Alumni Awards

Betsy Brooks Bulleit ’76
Morrison Medallion

Betsy Brooks Bulleit, Class of 1976, earned her B.A. in business administration and went on to build a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in financial services, entrepreneurship and community leadership. Beginning at Hilliard Lyons — now Baird — she became one of the first women financial consultants in Lexington, growing a highly respected wealth management practice while rising to senior vice president and serving on the firm’s board. She retired from Baird in 2022, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and client trust.

In addition to her distinguished financial career, Betsy has demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial spirit. She is president of KenAgra LLC and has led ventures including Betsy’s Beverages, KenAgra Nutrition and CTRL+Z, an all-natural supplement containing postbiotics. She has also been a longtime partner in the growth of Bulleit Bourbon.

A dedicated alumna, Betsy has served Transylvania University in numerous leadership roles, including on the Alumni Board from 1991-96, and, since 1998, on the Board of Trustees. She has contributed to key university initiatives, including serving as the co-chair for the upcoming 250th Anniversary Campaign, and remains an active volunteer and mentor. Her service extends throughout the community, with involvement in organizations such as the Bluegrass Community Foundation, Bluegrass Federal Reserve Board and Garden Club of Lexington. 

Betsy’s many contributions have been recognized with Transylvania’s Distinguished Service Award and the Irvin Lunger Award. She enjoys equestrian riding, golf and gardening.

Jacob P. Miller ’21
Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Jacob Miller, Class of 2021, is a standout young alumnus whose professional success and commitment to service reflect the very best of Transylvania. A business administration major on the finance track, Jacob was an active member of Kappa Alpha Order and the men’s lacrosse team during his time on campus.

Now in his fifth year as a mortgage lender, until recently with New American Funding and currently with Luminate Bank, Jacob has quickly built an impressive career, helping more than 200 families purchase or refinance homes and investment properties. His dedication to his clients and his community has earned him numerous honors, including Rookie of the Year at Stockton Mortgage, the Mortgage Bankers Association Rising Star Award and recognition as a top loan officer for the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Most recently, he was recognized in the 1% of loan officers in the country, according to the Scotsman Guide. He also serves as treasurer for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Jacob’s passion for mentorship is evident in his work as a boys lacrosse coach at Frederick Douglass High School. He remains deeply engaged with Transylvania as a member of the Young Alumni Council and his class reunion committee.

Jacob is married to Brett Edwards Miller ’20, and his twin sisters, Zoe and Sophie Miller, are 2025 graduates.

Luke A. Crafton ’96
Distinguished Achievement Award

Luke Crafton, Class of 1996, has built an accomplished career in public media, dedicating nearly three decades to producing thoughtful, engaging content for national audiences. Now in his 28th year with GBH Boston, a premier producer of award-winning programming for PBS, Luke serves as a series producer and director of digital content for “Antiques Roadshow,” PBS’s most-watched ongoing prime-time series.

Since joining “Antiques Roadshow” in 2006, Luke has played a key role in the success of a program that has earned 23 Emmy nominations and is now in its 30th season. In his current role, he leads digital content strategy and production, expanding the show’s reach across platforms. Among his creative highlights is the multiplatform documentary series “Extraordinary Finds,” which he has co-produced, written and directed since 2019. The series has earned three national Telly Awards and contributed to the show’s most recent Emmy nomination.

A graduate of Transylvania with a degree in English and a William T. Young Scholar, Luke credits his liberal arts education with shaping his passion for storytelling. He remains connected to the university as a mentor in the 100 Doors to Success program.

Luke lives in the Boston area with his wife, Amy Holland Crafton ’94, and their three sons. He takes pride in the work he does in public media and in being part of a field that helps people learn, stay curious and enjoy great stories.

Dianna S. Howard ’86
Distinguished Achievement Award

Dianna Howard, Class of 1986, is a nationally respected leader in hematology, oncology and cellular therapy. She serves as professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine, where she has directed the Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Program since 2014. In 2023, she was named chief clinical officer of the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center within Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Service Line.

Dianna earned her B.A. in psychology, magna cum laude, from Transylvania, where she was a member of Omicron Kappa Delta leadership honorary and Delta Delta Delta women’s fraternity, before receiving her M.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics and a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at UK, where she went on to hold numerous academic and clinical leadership roles over two decades. Her work has also included national service as a medical monitor for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network.

