Judi Cook
Executive Director
Judi Cook is Executive Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, where she creates resources and faculty professional development opportunities in support of innovative and effective course design. Before taking on her current role, Dr. Cook served as TCNJ’s inaugural Director of the Office of Instructional Design from 2014-2022. She came to TCNJ from Salem State University, where for 16 years she served as a faculty member in the Media and Communication department. Some of her research interests include universal design, active learning, and digital pedagogy.
Education
- Ph.D., Mass Media and Communication, Temple University, 1998
- M.A., Communications, Florida Atlantic University, 1995
- B.A., Mass Communication, 1991
Ellen Farr
Assistant Director
Ellen Farr is the Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Ellen is passionate about supporting faculty in their course design and pedagogical goals. Ellen also works closely with campus partners to promote a culture of teaching excellence and student-centered learning. To stay current in higher education issues and trends, Ellen teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in academic writing, assistive technology, and children’s literature. Some of her research interests include the design of learning environments, inclusive education, universal design for learning, and digital literacy. Ellen also holds an NJ elementary teaching certificate. A reflective practitioner, Ellen has presented nationally and locally and regularly hosts workshops to advance facultyʼs pedagogical goals. She enjoys exploring collaborating with faculty to integrate innovative technology into coursework to expand access for all learners.
Education
- Ed.D., Design of Learning Environments, Rutgers University
- M.S., Educational Technology, The College of New Jersey
- B.S., Elementary Education/History, The College of New Jersey
Mel Katz
Accommodations Support Specialist for Curriculum and Assessment
Melissa (Mel) Katz is the Accommodations Support Specialist for Curriculum and Assessment in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In this role, Mel works with faculty on accommodation supports for curriculum and assessment. Prior to joining TCNJ full time, Mel taught English as a Second Language to upper elementary and middle school students. A primary focus of her position was designing accessible curricula and assessments in partnership with other professional staff. In addition to being a graduate of TCNJ, Mel remains immersed in the campus community through teaching courses on gender equity in education, gender in children’s literature, and co-planning and co-teaching practices. Her areas of interest include universal design for learning, instructional design, collaboration and professional learning, and accessibility in teaching and learning.
Education
- M.Ed., Literacy, The College of New Jersey, 2023
- M.A.T., Urban Education, The College of New Jersey, 2018
- B.S., Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Elementary Education, The College of New Jersey, 2017
Valerian Anderson
System Administrator
Valerian Anderson manages web-based curriculum development projects, writes web applications, and provides support and training for faculty in the use of the learning management system and other course relevant technologies. His prior experience includes roles as a higher education information technology director, strategic planner, and teacher.
Education
- M.S., Computer Science, Kent State University
- B.A., Occidental College
Program Assistant
Renee Suttle is CETL’s program assistant. She provides administrative support to the team and ensures CETL events run smoothly.