For Ryan Meyer ’08, Transylvania University was more than a place to earn a degree. It was a place that shaped his confidence, clarified his passions and built relationships that continue to matter every single week of his life.
From unforgettable moments on the basketball court to founding his own company, Mattress Lab, Meyer’s story is a powerful example of how a Transylvania education prepares students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of growth, leadership and purpose.
Why Transylvania University felt like home
Meyer still remembers what first drew him to Transylvania. It was the campus vibe, the feeling of being at a small school in a larger city and the opportunity to play basketball at a program defined by tradition and excellence.
When he met coach Brian Lane and his future teammates, everything clicked. “The campus vibe, a small school in a larger city, and I played basketball, so when I met coach Lane and my teammates, plus the tradition of winning and excellence, I knew it was where I needed to be.”
That sense of belonging and shared ambition made Transy feel like the right place from day one.
A season to remember on the court
When asked about his favorite Transy memory, Meyer does not hesitate: “2006 basketball season when we made it to the Elite Eight.”
That season remains a defining moment, not just for the wins, but for what it represented. Competing at that level taught Meyer about discipline, teamwork and resilience. Those lessons followed him far beyond the court and into every professional chapter that came next.
For prospective students, Meyer’s experience highlights how athletics at Transylvania University are deeply connected to personal development and leadership.
Professors who sparked a passion for business
Meyer’s love for business began early in his time at Transy, particularly after stepping into his first classes in Cowgill.
“So many to choose from,” he says when reflecting on influential faculty. “But Dr. Poynter and Dr. Baldwin were instrumental in pushing me and helping grow my love for business.”
Those professors did not just teach concepts. They challenged Meyer to think bigger, ask better questions and take ownership of his learning. That academic foundation continues to shape how he approaches leadership and decision making today.
Friendships that last a lifetime
What stands out most to Meyer about Transylvania is the people. The friendships he formed on campus remain central to his life years later.
“I still have so many friends that I keep up with weekly — the people are what it’s all about,” he says. One relationship in particular captures the heart of the Transy experience. “The best man in my wedding (Bryan Howard) was the first person I met when I visited the school, and we still talk and text multiple times a week.”
Those lasting connections are part of what makes Transylvania feel like home long after graduation.
From graduation to founding a company
After earning his business administration degree in 2008, Ryan’s path unfolded in ways he could not have fully predicted, but each step built toward something meaningful.
He began his career in finance and banking in Indianapolis, then joined Tempur-Pedic, which led him to Florida for nearly a decade. While there, he completed his MBA from Florida State University. Eventually, Meyer and his family moved to the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, where he founded Mattress Lab and turned a lifelong dream into reality.
Each chapter built on the last, showing how adaptable and far-reaching a Transylvania education can be.
The reality and reward of entrepreneurship
Starting a company was always Meyer’s goal, but the reality exceeded even his expectations.
“Starting a company and building something you created was always my dream,” he says. “It’s more work than you could ever imagine, but also extremely rewarding.”
Reflecting on the early days of entrepreneurship, Meyer is especially proud of persevering through uncertainty. “The first year of entrepreneurship, building a brand and an idea, it requires 100% effort and daily adjustments to have long-term success — you can never ever give up, and always keep the long-term goal in mind.”
That determination continues to guide him as a founder and leader.
A clear connection between Transy and today
Meyer sees a direct and lasting connection between what he studied at Transylvania and what he does now.
“Without a doubt,” he says. “I’ve always loved business ever since I walked the halls and sat in the seats of Cowgill classrooms, and after that Intro to Business course, I was hooked!”
The critical thinking, confidence and curiosity he developed at Transy remain central to how he approaches every challenge.
Advice for current and future Transy students
Meyer’s advice is both honest and encouraging.
“It’s OK if your ‘plan’ changes — it most likely will,” he says. “Follow your heart and mind to what feels right.”
He reflects on how certain he once was about becoming an accountant or an engineer, and how clearly he sees now that neither path would have been right for him. “I can say with certainty that both those fields would have been a bad fit for my personality and not bring me anything close to the satisfaction of where my life has taken me.”
For students feeling uncertain, his message is simple and reassuring: Trust the process.
Staying connected to Transylvania
Even though Meyer did not remain local after graduating, his connection to Transylvania is still strong. He follows Pioneer athletics, reads alumni newsletters and magazines and stays closely connected with friends.
Being a Transylvania alum carries deep meaning for him. “It’s an honor to be connected with such a prestigious university. Many doors were opened for me from what I learned while at TU. It was the perfect place for me, without question.”
Favorite places, traditions and one word that says it all
Meyer’s favorite spots on campus were the Beck Center and Back Circle, where so many everyday moments turned into lasting memories. If he could relive one Transy tradition, it would be May term.
When asked to sum up his experience in a single word, his answer is simple and powerful: “Formative.” Meyer’s story is just one example of how a Transylvania University education continues to shape lives long after graduation. Whether you are a prospective student imagining what your future could look like, or an alum reflecting on your own Transy journey, his experience is a reminder that this community has a way of bringing out the best in people. To learn more about Transylvania University, explore alumni stories, academic programs and the experiences that make Transy distinctive, visit transy.edu and see what is possible when curiosity, connection and opportunity come together.