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About Us

Director |Tanya Allen, Ph.D.

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 I am Tanya Allen, and I am honored to serve as the new Director of the Teaching & Learning Excellence Center at Texas Southern University for the 2025–2026 academic year. My journey in education began as a K–12 music teacher and has since taken me into higher education, where I have spent the past nine years at TSU helping future educators and faculty grow in their teaching practice.

I hold a Ph.D. and M.M.E. in Music Education from Florida State University and a B.A. in Music Education from the University of New Orleans. At TSU, I am currently an Associate Professor of Music Education and coordinator of the music education program, and I recently completed a two-year term as Interim Chair of the Department of Music. My passion li es in creating spaces where faculty feel supported, innovation is encouraged, and student success remains at the center of our work. I am excited to collaborate with stakeholders both within and beyond TSU to advance transformative teaching and learning here on our campus. 

 

TLEC Coordinator|Morgan Utsey-Williams, M.S.

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Hello, my name is Morgan Utsey-Williams. I am a dedicated educator and learning professional with over three years of collegiate teaching experience in health and kinesiology. I earned my Bachelor’s in Health Studies (2019) and Master’s in Health & Kinesiology (2020), and I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction, all from Texas Southern University.

Since December 2024, I have served as the Learning & Development Coordinator at TSU, where I design and facilitate professional development sessions for faculty and staff. These sessions enhance teaching effectiveness, support career growth, and strengthen the university’s academic and professional community. I am passionate about empowering educators and staff to grow, succeed, and make a lasting impact at TSU.

I believe that investing in people’s growth not only transforms individual careers but also strengthens the entire learning environment. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence, I strive to help every member of our university community reach their fullest potential and make meaningful contributions to the students, colleagues, and communities they serve.