Transylvania University President Brien Lewis has appointed Tiffany Wheeler ’90 as interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, effective July 1.
Wheeler, a dedicated alumna and Transylvania faculty member for 23 years, recently served as associate dean for academic affairs and as a professor of education.
Wheeler holds an Ed.D. and M.A. from the University of Kentucky and a B.A. from Transylvania. She has held numerous leadership roles on campus, including 12 years as director of the education program. She also served as presiding officer of the faculty and chaired several key committees, such as the Personnel Committee and the Committee on Admissions and Academic Standards.
Additionally, Wheeler has received national and institutional recognition, including the Eldridge W. Roark Jr. Meritorious Service Award, which recognized her work advising Transylvania’s circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (2023), and the Transylvania Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award (2020). In 2023, she attended Bluegrass Tomorrow’s Academic Leadership Academy, and in 2025, Wheeler was selected for the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities Advancing Leaders program.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of Tiffany’s caliber and dedication step into the interim dean role,” Lewis said. “Her deep understanding of Transylvania and her commitment to our students’ success will be invaluable during this transition period. We are grateful for her willingness to lead.”
Her research interests include culturally responsive pedagogy, the history of African American education, and issues of race and ethnicity in education.
Wheeler’s commitment to community service is evident through her involvement and leadership roles outside the university. She serves as president/board chair of Step by Step Lexington, an organization assisting young single mothers, is a mass choir member and children’s ministry leader at New Vine Baptist Church and was appointed to the Fayette Education Foundation board of directors in 2024.
Transylvania will begin a national search for a permanent dean with more details to be announced in the near future.