Six new trustees will join Transylvania University’s governing board starting July 1, bringing significant experience across diverse fields, including education, finance, health care, law and nonprofit leadership. Additionally, at the May meeting of the Board of Trustees, three alumni — Glen S. Bagby ’66, Norwood “Buddy” Cowgill Jr. ’65 and Ann O. Windley ’65 — were named lifetime trustees in recognition of their long‑standing dedication and service to the institution.
“We are delighted to welcome the new trustees and their valuable perspectives,” President Brien Lewis said. “The breadth of their expertise will be critical as we continue to advance Transylvania University’s vision as the first choice for the 21st century student.”
The newly appointed trustees are:
Ingrid Dehner Allen ’89
With over three decades of experience in college admissions counseling, Allen has held roles at Transylvania, Butler University and several Lexington private schools. She is an expert in navigating the college admissions process, including application strategies, financial aid and standardized testing.
Patty M. Breeze ’69
A dedicated professional in the financial services industry since 1981, Breeze is also a proud Transylvania alumna and former teacher. She has been recognized for her leadership and community service with honors including the Small Business Administration’s Women Business Advocate of the Year and Financial Service awards. She also served on a Gov. Brereton Jones task force to study Women Business Ownership in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and was elected as a delegate to represent the state at the White House Small Business Conference.
Brandon Busteed
As CEO of BrandEd, Busteed leads a family‑owned education company providing industry‑immersive education. He has held leadership positions at Kaplan and Gallup, and is a recognized international speaker and author on work‑integrated learning.
Robert M. Croft Jr. ’02
Croft is a highly accomplished litigator and business leader with extensive experience in the insurance and retail industries. He currently serves as associate vice president and assistant general counsel, defensive litigation at Humana Inc. and previously served as director, corporate counsel – litigation at Starbucks Corporation. A double major in political science and theater from Transylvania, Croft also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Over his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to community service. His leadership has been recognized through service on the boards of organizations including the Muhammad Ali Center and the Legal Foundation of Washington’s Campaign for Equal Justice.
Dr. Marta Stone Hayne ’76
A Transylvania alumna and physician specializing in radiation oncology, Hayne has held various roles in her medical career. She has also been actively involved in community boards focused on health care and cancer awareness.
Chris Sauer ’95
With experience spanning corporate finance, nonprofit leadership and government service, Sauer is currently involved with the Bowery Residents‘ Committee in New York City and serves as president of the Lake Wesauking Association and the Lake Wesauking Conservancy. He holds degrees from Transylvania, the University of Michigan and Columbia Business School.
Additionally, following multiple years of service on the Board of Trustees, Bagby, Cowgill and Windley will continue their service as lifetime trustees.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Glen, Buddy and Ann for their decades of dedication to their alma mater, and we are honored to recognize them as lifetime trustees,” Lewis said. “Transylvania’s Board of Trustees plays a vital role in providing guidance and oversight, steering the university as we prepare students for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”