Dec 10
RichmondCC Grad on Fast Track to Exercise Science Degree at Wingate
Dec. 10, 2025 - Ryelan Lyerly of Rockingham is majoring in Exercise Science at Wingate University. She transferred to Wingate after completing an Associate in Arts degree from Richmond Community College.
Ryelan received the Gateway to Wingate Scholarship, which is allowing her to earn a bachelor's degree for $2,500 per year or less.
“This scholarship has helped me tremendously with college costs by bringing my tuition down and making it more affordable for me to get a bachelor's degree,” Ryelan said. “The transfer process from RichmondCC to Wingate was very smooth. All of my credits transferred over easily.”
Because of the number of credits she was able to transfer, Ryelan is a junior at Wingate. She said starting at RichmondCC helped prepare her for her studies at Wingate as well as put her on the fast track to a bachelor's degree.
“Going to RichmondCC before a four-year college gave me insight on how college would be and prepared me to be a good student,” she said.
Ryelan is considering a career as a coach, an athletic trainer or a game warden.
Tour Wingate University
Wingate University is holding a "Gateway Tour" on Friday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. This is for RichmondCC students who are interested in learning more about the Gateway to Wingate Scholarship and Wingate's partnership with RichmondCC. You will learn about the application process, financial aid and campus life, followed by a campus tour led by a Wingate student.
For More Information
Contact Valerie Graham, Wingate's Director of Transfer and Specialized Admissions, at (704) 233-8103 or v.graham@wingate.edu.