Director, Mr. Long provides visionary and strategic leadership for CETLA's digital learning initiatives while overseeing special projects that promote teaching excellence throughout the university. He works closely with all colleges and schools to support innovative teaching approaches across face-to-face, online, HyFlex, and hybrid-blended learning environments. Mr. Long leads instructional technology projects and responds to faculty assistance requests, leveraging his deep technical background to provide comprehensive solutions for diverse educational needs.

Mr. Long actively engages faculty in identifying new projects and opportunities while providing essential training on learning management systems, lecture capture, and other educational platforms. He assists with the coordination of faculty and teaching staff training, creates documentation resources for new technologies, and stays informed about emerging technologies. His extensive experience with various educational technologies and platforms enables him to effectively advocate for service improvements and gather program feedback to enhance CETLA's offerings.

Drawing from his strong technical foundation, Mr. Long holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Computer Science from Wayne State University. His academic background, combined with his nearly two decades of experience at Howard University, provides him with a unique perspective in bridging technological innovation with teaching and learning excellence. 

In his role as Assistant Director, Mr. Long demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting CETLA's mission to promote teaching excellence and enhance student learning experiences through digital learning initiatives and special projects. His leadership continues to strengthen Howard University's position at the forefront of educational innovation and technological advancement in higher education.

RoseMary Durán serves as a Teaching and Learning Specialist in the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Assessment (CETLA) at Howard University. In this role, she collaborates with faculty across all colleges and schools to enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes through innovative learning facilitation approaches, digital learning tool-enhanced implementation and evidence-based educational practices.

Before joining CETLA, Ms. Durán demonstrated her to teaching and learning excellence through various roles, where she developed and implemented comprehensive training programs. Her background in training and development enriches her approach to faculty development and learning design, particularly in areas of program assessment, quality assurance, and the integration of educational technology. Ms. Durán earned her Master of Science in Instructional Technology with concentration in Corporate Training and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Thandiwe Gibson-Hunter serves as Program Manager, bringing her wealth of experience after five years of distinguished service as CETLA's Administrative Coordinator. In this new role, she plans and oversees multiple projects to meet business goals, collaborates with administrators, Deans, faculty, and staff across Howard University. Drawing on her strong background in computing, administration, accounting, and event-planning, Ms. Gibson-Hunter coordinates logistics, establishes communication channels, and creates program plans with clear goals and objectives.

A Spelman College graduate with a B.A. in Psychology, Ms. Gibson-Hunter continues to provide valuable support to Howard University's faculty while taking on expanded responsibilities in her management position. She now leads development activities with strategic planning, governance standards, and program controls that enhance CETLA's professional development and training opportunities.

Ms. Robin Wilford serves as an Instructional Support Specialist at CETLA. Her responsibilities include providing instructional support and delivery of training that supports teaching, learning, and assessment activities. She assists faculty via CETLA's helpdesk. Ms. Wilford participates in instructional support and technology projects and responds to faculty requests for assistance in implementing technologies to support their learning environments. She actively engages faculty in identifying instructional best practices, providing support for instructional technology, and responds to CETLA patron requests. Ms. Wilford serves as the liaison with the university's learner engagement and lecture capture tool, Echo 360.

Ms. Wilford has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Computer Science. Ms. Wilford retired from the military as a System Analyst and brings to Howard University experience in technology, instructional strategies, and technical training.