Michelle Gray

Michelle Gray, professor, exercise science, College of Education and Health Professions. Gray currently serves as the interim head of the Department for Health, Human Performance and Recreation and director of the Office for Studies on Aging.

Gray has a long history of serving students and the Honors College. She directed the honors program for the College of Education and Health Professions from 2015-2022 and has mentored more than 100 undergraduate student researchers since 2010. She attributes much of her research success to her undergraduate research team and support from the Honors College. 

Her resume includes mentoring students through the SURF and Honors College Research Grant application processes with a near-perfect funding rate. Her students have presented their research at regional and national conferences and have been co-authors on peer-reviewed publications. As a first-generation college student herself, Gray understands the importance of creating opportunities for students so that they fully realize the benefits of participating in research.

Gray joined U of A in 2010 as an assistant professor of exercise science. During this time, she has been inducted into the Teaching Academy (2017), awarded Outstanding Service (2018-2019), Overall Faculty (2014-2015 & 2018-2019), Outstanding Service for the Department (2015-2016); Outstanding Service (2018-2019) and Outstanding Mentor/Advisor (2014) to the College; and Outstanding Mentor (2015,2016,2018,2019,2021) from the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards.