Your admissions counselor is here to be your resource as you navigate the college search process. Our counselors travel across the country and abroad to meet with students. Look at the list below or use our map to find your counselor, and feel free to contact them with any questions at any time.
Brad Goan, Vice President and Dean of AdmissionsStates: North Carolina, South Carolina
M.A., History, University of Kentucky
B.A., History, University of Tennessee
This is such an exciting time for you, but I also know it may be a very anxious time. If you are like most students, your college choice will be the biggest decision you have made up to this point in your life, and I am honored to have the opportunity to play a part in that process. Finding the right fit for you is the key. The great thing about the admissions process is that we all win if you find the right college home, whether it is Transylvania or another school.
This is my seventh year in admissions at Transylvania. I spent eleven years at the University of Kentucky before that, and I began my work in college admissions as a student at the University of Tennessee. I cannot think of a more rewarding profession than working in higher education. However, my favorite thing in the world is spending time with my wife and three children. I am also active in my church community, and I am a big college sports fan.
Kim Chaffer Schroeder, Associate Dean of AdmissionsStates: Illinois, Hawaii, Virginia (Richmond)
Ky Counties: Woodford
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
M.P.A., University of Kentucky
B.A., University of Kentucky
Currently, I work with students from Hawaii, Henrico and Chesterfield Counties in Virginia (Richmond area), and Woodford County in Kentucky. I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago (Elmhurst, Ill.) and attended York Community High School. I received my bachelor’s degree in economics and political science and my master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky. In my spare time, I like to travel, watch college basketball, and read.
I often get asked why I went to the University of Kentucky but have decided to work here at Transylvania. I have two answers to that. First, Transylvania is an amazing place for students. The education they receive is second to none, and the experience they have here is truly extraordinary. Second, I am a firm believer that there is a college fit for everyone. When students find the right fit, they will excel beyond their expectations. I see my job as helping students find that fit in their college search. I want to provide you and your family with all of the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions you have.
Ingrid Allen, Associate Director of AdmissionsStates: International Students
Ky Counties: Fayette - Lexington (Private except Trinity Christian Academy), Bryan Station, Dunbar
M.S., Psychology, Morehead State University
B.A., Psychology, Transylvania University
As a 1989 Transylvania graduate, I have personally experienced the lifelong benefits afforded by a Transylvania education. I am still deeply grateful to my family for the sacrifices and investment they made many years ago in order for me to attend one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. As the coordinator for international student recruitment, I have the privilege of providing guidance and support to international students and families seeking an undergraduate college education in the United States.
For the past twenty years I have dedicated my professional career to college admissions and international education. I have previously served in the admissions offices at both Transylvania University and Butler University. During my tenure with Butler's Institute for Study Abroad, I enjoyed working with domestic college students as they explored education opportunities throughout the globe. I gained valuable perspective from the other side of college admissions desk when I served as the senior college counselor at Lexington Catholic High School. My career has required me to visit over 50 countries and 300 college and university campuses around the world.
I recently returned home to Transylvania and to the true joy of helping international students as they navigate their way through the college admissions process. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your college search.
Johnnie Johnson, Associate Director of AdmissionsB.A., Economics & Business and Sociology, Cornell College
My name is Johnnie Johnson and I am the associate director of admissions in charge of operations. I earned my undergraduate degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where I studied economics and business and sociology. Since then I have enjoyed over 14 years of working in admissions, both in recruiting and day-to-day operations.
I'm a big proponent of the small-college experience. The chances to not only learn from but bond with professors, live with classmates, and easily get involved in campus activities all enhance a unique learning atmosphere. I encourage you to enjoy the process, be honest with yourself when making decisions, and strongly consider Transylvania University as the place to continue your education.
Kari Kolb, Associate Director of AdmissionsTransfer students as well as the following:
Ky Counties: Fayette (Public: Lafayette; Henry Clay; Tates Creek)
More...B.A., Communication, University of Cincinnati
B.A., Organizational Leadership University of Cincinnati
Hello! I am looking forward to working with you during the college search process. My favorite part of the job is helping students find the right fit and have the best college experience possible.
As a student, I studied communication and never dreamed that I would be using these skills so often while working with high school students and their families. I graduated with a degree in communication and a degree in organizational leadership from The University of Cincinnati in 2004. In my college days, I spent all four years as a college athlete, participated in intramural sports, helped out with Habitat for Humanity, was involved with Student Government, and also was the president of the Communication Club on campus.
