Wright Finds Success in College Years After High School
October 30, 2026
Student Receives Chime Workforce Scholarship
Kyle Wright once thought college was only for students coming straight from high school.
After his employer recommended Walters State’s Electrical Engineering Technology program,
he decided to try college as an adult learner.
One year later, he’s thriving in the program—and his strong grades have earned him
the Chime Workforce Scholarship.
The Chime Workforce Scholarship is given by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor
society for community college students, and the Chimes Scholars Foundation. Only 200
awards are given nationwide. The scholarship recognizes high-achieving students pursuing
career and technical degrees. Only 200 awards are given nationwide.
“Kyle is an outstanding student who shares his knowledge learned from his years in
the field with others at Walters State,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, president of Walters
State. “Earning an associate of applied science in electrical engineering technology
will make him an important part of any maintenance team. I congratulate him on receiving
this scholarship.”
Wright has balanced college classes with a full-time job since spring 2025.
“I always thought college was just for business degrees, and I have always worked
in factories,” Wright said. “I have been working in maintenance for about four years.
My coworker suggested that I go to Walters State and get my associate’s degree in
electrical engineering.”
He admits he was nervous about college, particularly math. He had bad memories of
his high school math class.
“The learning support math class was just what I needed. I left that class confident
that I could do college work,” Wright said. “Now, I can apply what I learn in my electrical
engineering courses to my work.”
His younger classmates ask him for advice on starting a career in the field. And other
people ask him about going to college later in life.
“The time is going to pass anyway. Next year, you could be where you are or you could
be earning a college degree in your field. Don’t wait. A good time to better your
education may never come. Do it now.”
Wright wanted to express his gratitude for his professors, his employer and his wife,
Maranda. He is paying for his education through Tennessee Reconnect, a last-dollar
scholarship available to those over 23 who have not earned a college degree.
“I have had to buy my books, but Tennessee Reconnect has paid for all my tuition,”
Wright said.