Faculty and Staff Profiles

Niki Bray
Assoc Professor Teaching, College of Health Sciences
Email: N.Bray@memphis.edu
Office Location: Elma Roane Fieldhouse
Office Hours: By Appointment
Profile

A learning-centered faculty member, Dr. Niki Bray strives to use her knowledge and skills around curriculum and instructional design to create learning environments where all students' individual needs are uniquely met. Passionate about students and determined to see every student succeed, Dr. Bray is equally passionate about sharing her knowledge with colleagues near and far conducting workshops and giving talks on how to increase student engagement and improve learning through the use of simple technology tools and easy-to-implement active learning strategies which can be used in every modality (online, face-to-face, and blended). A member of the College of Health Sciences faculty since the fall of 2015, Dr. Bray has worked tirelessly to bring her 18 years of teaching experience in the local public school system to good use for her alma mater by redesigning existing courses and developing new courses to meet the current needs of the new traditional student using the latest technology tools appropriate to address workforce demands and social needs. As a first generation student and a former member of the women's basketball team, Dr. Bray is sensitive to the needs of students who may lack the needed support and those with heavy external time demands. Additionally, Dr. Bray works closely with departments across campus whose focus is student support and success. In a continued effort to meet the growing needs of a diverse student population, Dr. Bray is constantly working on expanding the use of innovative practices, such as the use of gamified learning and other active learning strategies, across courses in the College of Health Sciences. Research Interests: Dr. Niki Bray's interests include learning sciences and their impact on student success, faculty development, active learning, gamified learning, adaptive learning, technology-enhanced learning, universal design for learning and student-centered learning.

Education
  • B.S. Physical Education Education - University of Memphis - 1997
  • M.S. School Administration & Supervision Leadership and Policy Studies - University of Memphis - 2008
  • Ed.D. Instructional Design & Technology Instruction & Curriculum Leadership - University of Memphis - 2017

Work Experience
  • Associate Professor of Teaching, College of Health Sciences, Physical Education Teacher Education - University of Memphis - 2023 - Present
  • Assistant Professor of Teaching, College of Health Sciences/Physical Education Teacher Education - University of Memphis - January 2022 - 2023
  • Director of Academic Innovation & Student Success | Clinical Professor, School of Health Studies - University of Memphis - September 2019 - December 31, 2021
  • Instructor/Instructional Designer, Physical Education Teacher Education/School of Health Studies - University of Memphis - 2015 - 2019
  • Instructional Designer & Training Specialist, Online Design & eLearning - University of Mississippi - January 2015 - July 2015
  • Teacher/Athletic Director/Head Girls Basketball Coach, Physical Education - Central High School, Shelby County Schools - 2005-2014
  • Teacher/Head Girls Basketball Coach, Physical Education/Biology/Physical Science - Wooddale High School/Memphis City Schools - 2001-2005
  • Teacher/Head Girls Basketball Coach, Science - Airways Middle School - 1998-2001
Honors/Awards
  • Horizon Exemplar: http://www.nikibray.com/blog/educause-horizon-exemplar - EDUCAUSE Horizon Report - 2019
  • Bruce Chaloux Scholarship for Early Career Excellence - Online Learning Consortium (OLC) - 2018
  • School of Health Studies MVP Award - University of Memphis - 2018
  • National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent to Early Adulthood - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - 2013 - 2023
  • WCET Adaptive Learning Fellow - WCET - October 2015-October 2016

Teaching Experience
  • PETE 3400 Coaching Team & Individual Sports - University of Memphis
  • PETE 3500 Sports Performance Training for Coaches - University of Memphis
  • PETE 3450 Motivation in Athletics and Coaching - University of Memphis
  • ESMS 4911 Professional Development in Health Studies - University of Memphis
  • PETE 7207 Adaptive Technologies in PETE - University of Memphis
  • ESMS 3405 Intro Structural/Functional Kinesiology - University of Memphis
  • ESMS 3700 Intro to Exercise Physiology - University of Memphis
  • PETE 7203 Assessment & Evaluation in PETE - University of Memphis
  • PETE 3307 Psychosocial Aspect of Sport - University of Memphis
  • PETE 3604 Teach Phys Ed/Health/K-Middle - University of Memphis
  • PETE 4301 Curr/Integ Learn/Sec PE/Well - University of Memphis
  • PETE 4401 Learner Assessment PE/Well - University of Memphis
  • PETE 2002 Ed Games/Team Sport Skill - University of Memphis
  • PETE 3800 Instr Strategies Phys Ed - University of Memphis
  • Honor's Biology - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Biology - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Physical Science - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Wellness - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Personal Fitness - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Team Sports - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Physical Education I - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Physical Education II - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Science - 6th Grade - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Individual Sports - Memphis City Schools/Shelby County Schools
  • Physical Education - Memphis Virtual School
  • Physical Education - Virtual High School Inc

