The Transylvania community mourns the loss of James Gwyn “Jay” Moseley, who served as vice president for academic affairs, dean of the college and professor of religion from 1991 to 2002. He died Sept. 2 in Durham, North Carolina, at age 80.
Moseley remained active in the classroom while overseeing student success efforts and curriculum development, such as expanding elective choices. During his tenure, three faculty members won Kentucky Professors of the Year and study abroad participation rose from about 15% of the graduating class to 43%. He also helped enhance the former Career Development Center and provided key leadership for athletics.
Deeply engaged with students and the Lexington community, Moseley was praised by colleagues and students alike for his personal approach to leadership. In a 2002 interview, he said the most difficult part of leaving would be the relationships he’d formed. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty, staff and students at Transylvania,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing to leave behind. It’s especially rewarding to see students grow and succeed. Transy is small enough to feel that you know them and that you had some influence on them.”
Then-President Charles L. Shearer noted his contributions upon departure, saying “Jay gave exceptional leadership to our academic program. Transylvania is a hallmark for teaching excellence, and Jay helped expand that tradition.”
Moseley also delivered Transylvania’s 2002 commencement address from the steps of Old Morrison, telling graduates that a liberal education frees people to think for themselves and live their own lives while enabling them to help others do the same. He urged them to cultivate a sense of vocation and to “live all you can; it’s a mistake not to.”
A scholar of religion and literature, Moseley continued to teach and publish while serving as dean. His books include “A Cultural History of Religion in America” and “John Winthrop’s World,” along with numerous articles and reviews. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and master’s and doctoral degrees in theology and literature from the University of Chicago. Before Transylvania, he served on the faculties of New College of Florida and Chapman University.
After Transylvania, Moseley served as the 15th president of Franklin College in Indiana, a role he held until his retirement in 2015. Franklin later awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.