
Dr. Tray S.
5.0
Master's Success Coach | 25+ Years in Higher Ed | Ohio State Univ Faculty
Studied at Northern Illinois University

Works at The Ohio State University
Admissions Committee
Available Tuesday at 12:00 AM UTC
If none of my posted availability works for you, please reach out. I may be able to accommodate you at a different time. Thank you and I look forward to supporting your goals! - Dr. Tray
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Dr. Tray's Coaching Offerings

Craft Powerful Admissions Essays
Craft winning Master's essays through brainstorming, drafting, and editing
Starting at $6605h+ of coaching

Polish your Master's Application Resume
Polish and optimize your resume for top Master's program applications.
Starting at $2702h+ of coaching

Early Starters Master's Prep Plan
Get a head start on Master's admissions with expert strategy and planning
$7806h of coaching
Pay as you go
Get help with Interviews, School Selection, and .
Dr. Tray’s Master’s Programs Qualifications
Coaches professionally
20+ people coached for Master’s Programs
Dr. Tray has helped clients get into these schools:
With a Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University, over a decade of experience on the faculty at The Ohio State University, and 25 years of diverse higher education career experience in total, I bring a wealth of knowledge in navigating graduate education and education career development. I also have deep knowledge in my areas of focus: educational psychology, research methods, instructional design & technology and online teaching and learning. I have years of experience as a hiring manager in education and I have been actively involved in admissions decisions for graduate programs, providing me with a deep understanding of what academic institutions are looking for in graduate school applicants and career professional candidates. My experience includes mentoring new and advanced doctoral and master's students and helping them navigate the complexities of graduate school applications, program matriculation, academic coursework success, and thesis/dissertation completion. I also provide guidance with professional and personal goal-setting, self-regulation and time management, navigating complex interpersonal relationships (such as with advisors/committee), and securing employment in academic and non-academic settings. My experience as a working mother while completing my own graduate degrees, eight years of online teaching/remote work, and guiding "working professional" online graduate students gives me a unique perspective on balancing family, school, and work while also practicing self-care. Whether you need guidance on crafting a compelling research proposal, how to manage a difficult thesis/dissertation committee, or advice on interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's work together to achieve your academic and career goals!
Dr. Tray can help with:
Interviews
School Selection
Application Strategy
Essays
Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Dr. Tray also coaches for PhD and Higher Education. View all.
About Dr. Tray
Greetings future clients! I am Dr. Tracey A. Stuckey (aka Dr. Tray) and I began my work experience in higher education in 1999. Since then, I have served as a learning specialist, trainer, K-5 partnership school technology liaison, distance education administrator, faculty development leader, and throughout this time, a college educator and researcher. A fully online and remote faculty member at Ohio State University since January 2016, I am passionate about exploring new and creative ways to learn, work, and solve problems. I have a diverse set of instructional, technology, and research skills, including but not limited to learning experience design, online course design, and mixed-methods research. I am able to apply my formal knowledge of psychology to teaching and supporting the academic success of younger and older adult students. A key value of mine is to embrace excellence without sacrificing wellness and self-care. As such, I have diverse personal interests including nature-based fitness, healthy cooking, personal development, music, acting/theatre, and public speaking and I encourage my students and clients to maintain hobbies and interests to enhance work-life harmony and personal wellness.
Why do I coach?
One of the most rewarding journeys of my life was that of my graduate school education. My courses, mentors, fellow students, the ups and downs, and immense challenges all helped me to grow in nearly all ways imaginable. I was a single mom of one when I started my master's program and was married with a second child by the time I finished my doctorate. I overcame immense challenges in many areas of life (i.e., financial, physical, social, and psychological) during this time and the lessons were invaluable. My mentors were incredible and I always looked forward to when I could pay it forward. Over the years, I have been able to coach and support many students through their graduate studies. I have found a true calling in providing this type of support to others and sharing my hard-learned lessons along the way.
Work Experience

Clinical Associate Professor
The Ohio State University
September 2010 - Present
Admissions Committee
Clinical Asst Prof is my current role (since 2021), but I have held several roles since starting at Ohio State in 2010. Aug 2010-Aug 2016: Lecturer, Educational Psychology Jan 2013-Jun 2015: Technology Coach/Trainer Sep 2016-Aug 2021: Senior Lecturer/Program Coordinator, Learning Techologies Aug 2021-Jun 2023: Co-director, Education Studies Center for Technology & Innovation Jul 2023-Jul 2024: Director, Learning Support, Center for Digitial Learning & Innovation As faculty, I take part in admissions decisions for our graduate programs every year. I also help hire and on-board our part-time faculty.
Director, Non-traditional Learning
Moraine Valley Community College
June 2008 - August 2010
Hiring Manager
Led/supervised a team of three instructional design & technology professionals to support and promote nontraditional modes of instructional delivery (e.g., fully online, accelerated, various hybrids, etc.) throughout the college; led development of new instructional modes and degree/certificate programs offered via fully online and other alternative delivery modes. Served as faculty development leader and resource for innovative instructional solutions; led creation of faculty development programs in the areas of instructional technology/design and nontraditional instructional methods; consulted with faculty; facilitated faculty development workshops. Served as liaison between information technology staff and college faculty; led policy development for the administration of fully online degree program. Led college business system implementation teams. Served on various college committees and other duties as assigned.
Coordinator, Learning Enhancement Program
Northern Illinois University
August 2000 - January 2005
Hiring Manager
This position was in the Department of Literacy Education. Hired, trained, coordinated and evaluated teaching staff; developed, coordinated, and evaluated reading and study skills curricula; handled student/teacher issues; budget collaboration, scheduling, office, test and place students. Consulted and trained staff on teaching/learning with technology. Initiated and coordinated faculty and program development/promotion efforts. Maintained program web page and served as editor/designer of program newsletter. Served on committee for coordination and development of linked/adjunct courses. Related duties as necessary. Position began as a graduate assistantship and became a full-time professional position.
Education
Northern Illinois University
Doctorate of Education, Instructional Technology & Design
2002 - 2010
Research and practical emphases: Learning and instructional strategies, technology for learning, online and blended learning, performance improvement. Completed a research-based dissertation. Earned a graduate certificate in quantitative research and evaluation. Served as program coordinator hiring, training, and supervising 12-15 graduate instructors. Taught courses as a graduate assistant and instructor. Served on faculty search committees.
Northern Illinois University
Master's of Education, Educational Psychology
1999 - 2002
Emphasis: Adolescent and young adult development; social science research methods; assessment and evaluation Completed a research-based thesis. Served as graduate research assistant to faculty. Taught courses as a graduate teaching assistant.
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor's of Arts, Psychology
1996 - 1998
Emphasis: Adolescent Psychology Participated in undergraduate research.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Dr. Tray has helped clients get into these schools:
Dr. Tray has helped clients get into these companies: