David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

When Dr. Shontale M. Bryant moved to Memphis after living in Nashville and Indiana, she was unfamiliar with Christian Brothers University (CBU). While working for Shelby County Schools, Dr. Bryant noticed that CBU had a strong reputation among colleagues and alumni.

“I was working for Shelby County Schools,” said Dr. Bryant. “I had no idea that CBU was practically across the street. I spent one year teaching and then worked in HR. Whenever Christian Brothers came up, everyone spoke highly of it. Graduates always had great things to say. I started to wonder, ‘What is this place?’”

During her time at Shelby County Schools, Dr. Bryant enrolled in an instructional design doctoral program at another university. As she worked on her dissertation, she learned of an instructional designer position at CBU and decided to apply due to the positive feedback she had heard about the institution. She was hired for the role, which allowed her to align her career with her academic interests.

Since joining CBU in 2020, Dr. Bryant has seen her department adapt to changing university needs. She now leads a three-person team as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).

“I just made my five-year milestone at CBU in August of this year,” Dr. Bryant said. “This is a great place to be. It’s been wonderful for me. There isn’t anything like it.”

The CTL team oversees several responsibilities, including managing the Canvas learning management system used by all courses at CBU. Courses vary in their use of Canvas features, from basic syllabi to interactive content and online assessments.

The department also administers challenge exams for two school districts, focuses on learning strategies for various course formats and populations, provides training and creates content, and manages some educational technology at CBU.

“Shontale is a true believer in the transformative power of higher education, and she brings that conviction and enthusiasm to her work here at CBU,” said Dr. Lurene Kelley, CBU’s Director of Academic Support. “She is constantly thinking and working on new and innovative ways to bring more students to our university.”

The CTL continues to recommend adjustments in teaching and learning environments to support student recruitment and meet evolving educational needs.

A recent message to staff and faculty highlighted a partnership with Lewis University and anticipated growth in online course offerings.

“It’s pivot season,” said Dr. Bryant, noting how both employees and students at CBU have adapted quickly to changes in higher education. Her department has significant experience in online instruction and is preparing for further developments.

“We want to serve students, and we want to be relevant,” she said. “How can we be the most relevant to students today? What’s needed and what’s wanted? What do we have that already speaks to that and how can we serve? We’re ready to train, and we’re ready to support.”

In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Bryant teaches part-time in the Education Department at CBU, with her office located in Buckman Hall.