As a new school year kicks off today, Transylvania University welcomes an academically exceptional group of incoming Pioneers.
The new students, who moved into their residence halls Thursday with the help of the campus community, wrapped up orientation events over the weekend including beloved traditions like the greet line and class photo.
With an average GPA of 3.8 — the highest in recent years — they represent an academically talented class ready to engage with a faculty committed to excellence.
Most of these Pioneers hail from Kentucky, but many other states are represented — with Ohio leading the pack and a growing contingent from Texas.
Their academic interests vary widely, with psychology being the most popular major. This class also marks a sizable increase in the number of students choosing the marketing and finance business tracks, as well as the highest number of students opting for pre-law in the past five years. The university is known for its preprofessional programs — for example, 100 percent of recommended students are accepted to law school, and the Pre-Law Society brings judges, lawyers and even court proceedings to campus for real-world learning.
The school also celebrated an increased number of new Pioneers joining from other institutions, as it supports their seamless transition into life at Transylvania. Also, the number of first-generation students increased as the result of strategic investments.
These new Pioneers will benefit from the university’s ongoing support of exceptional academics. For instance, a $25 million, 15-year grant is funding Bingham Endowed Chairs for Teaching Excellence at Transylvania — six professors have been named so far.
This year’s incoming students can also join a successful esports program, hone their business skills at the Center for Entrepreneurship providing hands-on, real-life experiential learning — and much more.
“As we begin this year, let us remember our motto: In Lumine illo Tradimus Lumen — In That Light, We Pass On the Light,” said President Brien Lewis, who helped greet new Pioneers during last week’s move-in. “By sharing knowledge, supporting one another and living out our values of respect, responsibility and care, we keep the Transy spirit shining brightly.”
Top photo: Transylvania’s incoming Class of 2029 posed for the traditional first-year photo in front of Old Morrison last week.