From the President
Dear Transylvania Community,
As I reflect on the stories featured in this issue, I am reminded that the true strength of a Transylvania education lies in the connections we create: between disciplines, between mentors and students, and between generations of alumni who continue to shape our future.
One of the most exciting examples of these connections can be found in the innovative partnership between our athletics and mathematics programs. By bringing high-precision TrackMan radar data from the baseball field into data analytics classrooms, faculty and coaches have created an authentic learning environment where students engage with complex, real-world challenges. The results have been impressive, from improved pitcher performance to a campus culture in which students, athletes and faculty members regularly exchange ideas and discoveries that bridge academic and athletic pursuits.
The power of relationships and mentorship is also evident in the inspiring story of Isaiah Perkins. When an unexpected glaucoma diagnosis altered his plans to become an ophthalmologist, Isaiah found guidance, encouragement and new opportunities through the supportive Transylvania community. His journey demonstrates how resilience, coupled with meaningful mentorship, can transform setbacks into new possibilities and lead to rewarding paths forward.
Creativity and collaboration are equally central to the Transylvania experience. During May term, students in an art course partnered with the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Visual Arts Committee to design and create a vibrant new mural that now brightens the back of the Campus Center and enhances the residential Back Circle area. The project stands as a lasting reminder of the imagination, talent and collaborative spirit that enrich our campus every day.
This issue also highlights the extraordinary leadership and generosity of Susan Walters Morris ’86. Susan credits Transylvania’s close-knit liberal arts environment with helping launch her distinguished career in corporate banking and wealth management. Together with her husband, Dean, Susan has made a transformative commitment to restore one William T. Young Scholarship to a fully funded financial package beginning in the fall. Their generosity reflects a deep belief in the life-changing power of a Transylvania education.
Thank you for your continued support of Transylvania University. I hope you enjoy this issue and take pride in the remarkable achievements of the students, alumni, faculty and friends who make our community so special.
In Pioneer spirit,
