For more than two centuries, Transylvania University has stood at the heart of Lexington as a place where curiosity meets purpose. Founded in 1780, Transy has welcomed learners from across the country and around the world — inspiring bold ideas, strong character and deep community connections that last a lifetime.
Today, as Transylvania celebrates 245 years, it remains a university that families and alumni trust, not only for its history, but for its vision of what education can be next.
A beginning across the woods, and a promise that still holds
Transylvania began in 1780 when the Virginia Assembly chartered Transylvania Seminary. The school started near Danville before moving to Lexington in 1793, where it quickly became a hub for education and civic life in what was then the Western frontier.
By 1799 it had earned full university status, the first west of the Allegheny Mountains, and established a reputation for shaping the leaders of a young nation.
That founding spirit still defines Transy today: cultivate curiosity, build community and prepare students to lead with integrity and imagination.
Faculty who shape a city and a nation
Transylvania’s influence runs deep in Lexington’s history. Statesman Henry Clay once served as professor of law and oversaw construction of Old Morrison in the 1830s. The building became the enduring symbol of the university, and of higher education in Kentucky.
A century later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed Transy’s 175th anniversary celebration and dedicated the Frances Carrick Thomas Library, commending the university’s role in shaping American learning and leadership.
That same spirit of mentorship endures through faculty who connect students to research, graduate study and meaningful work — hallmarks of the Transy experience.
Alumni impact that spans generations
From U.S. senators to CEOs, from teachers to tech innovators, Transy alumni are proof that a small liberal arts education can create outsized impact.
More than 100 graduates have served in the U.S. House of Representatives, 50 in the Senate and two as vice presidents of the United States. Closer to home, alumni lead nonprofits, classrooms, hospitals and startups across Kentucky and beyond.
But perhaps the most meaningful impact is generational. Beginning with Pryntha Alexander Hardenbergh in 1959, 19 Alexander family members have made Transy their home — a tradition that will continue when the next generation graduates in 2027.
These stories are woven into Transy’s DNA. It’s proof that when education feels personal, its influence endures.
A campus that teaches by example
Old Morrison still anchors the landscape, its white columns a reminder of Transy’s enduring ideals. The Carpenter Academic Center hums with creativity and conversation, while the William T. Young Campus Center brings students together for learning, leadership and wellness.
Every space feels intentional, connected by tree-lined paths and surrounded by Lexington’s energy and history. Professors know their students by name. Conversations spill out of classrooms and into shared spaces. Learning here is personal, and it lasts.
Lifelong Pioneers — a strong alumni network
When students become alumni, they don’t leave Transy behind, they carry it forward. Through the Transylvania Alumni Association, graduates stay connected to one another and to current students. They return to mentor, volunteer and invest in programs that make a difference.
Each year, the Transylvania Alumni Awards honor graduates who exemplify the university’s mission — educators, entrepreneurs and civic leaders whose impact stretches far beyond Lexington. Alumni also fuel initiatives like Together for Transy, an annual day of giving that supports scholarships, sustainability projects and campus innovation.
And for those continuing the family tradition, the Legacy Scholarship celebrates multigenerational connections, reinforcing the belief that curiosity and community are best shared across time.
The Transy difference: personal, rigorous, city-connected
Few universities combine such rich history with such modern relevance.
Transy’s downtown Lexington location keeps students close to opportunity: internships, community engagement, arts and innovation, while its small-campus environment ensures they’re supported every step of the way.
It’s a combination that’s proven itself for nearly two and a half centuries: rigorous academics, close mentorship and a deep belief in the power of curiosity.
Why families keep choosing Transy
In a rapidly changing educational landscape, where new learning models emerge, artificial intelligence reshapes industries and students question the value of higher education, Transylvania University stands out by offering something timeless: connection, trust and legacy.
Families choose Transy because it balances innovation with intimacy. It’s a place where technology complements teaching, where curiosity leads to action and where alumni networks open doors long after graduation. Parents see a university that evolves without losing sight of its purpose — a place that teaches students to think critically, communicate clearly and lead compassionately.
Legacy matters more than ever in higher education because it signals endurance — a university’s ability to adapt without abandoning its values. For 245 years, Transy has done just that: preserving what works, modernizing what’s next and staying personal through it all.
Come curious, leave inspired
After 245 years, Transylvania University remains a place where curiosity drives everything. Students come here to ask questions, to think critically and to find meaning, and they leave prepared to make a difference.
That’s why generations of families and alumni keep choosing Transy. Because this university doesn’t just educate. It shapes lives, builds leaders and keeps its promise, year after year. Visit: transy.edu/admission/visit. Explore academics: transy.edu/academics. Learn about alumni connections: transy.edu/alumni.
Image: Transylvania Glee Club, 1932 (History in Photos, Lafayette Photo Studio)