Admissions Staff

Julie Sams

jsams@transy.edu

Director of Admissions

Territories: Kentucky, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, U.S. Territories

Where are you from? 
Georgetown, Kentucky, but I also call North Carolina home after spending over seven years there. 

What’s your favorite Lexington hangout? 
Too many to choose! I participate in the West 6th Walk/Run Club and support other local businesses like Oscar Diggs, Blue Stallion, Buddha Lounge, etc. I also enjoy just being downtown with all the great activities and food options. I love food and love to talk about food (just ask my coworkers)!

Where do you go on campus when you need to get away from your office? 
I enjoy walking through beautiful Gratz Park.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try? 
Skydiving! Although when faced with the jump I’m not 100 percent sure I would!

What do you love about Transylvania? 
The people and the LOCATION! Transy is its own community, but within the heart of downtown Lexington. You’ll see students, faculty and staff on and off campus enjoying everything Transy and Lexington have to offer! 

Sarah Guinn

sguinn@transy.edu

Assistant Director of Admissions, Transfer Counselor

Where are you from?
Lexington, Kentucky.

What’s your favorite Lexington hangout?
The patio of Malone’s in Hamburg Pavilion–you can enjoy your favorite sports, get a great meal and it’s not too loud to talk to your friends.

Where do you go on campus when you need to get away from your office?
I love to sit outside, and the new Alumni Plaza is a great place to enjoy the sunshine!

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?
I wish I knew how to knit, so I could make awesome scarves.

What do you love about Transylvania?
I love the people, particularly my amazing colleagues.

Alexis Mitchell

amitchell@transy.edu

Senior Admissions Counselor

Territories: Kentucky, Florida, Michigan, west Tennessee

Where are you from?
Frankfort, Kentucky.

What’s your favorite Lexington hangout?
Too many to pick from! I enjoy going to the Distillery District, Greyline Station, and any local coffee shop.

Where do you go on campus when you need to get away from your office?
Anywhere outside! Our campus is so pretty. 

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?
I love coffee, so I would like to try visiting all six of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in the world. I have been to the Chicago location and it was amazing! 

What do you love about Transylvania?
The location! Downtown Lexington is such a unique place to live, even if it is only for 4 years. Transy’s location allows students to interact with the variety Lexington provides and create genuine relationships within the community.  

Alice Schaaf

aschaaf@transy.edu

Assistant Director for International Admissions

Territories: International plus Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C.

Where are you from?

I was born in Lexington, but grew up in Brockport, New York, where I went to school from kindergarten through high school graduation. I came back to Lexington to attend Transy!

What’s your favorite Lexington hangout?

Sage Rabbit restaurant. Amazing food (you have to try the cinnamon rolls at Saturday brunch, and the daily chicken specials), dog-friendly patio, super staff.

Where have your international travels taken you?

I have visited 40 countries so far, including Cuba, Iceland, Australia and Russia. I have lived and worked in England and Japan, and absolutely loved both. My favorite trips include the Galapagos, and horse riding in southern Spain.

What do you love about Transylvania?

It has amazing programs and great spaces, in a perfect location to take advantage of all a progressive city like Lexington has to offer. Students can really have an impact on their campus, and their wider community.

Amanda Stoddard

astoddard@transy.edu

Senior Admissions Counselor

Territories: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia

Where are you from?
Independence, Kentucky.

What’s your favorite Lexington hangout?
There are so many amazing places in Lexington, it’s difficult to choose! A few of my favorites are SRO and Kentucky Native — they both have fantastic food and drinks in amazing outdoor spaces. They’re great places to escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Where do you go on campus when you need to get away from your office?
The pool! Swimming laps is my favorite way to exercise and reset. 

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?
I’ve always wanted to try designing and sewing my own clothing. I was recently gifted a sewing machine, so maybe this will happen soon!

What do you love about Transylvania?
The students! Transy students are always doing such amazing things, they’re a constant inspiration.