Bray Named One of 17 Blackboard Experts in International MVP Program

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chris Bray, administrator of the Blackboard Learn application for the University of Arkansas Information Technology Services, has been named one of 17 inaugural members of the Blackboard MVP Program.

The inaugural members were chosen internationally based on their expertise in Blackboard technologies, the sharing of their expertise with other clients, their leadership in the education technology community and their feedback to Blackboard.

Bray has worked for IT Services since 1996. He started in the general access lab at Gibson Annex and soon moved to the MultiMedia Resource Center, now called the Faculty Technology Center. He launched the university’s first Learning Management System in 1998.

“I assigned Chris to investigate and implement one of the early versions of a learning management system,” said Susan Adkins, the U of A deputy chief information officer. “He took charge and embraced that responsibility. I firmly believe we wouldn’t be where we are today without his leadership.”

Bray has continued to help steer the university’s direction in education technology.

“Most of the driving force behind my career path has been personal interests in Web technologies,” Bray said, “and I was really interested in using those tools in education.”

Bray performs a large number of behind-the-scenes tasks for the university, such as applying system updates and bug fixes, managing Blackboard Learn integrations with other campus systems and staying current with new technologies.

The Blackboard Learn system doesn’t stand alone at the university but instead meshes with a variety of other technology programs such as ISIS, Echo360, Kaltura, Blackboard Collaborate, Blackboard Connect and UA Success, among others. Likewise, the system has to integrate with most textbook publishers and other external systems and tools. Bray’s 15 years of administering the Blackboard Management System in real-world conditions has allowed him time to see how the product is used and imagine how it can be used better.

“We have a lot of Blackboard usage,” Bray said. “This semester, we have almost 3,500 classes using it. When I see how the instructors and students use the tools, it gives a better understanding of the entire educational workflow in and out of the classroom. This has helped me rethink how people use the system and tools, and come up with more efficient ways of doing everyday tasks.”

Bray has taken his institutional knowledge and used it to help with Blackboard’s product development.

“I’ve been participating in product development cohorts for several years,” he said. “Blackboard actually listens to client suggestions, and through the cohorts, we can help shape how tools function. Being an MVP will allow me better access to the Blackboard executives and allow for a greater ability to help shape the product. This will especially help our campus with our distance learning endeavors.”

Blackboard’s new chief executive officer, Jay Bhatt, said, “We are proud to recognize Blackboard MVPs for reaching beyond the borders of their institutions and organizations to share their knowledge and best practices with our products to the larger Blackboard community. Blackboard MVPs are truly helping improve the learning experience and address important challenges in education.”

Blackboard is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students around the world. The company’s products allow thousands educational, corporate and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online.