She attended Oklahoma State University, from 1986–1990, where she received her B.A. in Philosophy, in 1990. While attending OSU, Hays was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, serving as Chapter President in 1989-1990. She received the 1990 Philosophy Department-Outstanding Senior award. She graduated in 1993 from the University of Kansas School of Law with her Juris Doctorate Degree. Ms. Hays is the 2017 Oklahoma Bar Association President-Elect and she will serve as the 2018 President of the Oklahoma Bar Association.