An active member of several leading professional organizations, Dianna has contributed extensively to advancing cancer care, research and policy. She has led and participated in numerous research protocols, advised residents and fellows and is a frequent presenter at national meetings and conferences. Her many honors include the NMDP Policy Champion Award and the ASTCT Advocacy Award, both received in 2024, along with recognition as one of the Best Doctors in America for nearly a decade.

Known for her dedication to patients, colleagues and the next generation of physicians, Dianna continues to make a lasting impact on the field and the communities she serves.

Rebecca A. Terry ’76
Distinguished Achievement Award

Rebecca Terry, Class of 1976, has built an extraordinary career in medicine, combining clinical excellence with entrepreneurial leadership in women’s health care. A pre-med major at Transylvania, she graduated with honors in biology and was active on campus as a member of the science honorary, Phi Mu, women’s basketball team and choir.

Rebecca earned her M.D. from the University of Louisville and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health Sciences Center. In 1988, she co-founded Women First of Louisville, establishing the first all-female OB/GYN practice in the city’s east end. What began as a small practice of two physicians, grew under her leadership into a thriving organization of 10 physicians and more than 100 staff over 35 years.

Throughout her career, Rebecca was known for her commitment to patient care and innovation. After 2000, she focused her practice on gynecology, specializing in minimally invasive surgery, menopause care and osteoporosis. She cared for thousands of patients before her retirement in 2023 and served multiple terms as co-managing partner of the practice.

Her excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including repeated “Top Doc,” “Top Physician” and “Community Choice” awards. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology for nearly four decades, Rebecca has been an active member of leading professional organizations and a trusted leader in her field.

Rebecca’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing women’s health and improving the lives of her patients and community.

Claria Horn Boom ’91
Distinguished Service Award

Claria Horn Boom, Class of 1991, is a dedicated and generous alumna whose longstanding commitment to Transylvania reflects a deep belief in the power of community and connection. She earned her B.A. in history, summa cum laude, from Transy and went on to receive her J.D. from Vanderbilt University, where she was named to the Order of the Coif in 1994. Over more than two decades, she has served Transy in numerous leadership roles, including the Alumni Board (1999-2002), Board of Visitors (2005-08), Board of Trustees (2008-14) and Board of Regents (2017-April 2023). She has also been an active member of the Women’s Impact Council (2016-19) and co-chaired her 25th class reunion in 2016, while frequently opening her home to fellow alumni — continuing that tradition again this Alumni Weekend.

Beyond campus, Claria has given her time to a wide range of organizations over the years, including Southland Christian Church, Christian Appalachian Project, Refuge for Women, The Nile and the Henry Clay High School Volleyball Team Booster Club.

Professionally, Claria serves as a U.S. District Court judge for both the Eastern and Western districts of Kentucky and has also contributed at the national level as a commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission from 2022 to early 2025, when her term expired. Prior to becoming a judge, she practiced law at Frost Brown Todd in Lexington. 

Claria’s steady leadership, generosity and unwavering support of Transylvania make her a most deserving recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

John M. Davidson ’01
Distinguished Service Award

John Davidson, Class of 2001, earned his B.A. in business administration with a minor in religion and later completed a Master of Divinity in ethics from Lexington Theological Seminary in 2004. As a student, he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi, sang in the choir and competed on the cross country team.

Those connections to campus have continued in meaningful ways over the years. John has helped organize alumni chapters in both Indianapolis and Denver, served on his class reunion committee for every five-year cycle and mentored students through the 100 Doors program. He remains someone the university can count on to support students and fellow alumni.

John’s commitment to service is especially evident in his church and local community. At the Kirk of Bonnie Brae, United Church of Christ, he serves as minister of stewardship, supporting financial stewardship and fundraising, while also teaching Sunday school and working closely with youth. More broadly, he serves as chairperson of Colorado’s Natural Disaster and Mitigation Enterprise under the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, president of the Skyline Soccer Association and as a chaplain for Boy Scout Troop 376, where he has been recognized with the Key Scouter and Silver Acorn Awards.

