Tracy Coley graduated in 2019 from the Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts in Narrative Media Writing with a concentration in Narrative Nonfiction. She is the former editor of the local lifestyle publication Boom Magazine, teaches undergraduate journalism part-time at the University of Georgia and recently launched Lucky Dog Press, LLC.

Coley worked for nearly 30 years as a writer, editor, graphic designer and student mentor for UGA in marketing and communications. During that time, she  also worked as a freelance writer and designer. She credits the MFA program with the current trajectory of her career. 

Coley was drawn to the UGA MFA in nonfiction writing program because of its low-residency model, which allows students to learn without interruption in their lives.  MFA students meet for a week in Athens each semester and then work one-on-one with renowned journalists who serve as mentors. “My heart quite literally skipped with excitement,” Coley said about when she first learned about the program.

The low-residency MFA in narrative nonfiction is the only of its kind housed in a college of journalism, which Coley said is a point of pride for the students in the program. The program “meets writers where they are in a nurturing space,” she said. “And that is what Valerie Boyd intended when she launched the program in 2015.” Boyd, an acclaimed author and beloved teacher, built a creative community, which Coley is proud to say remains today.

“This UGA Narrative Nonfiction program embraces the individuality of the student and diverse perspectives while providing positive encouragement in developing the craft of writing,” said Coley. “I also believe so much in the mission of the program that I now work part-time as a program manager to support the bi-annual residencies and programming.”

Lucky Dog Press, LLC, is Coley’s dream business. Her boutique publishing agency for independent book authors provides individualized support through the writing and publishing process. She is even in the process of writing a couple of her own books.

“If you are looking for a program in which you are nurtured and valued, where your writing will improve exponentially and that will prepare you for a fulfilling writing career telling true stories, this program is for you.”

Learn more about the MFA in Narrative Nonfiction and how, like Tracy Coley, the program can help you make your opportunities a reality.