Student Advising/Mentoring
  • Doctorate of Liberal Studies - Tywanna Smith - Projected May 2023
  • M.S. Health Studies - Concentration in Physical Education Teacher Education - Ashley Threatt - 2020
  • PETE - James Henson - 2019
  • PETE - Connor Ferguson - 2019
  • PETE - Sarah Bateman - 2018
  • PETE - Connor Duncan - 2017
  • PETE - Ashley Benbow-Scarbrough - 2017

Creative Activities
  • Increasing Student Success By Showing Students How Much You Care - July 6, 2020 - https://transformingparadigms.blog/blog/ -  
  • 3 Ways I Use Retrieval Practice In My Classroom - November 23, 2019 - https://transformingparadigms.blog/2019/11/23/3-ways-i-use-retrieval-practice-in-my-classroom/ - Personal Blog
  • Why Student Learning Data is Faculty’s Secret Super Power bit.ly/32E4CAF - September 11, 2019 - Realizeit Blog -  

Support
  • Provided 6-Week Scenario-Based Learning Program for interested College of Health Sciences Faculty - College of Health Sciences - $0 - February 19, 2021 - April 30, 2021
  • Virtual Reality Teaching Grant - School of Health Studies - $2,500 - 1 year

Outreach
  • Dr. Bray works in close collaboration with Collierville School District Physical Education program leaders to engage in discussion and dialogue around improving instructional practices in the K-12 physical education classroom using the most current technology tools available to practitioners in the field. - Collierville physical education leaders and local physical education teachers - 3 Years - UofM PETE Faculty
  • Professional Development Training - Personalized & Adaptive Physical Education - 30 - 1 Day - UofM PETE Faculty
  • Using Heart Rate Monitors in Physical Education - 25 - 3 Days - UofM PETE Faculty
Service
  • Baltimore City Public Schools - Mentored Janae Corbin for her National Boards in PE (Baltimore, Maryland) - Spring 2024
  • University of Memphis - Dissertation Committee, Tywanna Smith - Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
  • Northwestern College - Student Success support for nursing program - Spring 2022 - Present
  • University of Memphis - University High School (UHS) Core Curriculum Committee - 2020-2021
  • University of Memphis - University High School (UHS) Physical Education Sub-Committee - 2020-2021
  • University of Memphis - College of Health Sciences Success Team - 2019 - 2021
  • University of Memphis - Digital Environment Subcommittee Co-Chair - July 2022 - 2023
  • University of Memphis - UM Global Coordinator - 2019 - Present
  • University of Memphis - Career Readiness Task Force - 2019 - Present
  • University of Memphis - Executive Council Career Readiness Task Force - 2020 - Present
  • University of Memphis - FAC (Faculty Athletic Committee) - 2018 - Present
  • University of Memphis - TLAC Committee (Teaching & Learning Advisory Committee Chair) - 2018 - Present
  • University of Memphis - School of Health Studies - Department Aide - 2017 - Present
  • UofM - Praxis Prep Workshop for PETE Students - April 9, 2018 (1 Hour)
  • UofM - Daylight Training - May 1, 2018 (1 Hour)
  • UofM - Kahoot & Nearpod Introduction - Dept of Social Work - 30 Presentation to Leaders
  • UofM - Workshop: Kahoot (Social Work Department) Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually - August 2, 2018 5:30-7:30 pm (2 Hours)
  • UofM - Workshop: Using YouTube to Increase Accessibility For All Learners - Dec 12, 2018 (1 Hour)
  • UofM - Workshop: Using Nearpod - August 30, 2018 (2 Hours)
  • UofM - Faculty Meeting: Nearpod Session - August 20, 2018 (1 Hour)
  • UofM - UofM Faculty Summer Seminar - Professionalism & eCourseware Tips, Short Cuts, & Strategies Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually Using Bluejeans - August 9, 2018 (1.5 Hours)
  • UofM - UofM Faculty Summer Seminar - Course Climate & Culture Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually Using Bluejeans - August 8, 2018 (1.5 Hours)
  • UofM - UofM Faculty Summer Seminar - Course & Class Organization Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually Using Bluejeans - August 7, 2018 (1.5 Hours)
  • UofM - UofM Faculty Summer Seminar - Assessment & Grading Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually Using Bluejeans - August 2, 2018 (1.5 Hours)
  • UofM - UofM Faculty Summer Seminar - Instructional Strategies Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually Using Bluejeans - August 1, 2018 (1.5 Hours)
  • UofM - UofM Faculty Summer Seminar - Course Alignment Workshop Delivered Face-to-Face & Virtually Using Bluejeans - July 31, 2018 (1.5 Hours)
  • UofM - Praxis Prep Academy (For PETE Students) - June 26-28, 2018 (9 am - 12 pm)
  • University of Memphis - CWiC Framework Executive Committee - 2018 - 2022
  • University of Memphis - Gates - Dec. 2016 - 2020
  • University of Memphis - PETE Club Advisory - 2015 -2017
