Morgan State University Partners With TMCF and ACUE to Enhance Faculty Teaching and Improve Student Learning

Participation in CHANGE Initiative Advances University’s Leadership Among HBCUs in Strengthening Faculty and Staff Development, and Delivering Stronger Results for Students

BALTIMORE — Morgan State University is expanding its proactive efforts to further enhance faculty teaching through advanced training and certification. The opportunity is made possible through the University’s collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) as part of the Community for HBCU Advancement Through Networked Growth and Excellence (CHANGE) Initiative. Fully funded by TMCF, CHANGE is a nationwide effort focused on progressing faculty and staff development and improving student outcomes. Morgan is one of nine partner institutions active in the 2026 cohort.

Morgan’s participation places the University among a distinguished network of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) committed to advancing innovative practices, faculty and staff development, and evidence-based strategies that improve student achievement and long-term institutional success. Since 2023, Morgan Online, the University’s digital learning platform, has partnered with TMCF/ACUE to provide training for a limited number of faculty, initially through the Excellence in Online Education initiative. Building on that success, involvement in CHANGE expands the opportunity to all Morgan faculty, staff, and graduate students.

“As enrollment at Morgan State University continues to increase, it is essential that we strengthen our institutional capacity to effectively support the evolving needs of our students to foster their success throughout their academic experience,” said Cynthia Brown-LaVeist, Ed.D., director of Morgan Online and project manager. “Participation in this initiative will not only enhance student success but also support our continued efforts to provide faculty and staff with meaningful professional learning experiences that foster career growth, professional advancement, and instructional excellence.”

Learning on demand, Morgan faculty and staff will gain access to a comprehensive professional learning infrastructure that includes courses leading to the nation’s only nationally recognized Certification in Effective Teaching, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE). Access to A-certified courses and programs aids in bridging knowledge gaps or updating skills. The courses are designed to develop core instructional competencies that lead to significant improvements in student learning, retention and completion rates. 

For faculty, combining academic credentials with recognized certifications enhances teaching relevance, institutional value, industry credibility, and career mobility. It positions them not just as scholars, but as practice-informed educators—a distinction that is becoming increasingly important in modern higher education. According to some national data, professionals with recognized credentials can also earn 5%–20% higher salaries on average. 

The CHANGE initiative further elevates by its offering of TMCF’s EmpowerED, a holistic well-being and support program specifically designed for HBCU faculty and staff. Through workshops, blogs, and collaborative forums, EmpowerED offers practical tools and community-centered strategies aimed at strengthening institutional, employee well-being, culture, and student success.

Beginning July 1, 2026, faculty, staff and graduate students will have access to the ACUE Commons platform. Registration for the ACUE Effective Teaching Certificate courses will open in August 2026 for faculty, staff and graduate students interested in participating. For questions or additional information, please contact Morgan Online at online@morgan.edu.

Under Goal 2 of the University’s 10-year strategic plan, Morgan has committed to advancing faculty ascendency and staff development initiatives. As the University continues its efforts to attract, retain, and promote faculty and staff, it must also expand opportunities for them to retool and acquire specialized skills that support professional growth. A more advanced and knowledgeable faculty ultimately contributes to stronger student success outcomes, reinforcing Goal 1 of the University’s strategic plan. 

Morgan’s continued partnership with TMCF reinforces the University’s ongoing commitment to creating an advanced, innovative learning environment that fosters success.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu. 

Media Contacts:

Cheryl Stewart  or Larry Jones, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022