Meet the CETL Team

Dr. L. Michael (Mike) Verdusco is the Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL). He received his Ph.D. from Eastern Michigan in 2016 and has held multiple academic support positions, served on various committees, and contributed to University wide projects at Detroit Mercy. Prior to joining the University in 2005, he held roles developing and supporting corporate training and communications efforts.

He has worked with faculty from all academic units, administrative personnel, and academic leadership in a variety of efforts and projects. This work has included actively participating in Shared Governance as an invited guest, a team member, and a team chair. Beyond committee work he has provided academic support though group and individual consultations.

Support efforts have included a number of initiatives and efforts to drive curriculum and teaching enhancements. This includes detailed course analysis consultations with individual faculty to analyze assessments, map objectives, and review outcomes. These support services are provided under the theme of encouraging and enhancing teaching innovations to maximize student learning outcomes.

Pronouns: he/him/his
Email: mike.verdusco@udmercy.edu
Direct Line: 313-993-1299

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Russell W. Davidson III is the Associate Director of Digital Education at the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning. He provides the University community with assistance using instructional technology in general and Blackboard in particular. He also provides support and assistance with online program development. He has served the University as an employee since 1997.

Pronouns: he/him/his
Email: davidsor@udmercy.edu
Direct Line: 313-993-1129

Dr. Marion J. Tate, Assistant Director for Educational Development at the University of Detroit Mercy’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). She brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role, with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, an MEd from Wayne State University, an additional Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a BA in English from the University of Michigan. Dr. Tate has a deep understanding of diverse learning environments and student populations. Her extensive background in both higher education and K-12 settings, improving student outcomes through innovative teaching practices and inclusive classroom management, aligns well with Detroit Mercy’s mission. Dr. Tate’s commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and working with educators is evident in her service of sharing expertise and knowledge.

Email: tatema@udmercy.edu
Direct Line: 313-993-110

Nathan Balter Blume joined the University in 2013. He was employed by the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry as an Instructional Designer and Web Developer from 2005 to 2013. He received his undergraduate degree from Detroit Mercy in Electronic Critique, the multi-disciplinary Liberal Arts program known later as Digital Media Studies. He also completed a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Detroit Mercy where he focused on Museum Education. Nathan has been part of the Detroit Mercy community for most of his life, first as a child visiting the Mercy College campus with his mother, Professor Emeritus Dr. Libby Balter Blume, then as an undergraduate student, work-study employee, graduate student, staff member, and most recently as an adjunct instructor.

Pronouns: he/him/his
Email: blumena@udmercy.edu
Direct Line: 313-993-1126

Anthony Cressey is an Instructional Designer at the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning. Anthony provides instructional technology and pedagogical support for the University community regarding their online course development needs. Anthony also serves as co-chair on the Detroit Mercy IT Team Committee. He has worked at the University consecutively since 2008.

Pronouns:  he/him/his
Email: cressean@udmercy.edu
Direct Line: 313-993-1127

Mia Hairston is the Program Coordinator at the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning. She holds a unique mix of education and event coordination experience and is thrilled to lend her passion for project management to the CETL. Dedicated to supporting people and processes, Mia brings creativity and strategic thinking to every initiative.

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pronounced: me-yuh
Email: hairstti@udmercy.edu
Direct Line: 313-993-1963

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Abigail (Abbey) Youngerman is an Instructional Designer at the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning. She comes to Detroit Mercy from Mercy High School in Farmington Hills where she was a social studies and English teacher for almost 10 years. Her expertise is in pedagogy, best practices, curriculum development, DEIJ integration, and the thoughtful use of technology in education.  

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email: youngeab@udmercy.edu
Direct line: 313-578-0578