Summary
Ryah McKay, Ph.D. was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She graduated from the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª in May 2020, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on Developmental Disabilities. She continued her education at Texas Tech University, where she received her Master of Education in Special Education in May 2022 at the age of 24. In 2023, Ryah began her doctoral journey at Texas Tech University and has since earned her Ph.D. in Special Education, with an emphasis on High Incidence Disabilities. Her academic and professional work centers on advancing postsecondary opportunities for students with disabilities, an area that has historically been overlooked in research and practice.
Ryah is deeply passionate about inclusive higher education and creating meaningful pathways to independence, employment and community inclusion for students with disabilities. She is proud to be part of the Path to Independence (P2I) program at the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª, where she now works after first interning with the program in 2019. Through her research and professional practice, Ryah strives to bring innovative perspectives to improving outcomes for students with disabilities in higher education settings.
A Nevada native, Ryah shares her life with her husband, Michael, and their three dogs, Koda, Huxley and Goose. In their free time, they enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
Education
- 2020- Bachelor of Science B.S., Human Development and Family Studies, University of Nevada Reno
- 2022- Master's of Education M.Ed., Special Education, Texas Tech University
- 2025- Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D., Special Education, Texas Tech University