Transylvania University History
Chartered in 1780 by the Virginia legislature under the guidance of Thomas Jefferson, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest colleges and the first institution of higher learning west of the Allegheny Mountains. In the 19th century, it was a renowned medical powerhouse, training thousands of doctors, and later featured a thriving law program. Today, Transylvania continues its legacy as a top national private liberal arts college, offering a close-knit community to approximately 1,000 students.
Glenn Building Admissions Welcome Center
301 W. Third St., Lexington, KY 40508
The Glenn Building is your starting point for all things admissions at Transylvania. Our team provides comprehensive support, from campus visits and applications to financial aid and your first semester. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Visit transy.edu/admissions for more information.
Gratz Park
250 W 3rd St, Lexington, KY 40507
Across Third Street lies Gratz Park, the original site of Transylvania’s historic campus. We’re deeply rooted in Lexington, and as one of only nine top liberal arts colleges in a city of more than 300,000, our prime location provides unparalleled access to internships, jobs and a vibrant city life. Transy offers a unique blend of academic excellence and urban opportunity with a 95% graduate success rate and proximity to hospitals, restaurants and entertainment.
J. Douglas Gay Jr. /Frances Carrick Thomas Library
314 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507
Transylvania’s library is more than just books. It’s a hub for academic success. Beyond extensive research resources and comfortable study spaces, you’ll find the Academic Center for Excellence, offering free tutoring and learning skills programs, and the award-winning Writing Center, where trained mentors enhance your communication skills. The library is also home to our extraordinary Special Collections, including years of Lexington history and rare treasures like Audubon’s “Birds of North America” and Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.”
The Kissing Tree
Just outside the library stands the Kissing Tree, a nearly 300-year-old white ash and a beloved Transylvania tradition. Campus stories say it was once the only spot on campus where public affection was overlooked, creating a cherished memory for generations of alumni.
Old Morrison
251 W. Third St., Lexington, KY 40508
Old Morrison, built in 1834 by renowned architect Gideon Shryock, stands as the heart of Transylvania University. This National Historic Landmark, funded by Revolutionary War Colonel James Morrison and with Henry Clay as executor, now houses key administrative offices, including the president and dean of the university. Every Transy student’s journey begins and ends here, with a welcoming greet line for first-year students and graduation on its lawn. Inside, you’ll find essential student support services: GlobalTransy for study abroad, career development for job and internship guidance, the 100 Doors alumni mentorship program and financial aid assistance. Old Morrison’s rich history includes serving as a Civil War hospital and housing Transy’s prestigious 19th-century law school.
Rafinesque’s Tomb
To the left of the steps, a concealed room houses the tomb of Constantine Rafinesque, a noted 19th-century botanist and former Transylvania professor. His story, marked by banishment and a rumored curse, has become a captivating campus legend. Students are drawn to the mystery, especially during Raf Week, our annual Halloween celebration. The steps of Old Morrison become a spectacle of carved pumpkins during PumpkinMania, and the truly adventurous can vie for the chance to experience a night within the legendary tomb, adding a unique and memorable chapter to their Transylvania experience.
Alumni Plaza
Alumni Plaza is the crossroads of the academic side of the campus. Transylvania’s has a 4-4-1 academic schedule, with two four-month terms and a unique four-week May term where you’ll take specialized classes, many of which involve international travel. Throughout the year (and often during May term), you’ll find students eating and hanging out under these trees, or professors leading their classes around the big table in the middle. The stones and plaques pay tribute to many Transy alumni, a tight-knit community of graduates who often return to campus to reconnect with the lifelong friends they made while in school. Pioneer pride lasts a lifetime.
Carpenter Academic Center
330 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508
The Mitchell Fine Arts Center is a vibrant hub for creativity at Transylvania. Here, you’ll find our music program, complete with free private lessons, practice rooms and fine arts scholarships available to all majors. The building also houses Morlan Gallery, a professionally curated space currently featuring the Senior Art Exhibition (which is open from noon-5 p.m. on Friday, March 28). Throughout the year, Morlan showcases contemporary art, fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives. The center offers two auditoriums, Haggin Auditorium and Carrick Theater, hosting distinguished lecturers, visiting artists and university events. Behind Mitchell Fine Arts, Little Theater, a state-of-the-art black box space, hosts Transy Theater’s annual productions and student-written works. Students of all majors are invited to participate in theater, whether on stage or behind the scenes, exploring acting, design, directing and tech.
Mitchell Fine Arts Center
350 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508
The Mitchell Fine Arts Center is a vibrant hub for creativity at Transylvania. Here, you’ll find our music program, complete with free private lessons, practice rooms and fine arts scholarships available to all majors. The building also houses Morlan Gallery, a professionally curated space currently featuring the Senior Art Exhibition (which is open from noon-5 p.m. on Friday, March 28). Throughout the year, Morlan showcases contemporary art, fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives. The center offers two auditoriums, Haggin Auditorium and Carrick Theater, hosting distinguished lecturers, visiting artists and university events. Behind Mitchell Fine Arts, Little Theater, a state-of-the-art black box space, hosts Transy Theater’s annual productions and student-written works. Students of all majors are invited to participate in theater, whether on stage or behind the scenes, exploring acting, design, directing and tech.
Clive M. Beck Center
370 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508
Welcome to the Beck Center, home of Transylvania’s champions! Transy has 26 intercollegiate athletic teams and is adding a new STUNT program in the fall. The Pioneers are a member of the NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, which prioritize both academic and athletic excellence. The Beck Center has a 1,200-seat gym and a second recreational gym, dance studio, weight room with the latest cardio equipment, locker rooms and an indoor running track. In addition, classrooms host exercise science courses with equipment for conducting research on physical fitness and movement. Field sports train and play three blocks from campus at the Pat Deacon Stadium. And thanks to partnerships within the community, student athletes also train and play at Lexington Legends Field and Top Seed Tennis Club.
W. T. Young Campus Center
345 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508
Opened in 2020, the William T. Young Campus Center is the vibrant hub of student life at Transylvania. Home to over 50 student organizations, the campus bookstore and comprehensive student well-being services — including a free on-campus clinic, counseling and nutrition — it provides a supportive environment for all students. The center features naturally lit corridors, large event spaces and a cozy Hearth Room with a fireplace, perfect for studying and socializing. A Fitness Center and competition-sized pool are also available. Inside, the Great Hall cafeteria and Rafskeller Grill, operated by Bon Appétit, offer sustainable and locally sourced meals, accommodating all dietary needs.
Transylvania University Bookstore
361 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508
Located in the Campus Center, the Transylvania bookstore is where you’ll find all the best Transy gear like shirts, hats, blankets and more. It’s open to the public Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and online at transyshop.com.