Why I Choose to Work at Academic Innovation

I choose to work at the Center for Academic Innovation because I’m passionate about helping others learn no matter where they live or work. Being able to connect organizations to faculty across all colleges and schools at the University provides me the opportunity to interact with and impact the wonderful breadth and depth of our mission.

Current Roles/Previous Experience

Theresa Ceccarelli is the Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Center for Academic Innovation. In this role, Theresa is responsible for building innovative partnerships with CAI to engage millions of learners around the world and on campus.

Theresa comes to us from the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations, where she led all external-facing interactions to build connection and engagement with the Tauber Institute’s initiatives.

Theresa held the position of Workforce and Continuing Education Director for Business and IT at Macomb Community College, where her program managed a $5 million grant to help grow and develop the defense and homeland security industry in Michigan. Her department also managed the HealthIT program to prepare students to take the national Registered Health Information Technician accreditation exam. She’s also held the position of conference manager for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, business development manager for the Advanced Electric Vehicle Program at the University of Detroit-Mercy, and business engagement representative for engineering professional development at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

From this role and her extensive experience in business and workforce development, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience related to broadening existing partnerships among the University of Michigan community and building new relationships with external organizations.

Theresa is a member of the Detroit Economic Club.

Ask Me to Learn About

• Business development and engagement
• Collaborative teams
• Driving a boat full of enthusiastic riders
• Courageous Westie dog
• Michigan mom