Tiffany Rasulis Marra has been named the new director of the University of Michigan’s Center for the Education of Women, effective July 11.
Marra currently is program director in the UM-Dearborn Office of the Provost, where she is the founding director of the Hub for Teaching and Learning. She replaces Gloria Thomas, who has led CEW since 2009.
“Tiffany brings to this leadership role an impressive record of collaboration in project and team-building, demonstrated commitment to nontraditional-student and campus needs, and innovation in the use of technology to support community building,” says Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs Sara Blair in announcing the appointment.
“We are confident she will provide strong leadership in positioning CEW as a key contributor in the campuswide diversity, equity and inclusion effort led by President Mark Schlissel, and know that she will work with all members of the CEW community to move its mission and programs forward.”
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Marra is a former high school teacher at the Henry Ford Academy in Detroit who earned her Ph.D. in education from U-M in 2005. Her research focuses on how curriculum shapes learners’ perceptions of self and expectations of success, specifically in their ability to transfer knowledge and skills across contexts.
She previously directed the SmartGirl.org program, designed to encourage middle school girls to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, for the Institute for Research on Women and Gender on the Ann Arbor campus, and directed the Women in Learning and Leadership Program at UM-Dearborn.
“It’s a great honor to be selected to lead the important work of CEW at a time when the university is putting a sharper focus on efforts regarding diversity, equity and inclusion,” Marra says. “I look forward to working with the CEW staff and its constituents throughout the university community.”
In her current role at UM-Dearborn she serves as a consultant to help faculty consider pedagogical and technological solutions to meet their teaching and learning goals. An area of focus is helping programs, departments and units develop models that encourage learners to reflect on their learning and growth over time.
“The provost and I very much look forward to working with her to support CEW’s signature programs and its contributions to the critical work of growing and sustaining diversity in our campus community,” Blair says.
CEW advances diversity and inclusion at U-M by serving as a resource, voice and advocate to empower women and nontraditional students. It provides immediate and ongoing services and financial support needed to ensure educational success and degree completion.
Women and nontraditional students are CEW’s primary constituency, but all students are welcome. The center also serves those who encounter education and career obstacles based on their nonlinear paths to, and experiences within, the university community.
