Published on June 26, 2018

University of Missouri Interim Provost and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain announced today that Victoria (Tori) Mondelli, executive director of the Office of Teaching Excellence and Engaged Learning at Mercy College, has been named founding director of MU’s Teaching for Learning Center, effective Sept. 4, 2018.

“Dr. Mondelli’s experience promoting teaching excellence, innovation and inclusiveness makes her a great fit to lead our newly established Teaching for Learning Center,” Spain said. “She has extensive understanding of the learning process and has spent her career helping to enhance teaching. We will rely heavily on her knowledge and past experiences as we create a resource that is most beneficial to our campus.”

Mondelli joined Mercy College in 2012 as director of its Teaching and Learning Center. A year later, she was promoted to executive director of the Office of Teaching Excellence and Engaged Learning, where she manages the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) and the Center for Academic Excellence and Innovation.

At Mercy, Mondelli directs faculty development and manages FCTL offerings that include advancing innovative pedagogy and promoting evidence-based instructional practices, along with providing guidance on educational technology, open educational resources and course redesigns. She transformed Mercy’s FCTL from a center attracting and serving a minority of already engaged faculty members to a center engaging a majority of faculty on campus.

Prior to joining Mercy College, Mondelli directed the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship for The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Borough of Manhattan Community College from 2010-12.

“With equal parts gratitude to the community for putting trust in me and excitement to undertake collaborative signature programs, together, I am very much looking forward to the new position,” Mondelli said. “In the University of Missouri, I see an institution committed to teaching and learning excellence that mirrors my own steadfast commitment. We have the opportunity to design a dynamic constellation of experiences for all those connected to the teaching and learning endeavor. With the partnership of the community, I look forward to co-creating and sustaining a center that further distinguishes the university for its positive impact on faculty development.”

MU’s Teaching for Learning Center, which already has a virtual presence but soon will occupy a physical location, provides professional development and teaching assistance programs for MU instructors. The center serves as a university-wide resource for information and services, conducts professional education and workshops, and establishes programs that support the university’s mission of excellence in education and student success.

“We have tremendous faculty who have shown an enthusiasm for exploring new and innovative ways to grow in their teaching,” Spain said. “The new Teaching for Learning Center is a support avenue for instructors looking to enhance their teaching. Not only will Dr. Mondelli be a valuable asset for MU, she will be a great advocate for our faculty and our institution.”

Mondelli began her career in higher education as coordinator of disability services at Fordham University. She also served as a resident director and student affairs adviser during her time at Fordham. She was an adjunct faculty member within the CUNY system from 2001-2009, before becoming an assistant professor of history at CUNY’s Brooklyn College from 2009-2010.

She received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Hamilton College in 1995, a master’s degree in modern European history from Fordham University in 1998, and a doctorate in early modern European history from The Graduate Center of The City University of New York in 2009.