By: Isabella Lebron
Ryan Stukes, an App State Honors College alumna, has just completed her first semester in the 10‑month accelerated Master of Science in Management (MSM) program at Wake Forest University School of Business. Stukes graduated cum laude from App State with University Honors earning a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on multicultural marketing and communications. About her experience at Wake Forest, Stukes stated,
As a graduate student in Wake Forest University: School of Business accelerated MSM program, the pace is fast, the curriculum is rigorous, and the stakes are high. Courses in analytics and business strategy push me outside my comfort zone but the foundation I built at App State, combining creativity with discipline, allows me to thrive. I approach each project and room with curiosity, intentionality, and human-centered leadership, knowing that my career is a journey, not a single path.
At App State, Stukes was also a recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship, and as she reflected, “That freedom allowed me to take risks, pivot academically, and embrace a holistic, human-centered approach to my education.” From Wake Forest School of Business, Stukes has earned the Inclusive Excellence Scholarship, a full-tuition, merit-based award, allowing her to continue her graduate studies debt-free. She further shared,
Scholarship support and financial access played a critical role in my journey. Being debt-free, earning the Chancellor’s Scholarship, and additional merit-based awards allowed me to explore opportunities fully, including study abroad in Ireland and Cuba. I could focus on growth, leadership, and creativity, rather than financial obligations that often dictate career choices. I am continuing that mindset here at Wake Forest School of Business.
Stukes began her college career at App State intending to major in pre‑med biology and aspiring to be a genetic counselor. However, through the Honors College Faculty Led Education Abroad Program to Cuba in 2023, she discovered a passion for Africana music cultures and strategic marketing. “When I first arrived at Appalachian State University, my path seemed clear: premed biology, a career in genetic counseling, a life mapped out by tradition. But life rarely follows a straight line, and neither did mine. My journey has been non-linear, transformative, and ultimately, essential to discovering who I am,” she explains. She redesigned her academic path through the interdisciplinary studies program, earning minors in biology and music, and graduated on time with a degree she truly loves.
Photo above features Ryan Stukes tossing her cap and gown for graduation photos, May 2025. Photo submitted.
For her Honors College thesis, “Marketing Africana Music: A Historical and Strategic Approach to Promoting Cultural Events in the High Country,” she was mentored by Dr. Joseph Gonzalez, associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Dr. Chris Patti, associate professor in the Department of Communication served as her second reader. Her thesis included the practical application—a performance, Rhythm & Roots, which she showcased to the community and peers.
Stukes describes her culminating thesis project stating, “Rhythm & Roots was a live cultural music event that celebrated underrepresented artists in Boone. I managed and built the brand of Modal Brew—a jazz, rhythm & blues, and soul band—curated their music, developed their social media presence, and partnered with The Happy Persimmon, a local business. I navigated contracts with the help of App State’s Student Legal Clinic, coordinated a production team of fellow students, and even produced a short documentary for the event. Rhythm & Roots was a zero-cost event that benefited all parties involved because it was powered by resourcefulness, creativity, and the App State and Boone community. Seeing the impact on the artists, local business, and audience was electrifying. It showed me that I could create spaces that matter and make meaningful cultural impact.”
In above photo, Ryan Stukes and community members pose in The Happy Persimmon during her thesis research in 2025. Photo submitted
After graduating from Appalachian State, Stukes worked at Duke University’s Conference and Event Services as a social marketing manager intern. From that job, she received hands-on experience and built real-world marketing and event management skills.
Her current journey at Wake Forest connects back to the legacy of Appalachian State Honors College alumna Dr. Annette Lytle Ranft ’86, who was recently recognized as the 2025 Honors College Exceptional Alumna. Dr. Ranft, now the dean of Wake Forest’s School of Business, exemplifies how an Honors College foundation can propel students into leadership roles in business and academia—a path Stukes is now following.
Photo above of Ryan Stukes giving her thesis presentation to audience at The Happy Persimmon, April 2025. Photo submitted.
Reflecting on her journey to-date, Stukes emphasizes resilience and gratitude, noting that her undergraduate experience and early graduate studies have been shaped by mentorship, creativity, and interdisciplinary exploration. She looks forward to applying her skills in marketing, cultural engagement, and business as she continues her MSM program and beyond. Looking ahead, Stukes says,
My goal is to use marketing and business to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly artists and cultural creators. I want to provide platforms, craft engaging content, and build opportunities that celebrate diversity without compromising authenticity. My journey has taught me that success is not a fixed outcome, it’s taking action, embracing risk, creating impact, and growing through every step of the process.
Ryan Stukes’ Digital Magazine is a digital portfolio that further highlights all her accomplishments. If helpful, Ryan would love to help promote the Wake Forest MSM program to current App State Honors College students and serve as a mentor for prospective students. Prospective students are welcome to reach out to Ryan at her Wake Forest email address. For enrollment-related inquiries, students may also contact Alex Peoples, associate director of enrollment management and recruiting.
Top photos feature Ryan Stukes at Wake Forest School of Business. Photos submitted.
