She received the PhD in Sociology from the joint doctoral program at Kent State University and the University of Akron. The University of Akron was her home institution. Her areas of specialization are medical sociology and mental health. She received the Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University. She received the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Stacye is certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Before pursuing a career in academia, she was employed in various positions in the clinical laboratory industry for thirteen years.