The Rymer Scholars program has been benefitting students in Bradley County for 30 years. The new enhancements to the program include increased financial award amounts and a new two-year housing stipend.
Lee University's long-standing Rymer Scholars program has received some enhancements that went into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, and some that will begin with the 2026-2027 Rymer Scholars cohort. The Rymer Scholars program was first established more than 30 years ago, with more than 200 students benefiting from the program. The program is an initiative of the Rymer Foundation which provides financial support to students from Cleveland High School, Bradley Central High School, and Walker Valley High School.
According to an article on Lee University’s website, Dr. Phil Cook, Lee University’s president, was quoted as saying, “The Rymer Scholarship represents the very best of what we aspire to at Lee University – recognizing academic excellence, rewarding character and leadership, and investing in Bradley County students who will shape the future of our community. The enhancements to this scholarship reflect our ongoing commitment to making a Lee education both accessible and exceptional. We are grateful to the Rymer family for their vision and generosity, which continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Every year, nine students from Cleveland High School, Bradley Central High School, and Walker Valley High School are selected to receive a scholarship in one of three tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the award amounts for all three tiers have been increased. Students in the Bronze tier will receive a $1,000 scholarship, the Silver will receive a $2,500 scholarship, and Gold will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Dr. Paul Conn, the school’s chancellor, said, “The Rymers invested in the future of our community in so many ways, partly because of their belief in the talent and potential of our young people. It’s great to see Lee’s Rymer Program continue to embrace that belief.”
At the beginning of this academic year, Rymer Scholars also began to receive a housing stipend that will cover the first two years of their on-campus housing costs. With the increased financial awards and the addition of housing stipends, students in each tier are now eligible to receive, if awarded the scholarship for all four years at Lee University, $4,000 and two years of housing at the Bronze level, $10,000 and two years of housing at the Silver level, and $20,000 and two years of housing at the Gold level.
Elizabeth Pace, the university’s director of Undergraduate Admissions, said, “These changes send a powerful message to local high school seniors: you belong here, and we’re ready to invest in your future. The Rymer Scholarship is more than financial support – it’s a launchpad for student success and community impact.”
For more information about Lee University, visit the school’s website.