About You & Your Work
To start, tell us who you are and what you do. How did your path lead into higher ed AV?
I am Daniel Wray. I’m someone you’d love to have a conversation with. I enjoy meeting new people and creating new experiences. I am currently the AV lead at Virginia State University. I oversee roughly 200 classrooms, including conference rooms and event spaces across campus. My path started with my passion for music. I graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in audio production. I got into higher ed AV because of my events background. One thing led to another, and next thing you know, I’m overseeing classroom upgrades and designing what these spaces look and feel like for users.
What does a typical day in your role look like—and what does a “busy day” look like when everything hits at once?
A typical day consists of conversations with our team about updates, changes, and new ideas or requests. After that, I go out into the field, check rooms, and update notes on what’s happening with our systems across campus. A busy day consists of conducting walkthroughs with clients for planned events, responding to help desk tickets, and attending a few meetings depending on the day. Overall, busy days usually mean having to be in multiple places at once.
Outside of work, how do you unwind and recharge?
I unwind by staying active through walks, lifting weights, and trying new restaurants and dishes. I also enjoy gaming or watching a good movie that makes me think or laugh uncontrollably.
The Road to Prism
When were you selected as a Prism Scholarship recipient?
I was selected for the 2025 cohort
What motivated you to apply—was there someone who encouraged you, or was it an internal push?
My former lead and friend Chynna Holmes sent over all the details about the application and encouraged me to try it.
What was happening in your career or life that made Prism feel like the right next step?
I was going through a lot of changes personally and professionally, and I was trying to discover where in the AV industry I belonged.
How did you feel when you got the news, and who did you share it with first? Why?
I felt relieved and excited to be recognized, but I still had no idea how much I was becoming a part of. I shared the news with my significant other at the time, my grandparents, and my dad.
Inside the Scholarship Experience
What did you enjoy most about the Prism experience?
I enjoyed meeting my fellow cohort members and mentors, as well as connecting with other HETMA members and manufacturers in the AV community at InfoComm.
What proved most challenging, and how did you work through it?
The most challenging thing has been passing the CTS exam.
Any study or memorization approaches you found especially effective and would recommend to others?
I recommend that those studying not just memorize questions and answers. Get to know the content, the why behind it, and the science as well.
Certification Status & Outcomes
Where are you right now in your CTS journey?
I am studying for my third attempt at the CTS.
If you haven’t sat or passed yet, what hurdles are still in the way?
Not passing the first time left me feeling dejected, but I leaned on my community, and they reminded me that I do a great job in AV and not to get discouraged. The wording of the questions and answer choices is a hurdle that I’m still working to overcome.
Growth, Community & Professional Trajectory
Looking back, which accomplishments or moments in your career are you most proud of? Any current project you’re excited about?
I’m most proud of opening my university’s largest building to date. Currently, I’m looking forward to upgrading more than 60 classrooms across campus.
How have communities like HETMA, AVIXA, or other higher‑ed groups influenced your growth or opened doors?
HETMA has definitely opened doors. Having the opportunity to connect with colleagues experiencing similar challenges and knowing you’re not alone in your journey has been invaluable.
What impact has the Prism Scholarship—and the Prism community—had on you personally and professionally? Anything that surprised you?
Personally, I can say I’m more closely connected to AV professionals in a way that I didn’t know was possible. I’ve made personal connections that I hope will last for a long time. I also have better relationships with my university’s vendors, and I look forward to keeping that momentum going.
Where do you see your career heading over the next few years?
In the next few years, I see myself directing a department, training AV technicians, and providing opportunities for the future of AV. I’d also like to have more influence on business practices.
Advice & Acknowledgments
What advice would you offer to someone considering applying for Prism—or preparing for the CTS exam?
My advice is to have a genuine interest in the AV profession. Study the material not just for the answers, but for the examples and practices that can help you in your day-to-day work. Take your time and trust what you know.
Who would you like to thank or acknowledge as you reflect on your Prism journey?
I’d like to thank Joe Way and all the HETMA board members; Chynna Holmes for introducing me to HETMA; my mentor, Jim Spencer; Kameesha Jones; Annie Foster; and Erin Moran. A special shoutout to my fellow cohort members Xavier, Neesha, Marisa, Calvin, and Ace, to name a few.
Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.
