Office of Digital and Online Learning Team

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 is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the School of Education. He also teaches in the Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management in the School of Business.

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 a member of the the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council (QMAAC) and served as QMAAC's chair in 2023 & 2024. He also serves on the Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) Advisory Panel (CAP), Echo360 Advisory Board, and McMillan Learning Micro-Credential Advisory Board. He is also an active member of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD) and serves on its Professional Development Committee. 

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 ENHANCE 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 WHOLE Experience Framework,” a model that addresses the ever-evolving higher education landscape. 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 continental 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. Melvin Bogard is the Office of Digital and Online Learning Director of Programming and Marketing. 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.

Mr. Brion Long serves as the Director of Multimedia Production 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.

Tamasa Nelson, M.Ed., serves as the Director of Learning Design and Quality Assurance in the Office of Digital and Online Learning at Howard University. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of online programs and courses. These efforts advance innovative, inclusive, and accessible digital learning experiences that contribute to Howard University’s excellence in online education. 

Ms. Nelson’s expertise includes learning experience design, project management, digital accessibility, and digital learning technologies, with a strategic focus on quality assurance and quality control that guides Howard’s online programs and courses. She collaborates with academic leaders, faculty, and staff to support the creation of student-centered learning environments that reflect Howard University’s standards of quality and academic excellence. Her leadership aligns digital learning initiatives with institutional priorities, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements while fostering academic innovation. 

She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology and an eLearning Graduate Certificate from George Mason University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Ms. Nelson also serves on the Executive Board of the Maryland Distance Learning Association and maintains multiple Quality Matters certifications. Her work supports Howard University’s commitment to student achievement and continued advancements in digital education. 

Ms. Thandiwe Gibson-Hunter serves as the Executive Assistant to Dr. Morris Thomas, Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning at Howard University. In this pivotal role, she manages Dr. Thomas's comprehensive calendar, coordinates his extensive speaking and academic engagements, and orchestrates high-level meetings with university leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders. Ms. Gibson-Hunter develops and ensures diligent follow-up on action items that support the university's digital learning initiatives.

With exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Ms. Gibson-Hunter provides critical administrative support that enables the Office of Digital and Online Learning and CETLA, where she serves as Program Manager to operate smoothly and efficiently. She serves as a key liaison between Dr. Thomas and various university departments, facilitating communication that advances Howard's strategic plan for digital learning infrastructure. A Spelman College graduate with a B.A. in Psychology, Ms. Gibson-Hunter brings valuable experience in administration and event coordination that enhances the office's ability to fulfill its mission and vision.

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.

Mr. Alejandro Otero is a dedicated Learning Experience Designer with a strong academic foundation and a commitment to creating online programs that prioritize the student learning experience. He holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, English, from York College of Pennsylvania, equipping him with the expertise to design effective, learner-centered courses. 

Mr. Otero partners with faculty to develop innovative programs that seamlessly integrate synchronous, asynchronous, and blended learning approaches. He leverages his expertise in curriculum design, e-learning development, and educational technologies to craft engaging and accessible courses that accommodate diverse learning styles and promote meaningful learning outcomes. 

Focused on collaboration and the student experience, Mr. Otero works closely with faculty to ensure that every course fosters active engagement, inclusivity, and academic success. He is passionate about helping faculty create impactful programs that inspire learning and align with institutional goals. Mr. Otero currently holds a Quality Matters Peer Reviewer certification and attends their regular workshops to stay current with the latest trends and strategies to enhance online learning. 

Chasteney Pope serves as the Learning Experience Designer in the Office of Digital and Online Learning. Her responsibility is to work with faculty, staff, and administration to build, design, and assess online courses. 

Ms. Pope is an experienced instructional designer who specializes in developing engaging and impactful learning experiences. She holds a M.S. degree in Instructional Design and Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a B.S. degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Ms. Pope specializes in leveraging technology, e-learning authoring tools, multimedia, and other educational technologies to deliver effective, learner-centric content that meets the needs of diverse audiences. 

Ms. Pope brings a strategic and creative approach to every project, consistently delivering high-quality instructional solutions that resonate with learners. She has a deep understanding of instructional design practices and principles, and a passion for developing interactive modules, simulations, and assessments. 

Ms. Pope has a keen eye for detail and is adept at ensuring that learning materials are accessible, engaging, and aligned with organizational objectives.