Transylvania University

Step into a legacy of pioneers at Transylvania University, Kentucky's oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1780. Nestled in Lexington, this private liberal arts college is renowned for fostering generations of leaders and thinkers. Its distinctive name, meaning "across the woods," harks back to its origins in the heavily forested Transylvania Colony, setting the stage for centuries of groundbreaking education.

From its humble beginnings as Transylvania Seminary in a log cabin, the institution quickly grew in prominence, moving to Lexington in 1789 and becoming Transylvania University by 1799. Under the guidance of influential figures like Henry Clay, who served as a professor and trustee, Transylvania blossomed into a comprehensive university by 1818, encompassing medical, law, divinity, and arts and sciences schools. It became a coveted destination for the South's political, military, and business elite, attracting ambitious young minds like Stephen F. Austin, the founder of Texas.

Today, Transylvania University continues its tradition of academic excellence with 46 robust major programs and innovative dual-degree engineering options. With a rich history that includes graduating 8,000 physicians since 1859, the university remains accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Serving a close-knit community of 1,007 students, Transylvania offers an engaging liberal arts experience designed to empower the next generation of leaders, all while upholding its timeless motto: "In That Light, We Pass on the Light."