What Great Minds Can Do: McKenna Schray, Ph.D.  

"As an academic advisor, I learned what students enjoy in the classroom and what opportunities they wanted to enhance their student experience. I do my best to apply that feedback when I'm in the classroom now."

McKenna Schray, Ph.D. has been a devoted Seton Hall Pirate for almost 10 years, giving the University her full commitment to create an experiential learning environment for students every step of the way. Schray began her journey as an undergraduate student, earning her B.A. in Public Relations and continued her education until recently becoming a Ph.D. Graduate from the Higher Education Leadership program. Schray credits the foundation she was able to build during her undergraduate and graduate career that set her up for success when progressing through her post-graduate studies.

Prior to earning her doctorate, Schray earned her Master of Arts Degree with a focus in public relations within the College of Human Development Culture and Media. "I was in the inaugural graduating class of the graduate program, which is more practitioner based and I believe that really helps students excel," she said. "My undergraduate career provided a solid foundation which made the transition from undergraduate to graduate smooth." Schray also explained, "the classroom environment within the College provides a practical approach that can be applied to the professional field."

Schray gained a range of experience over the years interning at companies such as MTV, Comedy Central and Scholastic Book Publishing. "Most of the internships I had were extremely competitive, but Seton Hall provided the opportunities for me to gain the experience and help me learn what my true passion was," Schray remarked. With corporate experience under her belt, Schray decided to fulfill her passion of working with students. She soon became an integral member of the College serving as the associate director for engagement and experience.

"I was happy to serve as a resource to graduate students and watch them succeed," said Schray. In this position, she curated student programming, developed community partnerships and explored relations with international institutions. "I worked to be proactive in building strong relationships with students. When they succeeded, I felt like I succeeded and when they failed, I felt like I failed too."

With the ability to explore different roles inside and outside of the University, Schray was able to focus on her career goals. She discovered her love of wanting to educate future communication and public relations professionals. This discovery led her to come back to school to earn her doctoral degree. "While going through my doctoral coursework, my work experience in the College helped me apply my day-to-day responsibilities to my coursework and vice versa," said Schray. While navigating the doctoral program and her student engagement position, Schray was able to curate an environment where students would thrive. "I learned what students enjoyed in the classroom and what they felt were opportunities to enhance student experience and I apply those thoughts in the classroom now," Schray added.

Now an instructor of Public Relations in the College, Schray reflects on her decade-long career. "I visited the University when I was a senior in high school, and once I stepped onto campus, I got an immediate sense of community, inclusion and success," she said. Additionally, she has joined the Thesis Advisory Council which oversees all of the outgoing students'theses projects. "As an emerging researcher, I welcomed the opportunity and am enjoying the chance to collaborate with colleagues and work with student researchers on topics that are advancing the discipline and contributing to important conversations," said Schray.

Schray credits her successes to the University and shared advice on how students can use the opportunities offered here to their advantage. "Continue your education straight through, that's what helped me. Continuing at the same university is what helped to create a foundation and find a groove. I achieved all my goals by never losing that momentum."

Not everyone has to follow the same path, but for Schray, staying true to her Pirate values is what helped refine her personal and professional goals.

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This profile was written by Asya Robinson, a Graduate Assistant for Graduate Studies within the College of Human Development Culture and Media and an M.A. in Communication student.