A New Semester is Here at
A new academic year is here, and Julia’s Learning is ready for another year of learning, growth, friendship, and new experiences at Wingate University.
Classes officially begin this week and we are excited to welcome our students back to campus for a new semester. After a summer filled with work experiences, volunteering, travel, family time, and plenty of fun, our students are ready to jump back into campus life.
This year also brings new opportunities to learn, build independence, develop meaningful relationships, and experience everything that comes with being part of the Wingate community.
We can’t wait to see what this semester holds!
Summer Adventures & Student Success
Our students made the most of their summer break! From gaining valuable work experience and serving their communities to traveling and spending time with family and friends, they continued learning and growing well beyond the classroom.
Jordan’s Summer of Service
Jordan White has been hard at work this summer, gaining hands-on experience with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department and giving back to his community by volunteering with Cherokee County Meals on Wheels.
These experiences gave Jordan opportunities to strengthen workplace skills, serve others, and continue building confidence and independence.
Megan’s Summer Adventures
Megan has been soaking up some special family time this summer!
Her adventures have already taken her through Indiana, followed by some time enjoying the sun and sand at the beach.
We love seeing our students making memories, exploring new places, and enjoying time with the people who mean the most to them.
Aidan’s Action-Packed Summer
Aidan has had no shortage of excitement this summer!
Between spending time with family, playing lacrosse, making an appearance on ESPN, and getting a visit from his former roommate Sebastian, Aidan has certainly made the most of his time away from campus.
We’re excited to have him back at Wingate and hear even more about his summer adventures!
Say Hello to the Julia’s Learning Team
As we begin a new academic year, we want to reintroduce some of the people who help make Julia’s Learning possible.
Michelle Lancaster-Sandlin
Executive Director for
IDD Initiatives
Michelle provides leadership and direction for Wingate University’s IDD initiatives, helping create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and experience all that college life has to offer.
Dr. Melanie Keel
Associate Professor
Dr. Keel is an important part of the day-to-day Julia’s Learning experience, working closely with students both inside and outside the classroom. Through teaching, mentorship, and daily support, she plays a meaningful role in helping students grow academically, socially, and personally.
Kira Garrett
Campus Support Coordinator
Kira works closely with students, Bulldog Buddies, families, and the Julia’s Learning team to help students navigate their college experience. Her daily support helps create an environment where students can build independence, stay engaged, and feel connected to the Wingate community.
Meet Our Bulldog Buddies
Julia’s Learning is about more than attending classes. It is about being part of the college community—and our Bulldog Buddies play an important role in making that possible.
Bulldog Buddies are Wingate students who provide peer support to Julia’s Learning students as they navigate academic, social, and everyday campus experiences.
From attending classes and meals to navigating campus, staying organized, participating in activities, and building friendships, Bulldog Buddies provide encouragement and guidance while helping students become increasingly independent.
Most importantly, they are peers and positive role models who help create the inclusive and welcoming college experience at the heart of Julia’s Learning.
Some of our Bulldog Buddies have already gotten a jump start on the year, and we are so happy to have them back on campus!
We look forward to welcoming the rest of our Bulldog Buddies as the semester begins.
Julia’s Learning in the Spotlight
Julia’s Learning was recently featured in “Small But Mighty: How Julia’s Learning Gives Students with IDD a Real College Experience.”
The article takes readers inside Julia’s Learning, highlighting how students experience college life while building independence, confidence, and skills for the future.
Read the full article to see Julia’s Learning in action and the impact being made every day.
Looking Ahead: Fall 2026
The first day of classes is only the beginning!
This semester will be filled with opportunities for our students to learn, connect, work, participate in campus life, and continue building the skills and confidence that support greater independence.
We also have plenty of exciting events and activities ahead and look forward to sharing those experiences with Julia’s Community throughout the semester.
Stay tuned for upcoming community event announcements, along with more student spotlights, campus activities, milestones, and moments worth celebrating!