Ryan graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2006, earned a MSN from Benedictine University, a post-master’s certificate from Gardner-Webb University, and is current working on a Ph.D. from Mercer University. Her primary research interest involves increasing diversity in the nursing workforce and student success in undergraduate nursing programs. Ryan began working at Mary Black School of Nursing in 2012, teaching in the undergraduate nursing program. She serves as the Family Fund faculty chair.