  • College of Health Sciences - Creation of Trailblazers Club (focused on student success) - Fall 2019 - Fall 2021
  • School of Communication Sciences & Disorders - Provided Consultation and Training to Dr. Eugene Buder upon request - April 2022
  • Office of Disability Resource Services - Served on Access Coordinator Candidate Interview Committee - May 2022
  • College of Health Sciences - College of Health Sciences Course Reviews - Fall 2021
  • University of Memphis Athletics - Hiring Committee - March 2021
  • Pass The Praxis Core Facebook Group - I created and manage this online group which was created to provide free support to students trying to pass the Praxis Core exam in order to enroll into the Teacher Education Program. This group is open to anyone needing help. - 2021 - Present
  • Praxis 5091/5095 Test Prep Facebook Group - I created and manage this online group on Facebook to provide free support to Physical Education majors trying to prepare for the Praxis exams and earn their teaching license. - 2020 - Present
  • Test Prep Success Facebook Grop - I created and manage this general test prep success online group on Facebook to provide helpful information for anyone who is looking for support on passing high-stakes exams, such as licensure exams, midterm exams, final exams, board exams, etc. - 2020 - Present
  • CWiC Framework - Executive Committee - 2018 - Present
  • IMS Global Learning Consortium - Co-Chair Adaptive Learning Communities of Practice - December 2016 - Present
  • Online Learning Consortium - Digital Learning Innovation (DLI) Award Committee - June 2016 - 2018
Consulting
  • Alamo Colleges - Badging MicroCourses - June 2022 - 2023
  • Northwestern College - Student Success Strategies - April 2022 - Present
  • Gates Foundation - APLU Adaptive Learning Mentorship - Summer 2019 - 2020
  • Virtual High School - Served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the design and development of their first online high school physical education course - January 2014 - March 2014
  • Virtual High School - Teacher - 2014 - 2019
  • Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Digital Learning Innovation (DLI) Award Reviewer - 2016-2018
  • On Monday, August 19, 2019, I will be the Keynote speaker at Houston Baptist University - 1 Day
  • University of Maryland University College - February 2016 - April 2016
Presentations
  • Bray, N. (May 29, 2022). Praxis 5095 Written Response - Skill Theme Workshop. Free Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (May 28, 2022). Praxis 5095 Written Response - Fitnessgram Workshop. Free Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (February 27, 2021). PLT Core Writing Workshop. Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (February 20, 2022). Praxis 5095 Written Response - Fitnessgram Workshop. Free Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (February 20, 2022). Praxis 5095 Written Response - Skill Theme Workshop. Free Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (February 13, 2021). The Basics of the PLT Exam.Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (November 6, 2021). Praxis 5095 Written Response - Fitnessgram Workshop. Free Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (November 6, 2021). Praxis 5095 Written Response - Skill Stheme Workshop. Free Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (August 24, 2020). Introduction to Nearpod. College of Health Sciences Faculty Development Training.
  • Bray, N. (June 16, 2020). Using Online/Adaptive Learning to Meet Student Expectations. Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (June 16, 2020). Using Online/Adaptive Learning to Meet Student Expectations. Tennessee Higher Education Innovation and Leadership Fellows Academy. Virtual Presentation.
  • Bray, N. (June, 2019). Kicking Lecture to the Curb! Even Large Lecture Classes Can Experience Deeper Learning Using Active, Gamified, Project-Based Learning Strategies. The Teaching Professor Conference. New Orleans, LA.
  • N. Bray (2018). 43 To 0: Lecturing to Gaming For Success Using Kahoot!. Spring 2018 Innovation Showcase. University of Memphis.
  • N. Bray, J. Dapremont, S. Lee (2018). Using Adaptive Learning to Improve Student Success. Spring 2018 Innovation Showcase. University of Memphis
  • Bray, N. & Rettler-Pagel, T. (2018). Speed Geeking With Tech Tools And Apps – Examples For Engagement, Assessment, And Presence. November 15, 2018. Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate Conference, Orlando, Florida.
  • Bray, N. & Rettler-Pagel, T. (2018). The Confidence Crisis: Impostor Syndrome And Online Leaders. November 15, 2018. Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate Conference, Orlando, Florida.
  • Bray, N., Dowden, L., & Knott, J. (2018). Effective Faculty Development Models For 21st Century Teaching. November 15, 2018. Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate Conference, Orlando, Florida.
