Office of Digital and Online Learning Team

Morris Thomas, Ph.D., PMP

Dr. Morris Thomas is responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the Office of Digital and Online Learning and the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (CETLA). As Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning, Dr. Thomas provides oversight for the selection and implementation of digital learning tools as well as the coordination for matters pertaining to online course and degree program development. He leads this office in facilitating the development and implementation of the university’s digital learning infrastructure which supports the university’s strategic plan.  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. 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 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.  

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, 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 Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. 

Tamasa Nelson, M.Ed.

Ms. Tamasa Nelson serves as the Director of Learning Design and Quality Assurance for the Office of Digital and Online Learning. Ms. Nelson will assist the Assistant Provost of Digital and Online Learning in partnering with staff and departments to support their growth and development of high-quality online courses.

Ms. Nelson culmination of learning design experience includes partnering with faculty, subject matter experts, and programs to meet key initiatives in online course design, development, implementation, project management, and quality assurance. Ms. Nelson is adept in managing learning design projects for fully online and multimodal courses.

Ms. Nelson leverages instructional design, adult learning theory, digital accessibility and instructional technology to create effective and engaging student learning experiences. Ms. Nelson background is in learning design and development, she holds a Master of Education in Instructional Design and Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management.  Additionally, Ms. Nelson has Quality Matters certifications and frequently attends workshops with a focus on online learning, emerging learning technologies, and student engagement.

Ms. Nelson enjoys designing for the “student learning experience,” and looks forward to serving the Howard University community.

Tori Blackwell, M.A.

Ms. Tori Blackwell serves as the Assistant Director for Programming and Administrative Services in Office Digital and Online Learning. Her responsibility is to assist with developing and facilitating a digital learning infrastructure that provides exceptional digital learning experiences, ultimately producing distinguished and compassionate leaders who impact the world.

She was the Program Manager, providing program operations and delivery planning and scheduling of the residency MBA, online MBA, and EMBA programming at the School of Business at Howard University. She was awarded a Bachelor of Art in Communication (Public Relations) from the University of Toledo, a Master of Art in Communications, Media and Theatre Arts, Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Training at a Distance from the University of Maryland Global College and will be starting her Doctor of Philosophy in Education Leadership at Eastern Michigan University.

She is experienced in developing, implementing, and administering academic counseling programs and educational courses focused on empowering students to grow and succeed. Particularly effective, leveraging key relationships to maximize student learning and performance in higher education.

Melvin Bogard, M.A.

Mr. Melvin Bogard is the Office of Digital and Online Learning Marketing Manager. He works with colleges and schools within the University to create communication content and branding materials related to the Office of Digital and Online Learning. Mr. Bogard's primary responsibilities include developing brand awareness campaigns, supporting recruitment initiatives, and establishing partnerships to promote the Office of Digital and Online Learning's vision and goals. 

A seasoned marketing and digital media strategist, Mr. Bogard has a data-driven approach and extensive knowledge in strategically leveraging social media, search engine platforms, and traditional communication channels to maximize brand recognition and reach. He earned a B.A. in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in journalism from the University of the District of Columbia and an M.A. in Emerging Media from Loyola University Maryland.

Felisha Clark, M.A.

Ms. Felisha Clark serves as Assistant Director for Digital Learning and Special Initiatives supporting the Office of Digital and Online Learning and CETLA. Her responsibilities include course design, assisting/training faculty and staff on instructional technologies that support teaching and learning, as well as supporting the facilitation and maintenance of the digital learning infrastructure.    

Ms. Clark aids the Assistant Provost/Director with accomplishing the mission, vision, and goals set forth by the Office of the Provost. She believes that creating optimal user experiences are significant in the learning process for both faculty and students alike. Ms. Clark is adept at integrating instructional technologies, instructional best practices, and learning theories into learning-centered experiences.   

Ms. Clark comes to Howard University with a long-standing background in education and adult learning. She holds a M.A. in Instructional Technology, M.A. in Education, and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education with a Minor in Child Development from the University of Akron. She also holds several professional certificates including instructional design, eLearning, Quality Matters, OSCQR, project management and teaching licenses in multiple states.   

 "As Assistant Director of Digital Learning and Special Initiatives, it is an honor to serve Howard University. Keeping our mission and vision at the forefront, my goal is to expand the digital learning infrastructure, to make learning accessible to anyone, anywhere.”  

Johnese Johnson, M.S.

Ms. Johnese Johnson serves as the Compliance Specialist in the Office of Digital and Online Learning. She works closely with a variety of officials, departments, and individuals across the University community, as well as, various federal, state, and local agencies and entities, to provide support for matters pertaining to internal and external regulatory affairs.

Ms. Johnson’s responsibilities include monitoring activities, identifying trends and potential issues, implementing quality controls, and identifying and implementing technical improvements to internal systems to ensure compliance with established laws and regulations to improve the functions and operations of the Office of Digital and Online Learning to meet the needs of the students and the institution. Ms. Johnson earned a B.S. & M.S. in Systems and Computer Science at Howard University.

Brion Long, M.A.

Mr. Brion Long serves as the Multimedia Production Specialist in the Office of Digital and Online Learning. In this role, his responsibilities include the development and facilitation of digital learning materials that provides exceptional digital learning experiences. Mr. Long works in collaboration with faculty and members of the learning design team to design and develop engaging and interactive, culturally sensitive, and inclusive multimedia content using instructional design and multimedia theories and methodologies.

Mr. Long earned a B.S. & M.A. in Computer Science at Wayne State University. In addition to his role in the Office of Digital and Online Learning, Mr. Long serves CETLA as its Program Analyst/Webmaster.