With an education from a large school and now working at a small private liberal arts college, I feel that I can help students understand the difference between the two. Every day that I am at Transylvania I learn something new and special about the university. Being a part of this community has helped me see the importance of a liberal arts education.
Betsey Bachert, Assistant Director of AdmissionsStates: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee (Middle/West), Texas
Ky Counties: Franklin, Jefferson (Private)
B.A., Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication, Transylvania University
A Kentucky girl through and through, I grew up in Lexington and feel fortunate to be a native of such a dynamic city. I am a 2008 graduate of Transylvania University, where I self- designed my major in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication. As an intern at Lexmark International Inc. in corporate communications, I was able to learn so much about the business world, and I took much away from my experience. Now I’m thrilled to be back at my alma mater as a member of the admissions staff, and I feel lucky to have found a profession that doesn’t feel like work!
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my incredible family and friends, cooking, dance classes, traveling, and solving the crimes on Law and Order.
My best advice in selecting a school is to be open-minded, look into schools you don't know much about but also be sure to examine the colleges you might think you know already know well. You may really be surprised! In the end, it’s up to you to choose a place where you can grow intellectually, have a lot of fun, and be comfortable.
Bryan Conover, Assistant Director of AdmissionsStates: Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia
Ky Counties: Boone, Campbell, Kenton
M.A., College Student Personnel, Bowling Green State University
B.A., Political Science, Transylvania University
I am a 2006 alumnus of Transylvania with a degree in political science. From 2006-2008, I worked as an admissions counselor at Transylvania before heading to get my master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University. For the past three years, I have worked in student life at small private schools in Ohio. I am very excited to have returned to my alma mater to help reach the vision of President Williams for Transylvania University to be a top-50 liberal arts college. My love for Transylvania University runs deep. I would not be the person that I am today without the invigorating academic and personal environment of our unique community.
One of the main reasons that I have returned to admissions at Transylvania is because President Williams is committed to advancing Transylvania through innovation and a commitment to a stellar academic community with an amazing student experience. Truly, we are embodying the historical context and the intentional meaning of being Pioneers. It is my sincere hope that you will join us on this exciting journey. If there is anything that I can do to help with your college search, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am a resource for you and your family and am committed to being honest and transparent about how our process works at Transylvania University.
Abby Adams, Admissions CounselorKy Counties: Jefferson (Public), Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Bullitt, Clark, Garrard, Hardin, Jessamine, Larue, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Oldham, Pulaski, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Washington, Whitley
More...B.A., Spanish and Computer Science, Transylvania University
During my college search I had a very specific idea of what I wanted, and I found that at Transylvania. I graduated in 2011 with majors in Spanish and computer science and a concentration in communications.
I attended Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. While I will always be a Hoosier at heart, I have fallen in love with the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. After I graduated, I spent a year teaching Spanish in Memphis through a program called Teach For America, but Lexington and Transylvania called me back.
I always felt I had found a second home at college, and I would love to help you do the same. This is a critical time in your scholastic life, and it’s important to remember that no matter how good a school looks on paper, you won’t fully enjoy it if it’s not a good fit for your heart as well as your mind.
I found my place at Transylvania and hopefully, by working together, we can help you find yours.
Sarah Guinn, Admissions CounselorStates: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Ky Counties: Adair, Allen, Ballard, Barren, Breckenridge, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Christian, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Union, Warren, Wayne, Webster
B.A., Theater, Transylvania University
A Lexington native, I grew up knowing the name Transylvania was synonymous with excellence. After spending a great year at Hood College in Maryland, Lexington called me back and I made Transylvania University my home for the next several years. In addition to my time in the classroom, being involved on campus shaped me greatly. As a student, you could usually find me spending time with my Greek sisters, helping with theater productions, working on The Crimson yearbook and guiding first-year students during the orientation program. I graduated in 2006 with a degree in theater and minors in English and history and spent the next five years working in management. I could not be more thrilled to call Transylvania home once again.
On a personal level, I love to travel and visit exciting new places as well as lifelong favorite destinations (Walt Disney World being one). With a passion for travel also comes my love for photography, which I do on a very amateur level, and scrapbooking. I also love spending time with my loved ones (including my new Corgi puppy Reggie), reading (especially magazines), cooking, and watching my fair share of reality television.