  • Bray, N. & Rettler-Pagel, T. (2018). Spark Me Up! Using Adobe Spark To Create Unforgettable Content And Media. November 15, 2018. Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate Conference, Orlando, Florida.
  • Bray, N. (2018). Kicking Lecture to the Curb! Even Large Classes Can Experience Deeper Learning Using Active, Gamified, Project-Based Learning Strategies. November 14, 2018. Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate Conference, Orlando, Florida.
  • Bray, N. (2018). Personalized & Adaptive Physical Education – Part II. October 30, 2018. Tennessee Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD) Conference, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  • Bray, N. (2018). Personalized & Adaptive Physical Education – Part I. October 30, 2018. Tennessee Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD) Conference, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  • Bray, N. (2018). Using Gamified Learning in PETE Programs. October 29, 2018. Tennessee Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD) Conference, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  • Bray, N. (2018). Praxis Prep Academy. October 28, 2018. Tennessee Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD) Conference, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  • Bray, N. (2018). Even Large Lecture Classes Can Experience Deeper Learning Using Active, Gamified, Project-Based Learning Strategies. October 6, 2018. Magna Teaching With Technology Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. http://bit.ly/2BZ5ENt
  • Bray, N. (2018). 43 To 0: Lecturing to Gaming for Success Using Kahoot!. October 6, 2018. Magna Teaching With Technology Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. http://bit.ly/2OMmlml
  • Bray, N., Burk, S., Johnson, D., Tinsley-Kim, K. (2017). Changing the Game: Moving from Adaptive to Adaptable Learning. October 26, 2017. WCET Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado.
  • Bray, N. (2017). Designing Effective, Personalized, Adaptive Learning Experiences. September 19, 2017. Realizeit Summit 2017, Chicago, Illinois.
  • Bray, N. (2017). Personalizing the Physical Education Classroom. September 15, 2017. Arlington District Learning Day, Arlington High School.
  • Bray, N. (2017). Technology Tools in the Physical Education Classroom. August 2, 2017. Germantown/Arlington District Learning Day, Houston High School.
  • Minnesota eLearning Summit. Adaptive Learning: The Time is Now! (Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 2016)
  • Colorado Technical University (CTU) Virtual Conference. Adaptive Learning: The Time is Now! (July 2016)
  • Distance Education Accredited Commission (DEAC).  Adaptive Learning - The Time is Now! Washington, DC (April 11, 2016)
  • American InterContinental University (AIU) Virtual Conference.  Adaptive Learning. (March 16, 2016)
  • Pearson Cite Conference.  Adaptive Learning (February 2016)
  • University of Arkansas.  Adaptive Learning. Teaching with Technology Conference.  Little Rock, AR (July 21, 2016)
  • University of Memphis.  Second Annual Innovation Showcase (December 1, 2016)
  • TAHPERD. Measuring Student Growth Using Technology Tennessee Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance Annual Convention, Murfreesboro, TN. (October 25-27, 2015)
Creative/Artistic Works
  • Bray, N. (2019). 3 Ways I Use Retrieval Practice In My Classroom. https://transformingparadigms.blog/2019/11/23/3-ways-i-use-retrieval-practice-in-my-classroom/?fbclid=IwAR0DjwIgP5SOyKizM02Xcx02v6kpJsuibAf7aZRxO5plFI-ZSSAfXdM31OY
  • Bray, N. (2019). Using Retrieval Practice to Improve Learning. Retrieved from: https://transformingparadigms.blog/2019/11/23/using-retrieval-practice-to-improve-learning/
  • Bray, N. (2010). 3 Ways I Use Retrieval Practice In My Classroom. Retrieved from: https://transformingparadigms.blog/2019/11/23/3-ways-i-use-retrieval-practice-in-my-classroom/
  • Bray, N. (2018). 43 to 0: How One University Instructor Eliminated Failure Using Gamified Learning. Retrieved from: http://www.nikibray.com/blog/43-to-0-how-one-university-instructor-eliminated-failure-using-gamified-learning
  • Bray, N. (2017). Developing Effective Courses Using Adaptive Learning Begins with Proper Alignment. September 13, 2017. WCET Frontiers Blog. Url: https://wcetfrontiers.org/2017/09/13/developing-effective-courses-using-adaptive-learning-begins-with-proper-alignment/
  • The Impact of Adaptive Learning on CTU’s Culture (November 30, 2016)
  • The Impact of Adaptive Learning on CTU's Culture
    November 30, 2016
  • Adaptive Learning: Standing Up to Three Major Educational Challenges
    January 7, 2016
  • The Promise of Adaptivity
    December 8, 2015

