LaCoya is a devoted member of the AULA community. She received her BA in English from Lake Forest College where she focused her studies on African American women writers. Since completing her MFA in Creative Writing, she has held a variety of instruction and support roles at AULA, as well as worked as a non-profit program coordinator, teaching artist, and curriculum developer.

Currently, she serves as Teaching Faculty for the Undergraduate Studies Department, an Academic Writing Mentor and Specialist, and the Independent Studies Coordinator. Her teaching covers a range of writing, business, and education classes, covering topics such as composition, language, research, literature, and creative writing, as well as workplace communications. LaCoya most enjoys helping AULA students from diverse backgrounds learn to navigate the higher education system.