Professionally, John is an owner with TriMountain Corporation in Denver, focusing on commercial insurance for technology, medical and professional services.

John and his wife Kris Davidson have been married for 17 years and have two sons, Calvin and Lyle.

Brian E. Davis ’96
Distinguished Service Award

Brian Davis, Class of 1996, has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Transylvania University through his continued involvement, service and support of its students and programs. As a student, Brian was deeply engaged on campus as a member of the Student Activities Board and scholarship chair for Phi Kappa Tau, while also serving as an equipment manager from 1992-96 and playing on the men’s basketball JV team from 1993-96.

Since 2003, Brian has served as the official scoreboard operator for Transylvania basketball, a role he has held for more than two decades. He remains actively involved through the Pioneer Club Advisory Council, which he joined in 2022, and his class reunion committee, and he has generously hosted members of the men’s basketball team in his home during holiday breaks for many years.

Beyond Transylvania, Brian has been an engaged community volunteer, including service on the Providence Montessori School Board from 2018-21 and support for the Tates Creek International Baccalaureate program and athletics in recent years.

Brian earned a B.A. in physics from Transylvania in 1996 and a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1998. He has built a successful career in information technology, including roles with IBM and University of Kentucky HealthCare, where he currently serves as external development manager. In July 2026, he will transition to director of development and client technologies for Beyond Blue Shared Services LLC.

Brian and his spouse, Leigh Ann Jordan Davis ’94, have two daughters, Grace and Hope.

Scott J. Poe ’71
Distinguished Service Award

Scott Poe, Class of 1971, took a nontraditional path to completing his Transylvania degree, one that reflects both his determination and deep appreciation for education. After beginning his studies as a sociology major with minors in music and political science, Scott left Transylvania in 1971 before graduating. Years later, while working full-time in law enforcement and raising four young children, he commuted back to campus to complete his degree and ultimately walked at graduation.

While living in Lexington, Scott developed an interest in law enforcement that became the foundation of his career. He served with the Maysville Police Department and the Cincinnati Police Department before returning home to Mason County. His career included leadership roles as chief deputy for operations at the Mason County Regional Detention Center, a Kentucky pre-trial officer and a Drug Court Program supervisor. He also spent nine years as an adjunct faculty member at Maysville Community College, where he helped develop a 2+2 criminal justice program with Eastern Kentucky University.

Scott has remained closely connected to Transylvania through years of service, including two terms on the Alumni Board (2016–22), participation as a 100 Doors mentor since 2017 and active involvement in regional alumni events. He and his wife, Anne, also served on the Parents Council, including two years as co-chairs while their daughter, Allison ‘03, was a student.

In his community, Scott has been a steady and faithful presence, serving for 44 years as organist and choir leader at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Maysville.

Scott and Anne are proud parents and grandparents to a large and growing family.

Carrie Reed Shufflebarger ’96
Distinguished Service Award

Carrie Shufflebarger, Class of 1996, is a respected leader in intellectual property law and dedicated alumna whose service to Transylvania spans many years. She earned her B.A. in political science from Transylvania, where she was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Omicron Pi, and went on to receive her J.D. from Duke University in 1999.

Carrie is a partner with Thompson Hine in Cincinnati, where her practice focuses on intellectual property counseling, enforcement and litigation. Her work has earned national recognition, including selection to The Best Lawyers in America and the Ohio Super Lawyers list for multiple years, as well as recognition by the World Trademark Review 1000.

A committed volunteer for Transylvania, Carrie served on the Alumni Board from 2012-17 and continues to support the university as a mentor in the 100 Doors program. She has helped lead alumni engagement efforts, including reunion activities and university events, and has worked to support fundraising initiatives. She is also a trusted mentor to Transylvania students and alumni pursuing careers in law.

Beyond Transylvania, Carrie is deeply involved in her profession and community. She serves on the Board of Directors for CincyIP and is active in the International Trademark Association and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. Her broader leadership and service include board membership with the Children’s Law Center, participation in Leadership Kentucky and involvement in regional leadership development programs such as WE Lead and C-Change.

Carrie and her spouse, Eric Shufflebarger ’97, have two children, Elliott and Samantha.