Appendix A - Teaching Experience
  • PETE 3400 (Online) - Coaching Team & Individual Sports
  • PETE 7207 - Adaptive Technologies in PETE (Online)
  • HMSE 4007 (Online) - Professional Development in Health Studies
  • ESMS 3700 - Intro to Exercise Physiology
  • ESMS 3700 - Intro to Exercise Physiology
  • PETE 7207 - Adaptive Technologies in PETE
  • PETE 2002 - Team Sports
  • ESMS 3405 - Intro to Structural/Functional Kinesiology
  • PETE 4301 - Curr/Integ Learn/Sec PE/Well
  • PETE 4401 - Learner Assessment PE/Well
  • PETE 7203 - Assessment & Evaluation in PETE
  • PETE 3604 - Teach Phys Ed/Health/K-Middle
  • PETE 2002 - Ed Games/Team Sport Skill
  • PETE 3800 - Instr Strategies Phys Ed
  • PETE 4401 - Learner Assessment PE/Well
  • PETE 4301 - Curr/Integ Learn/Sec PE/Well
  • PETE 3307 - Psychosocial Aspects of Sport
  • PETE 3604 - Teach Phys Ed/Health K-Middle
  • PETE 2002 - Ed Games/Team Sport Skill
  • PETE 3800 - Instr Strategies Phys Ed
  • PETE 3604 - Teach Phys Ed/Health K-Middle
  • PETE 3604 - Teach Phys Ed/Health K-Middle
  • PETE 3604 - Teach Phys Ed/Health K-Middle
  • PETE 3307 - Psychosocial Aspect of Sport
  • PETE 4401 - Learner Assessment PE/Well
  • PETE 4301 - Curr/Integ Learn/Sec PE/Well
Appendix B - Student Advising/Mentoring
  • Supervised James Henson Residency 2018-2019 (Campus School)
  • Supervised Connor Ferguson Residency Fall 2018 (Elmore Park Middle School)
  • Supervised Sarah Bateman Residency 2017-2018 (Bailey Station Elementary)
  • Committee Member. Dustin Duren’s Master’s Thesis Committee. (Spring 2018)
  • Committee Member. Joe Pascal’s Master’s Thesis Committee. (Fall 2016) Supervised following student teachers in the PETE program (Ashley Benbow-Scarbrough and Connor Duncan). (Fall 2016)
Appendix C - Research/Scholarship/Creative Activities
  • Current Research Projects: Dr. Niki Bray is currently conducting research in her Intro to Exercise Physiology course on the impact of spaced retrieval practice using free gamified learning software (Kahoot!) and unlimited quizzing. Dr. Niki Bray is currently assisting Dr. Todd Layne with a longitudinal study with local school districts using heart rate monitors to study the amount of time students spend in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the corresponding length of time they are able to remain focused. The study will follow 6th-grade students through the 9th grade since the state of Tennessee only requires physical education through the 9th grade. Current Publication Projects: Dr. Niki Bray is currently writing a chapter, "Using Gamified Learning to Increase Student Engagement & Learning Outcomes," for an upcoming book, "Fostering Student Engagement With Instructional Technology in Higher Education," with Emtinan Alqurashi, Ed.D., Temple University's Sr. Instructional Technolgy Specialist with the Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Current Administrative Projects: Dr. Niki Bray is currently building a guided, self-paced online course on pedagogical practices for the new traditional student that all new hires in the School of Health Studies will complete and will also be available to all current faculty about how to meet the needs of a diverse student population through the use of innovative instructional tools and practices.
Appendix E - Outreach
  • Worked with Arlington School District to help them create a video for a $100,000 grant for a new community fitness center.
  • University of Memphis. School of Health Studies representative on the University’s Teaching Learning Advisory Committee (TLAC) (2015-Present) University of Memphis. School of Health Studies PETE Club Advisor (2015-Present)
  • Arlington School District Professional Development. In-service for Physical Education Teachers, Using Technology in the Physical Education Classroom, Arlington, TN (2016) Bartlett School District Professional Development. In-service for Physical Education Teachers, Using Technology in the Physical Education Classroom, Bartlett, TN (2016) Co-Chair. IMS Global Adaptive Learning Communities of Practice Committee Fellow. Adaptive Learning Fellow for WCET