When it comes to making your important college choice, many schools may look the same on paper but are truly unique once you have the chance to get to know them. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities available to you to visit Transylvania and other schools you are interested in. Whether you come for a campus visit, overnight stay, or preview day, spending time on campus with students is the best way to determine if a campus will be where you want to spend the next several years. When you have questions about Transylvania, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or send me an e-mail. I look forward to getting to know you better and being a resource to you during the admissions process.
Alycia Keller, Admissions CounselorStates: Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
M.A., Higher Education and Student Affairs, The Ohio State University
B.A., Psychology, DePauw University
I was born and raised in Lexington and have always loved the Bluegrass state, but after high school I headed to DePauw University in Indiana where I completed a B.A. in psychology in 2009. I then earned an M.A. in higher education and student affairs at The Ohio State University.
Following the completion of my graduate degree, I worked in the Office of International Affairs at Ohio State for a year. My love of the Bluegrass eventually called me back to central Kentucky, where I found a new home at Transylvania.
I love getting to know Lexington and the central Kentucky area again. So much has changed in recent years, and I’m always finding new and exciting things to check out! I enjoy spending time with my family and pursuing any outdoor activity, especially if it involves water (kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are a few of my favorites).
Navigating the college search process is an exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experience. Having studied at both a small liberal arts university and a large state university, I hope I can be a resource to students as they consider which type of institution might be the best fit for them.
Transylvania offers remarkable educational opportunities within a supportive, engaging community, and I enjoy helping students as they consider a new home at Transylvania.
Shane McGuire, Admissions CounselorStates: Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee (East)
Ky Counties: Fayette - Lexington (Trinity Christian Academy)
B.A., Biology & Religion; Transylvania University
Born and raised in Lexington, I am a 2009 Transylvania graduate with degrees in Biology and Religion and a liberal arts education that will serve me well in life. During my time at Transy, I played varsity golf and almost every intramural, served as a Resident Advisor, traveled to Turkey, Greece, Israel, and Egypt, and was always up for a midnight volleyball game in Back Circle or a late night run to Taco Bell. I am now extremely privileged to be working at my alma mater serving students from Lexington, Jessamine County, and the Heartland Region of Kentucky as well as East Tennessee and Alabama.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy hanging out with my wonderful family and friends, traveling, golfing, basketball, tennis, ping-pong, running at night, going to the movies, reading a good book, and watching White Collar, Criminal Minds, House, and Big Bang Theory. I also love watching sports, and there is no better time of year than March Madness.
Not long ago, I was faced with the same important decision you are now. My advice is to keep an open mind, look into all types of colleges and even ones you haven't heard of, and make sure to visit the top colleges on your list. I thought many colleges looked the same on paper. It wasn't until I visited that I fully grasped the essence of each institution. If you have any questions about Transylvania or college in general, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me anytime. My goal is to ensure you find the college that fits you best — a place where you can grow, have endless opportunities available to you, and enjoy yourself.
Meredith Norman, Admissions CounselorStates: West Virginia
Ky Counties: Bath, Bell, Boyd, Bracken, Breathitt, Carroll, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Gallatin, Grant, Greenup, Harlan, Harrison, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owen, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Trimble, Whitley, Wolfe
B.A., Elementary Education, Transylvania University
I am from Georgetown, Ky., just 20 minutes north of Lexington. I am a 2012 graduate of Transylvania, where I received my degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish. During my time at Transylvania, I was on the dance team, active in clubs, and served as an Admissions Ambassador in the admissions office for three years. From that experience, I have now been given the honor of working at my alma mater, assisting students from Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia.
Outside of the office, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I love reading a good book or watching a classic movie. I also have a passion for music. I love to sing and play the guitar. You might even see me around town playing with my father's bluegrass band.
My advice for you is to visit Transylvania and any other schools you might be interested in. Being on campus, whether for an overnight stay or sitting in on a class, will help you determine if it will be your home for the next four years. My job is to help you find the best fit for you. My goal is to help you find a place where you can be yourself and flourish in your social and academic life.
I look forward to learning more about you. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me.
Transylvania University admits students regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other classification protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.
300 North Broadway
