CETLA Team

Dr. Morris Thomas is responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (CETLA) by providing learning-centered professional development initiatives that ultimately foster dynamic learning environments and experiences. He also serves as the Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning. Dr. Thomas has an extensive background in facilitating learning across modalities (face-to-face, hybrid-blended, and online). Dr. Thomas teaches in Howard University’s School of Business and School of Education. He is also a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.  Dr. Thomas employs Quality Matters, a global recognized, peer-review process used to ensure the quality of online and blended course design. He holds several Quality Matters certifications, including Master Reviewer, Peer-Reviewer and Quality Matters Coordinator. He is also certified to facilitate the Applying the Quality Matters Rubric workshop face-to-face and online.  Dr. Thomas serves as Chair of the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council (QMAAC). He also serves on the Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) Advisory Panel (CAP), Echo360 Advisory Board, and McMillan Learning Micro-Credential Advisory Board.

Dr. Thomas is an established scholar, his research focuses on instructional dynamics which encompass instructional domains, design, and delivery. He has developed a conceptual framework called the E.N.H.A.N.C.E. Learning Model. This conceptual framework provides seven strategies to inform intentional course design and delivery. Dr. Thomas is also the creator of the framework, “The W.H.O.L.E. Experience,” a model to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in learning environments. Dr. Thomas serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of African American Males in Education, the Journal of Innovative Higher Education, 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. His scholarship has taken him throughout the United States, Canada, Cuba, Germany, India, Ireland, Malawi, Puerto Rico, and South Africa.

Dr. 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, an Executive Master of Business Administration from Howard 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 has 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). He has also completed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and the Inclusive and Ethical Leadership Certificates from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. 

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.

Ms. Thandiwe Gibson-Hunter serves as CETLA's Administrative Coordinator. Ms. Gibson-Hunter provides administrative support to the CETLA's Director in all matters pertaining to CETLA. She also oversees the registration processes for CETLA's professional development and training opportunities. Ms. Gibson-Hunter facilitates helpful resources regarding all matters pertaining to CETLA. Ms. Gibson-Hunter assists all Howard University's faculty with their general questions. In addition to her computing and administrative skills, she brings to CETLA experience in accounting and event-planning. Thandiwe received a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College.

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.