Your admissions counselor is here to be your resource as you navigate the college search process. Our counselors travel across the country and abroad to meet with students. Look at the list below or use our map to find your counselor, and feel free to contact them with any questions at any time.
Brad Goan, Vice President and Dean of AdmissionsStates: North Carolina, South Carolina
B.A., History, University of Tennessee
M.A., History, University of Kentucky
This is such an exciting time for you, but I also know it may be a very anxious time. If you are like most students, your college choice will be the biggest decision you have made up to this point in your life, and I am honored to have the opportunity to play a part in that process. Finding the right fit for you is the key. The great thing about the admissions process is that we all win if you find the right college home, whether it is Transylvania or another school.
This is my sixth year in admissions at Transylvania. I spent eleven years at the University of Kentucky before that, and I began my work in college admissions as a student at the University of Tennessee. I cannot think of a more rewarding profession than working in higher education. However, my favorite thing in the world is spending time with my wife and three children. I am also active in my church community, and I am a big college sports fan.
Kim Chaffer, Associate Dean of AdmissionsTransfer students as well as the following:
States: Hawaii, Virginia (Richmond), Transfer
B.A., Economics and Political Science, University of Kentucky
M.P.A., University of Kentucky
Currently, I work with students from Henrico and Chesterfield Counties in Virginia (Richmond area), Hawaii, and transfer students. I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago (Elmhurst, Ill.) and attended York Community High School. I received my bachelor’s degree in economics and political science and my master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky. In my spare time, I like to travel, watch college basketball, and read.
I often get asked about why I went to the University of Kentucky, but have decided to work here at Transylvania. I have two answers to that. First, Transylvania is an amazing place for students. The education they receive is second to none, and the experience they have here is truly extraordinary. Second, I am a firm believer that there is a college fit for everyone. When students find the right fit, they will excel beyond their expectations. I see my job as helping students find that fit in their college search. I want to provide you and your family with all of the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions you have.
Ingrid Allen, Associate Director of AdmissionsInternational Students
More...B.A. Psychology, Transylvania University
M.S. Psychology, Morehead State University
As a 1989 Transylvania graduate, I have personally experienced the lifelong benefits afforded by a Transylvania education. I am still deeply grateful to my family for the sacrifices and investment they made many years ago in order for me to attend one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. As the coordinator for international student recruitment, I have the privilege of providing guidance and support to international students and families seeking an undergraduate college education in the United States.
For the past twenty years I have dedicated my professional career to college admissions and international education. I have previously served in the admissions offices at both Transylvania University and Butler University. During my tenure with Butler’s Institute for Study Abroad I enjoyed working with domestic college students as they explored education opportunities throughout the globe. I gained valuable perspective from the other side of college admissions desk when I served as the senior college counselor at Lexington Catholic High School. My career has required me to visit over 50 countries and 300 college and university campuses around the world.
I recently returned home to Transylvania and to the true joy of helping international students as they navigate their way through the college admissions process. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your college search.
Johnnie Johnson, Associate Director of AdmissionsB.A., Economics & Business and Sociology, Cornell College
My name is Johnnie Johnson and I am the associate director of admissions in charge of operations. I earned my undergraduate degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where I studied economics & business and sociology. Since then I have enjoyed over 14 years of working in admissions, both in recruiting and day-to-day operations.
I’m a big proponent of the small-college experience. The chances to not only learn from but bond with professors, live with classmates, and easily get involved in campus activities all enhance a unique learning atmosphere. I encourage you to enjoy the process, be honest with yourself when making decisions, and strongly consider Transylvania University as the place to continue your education.
Kari Kolb, Associate Director of AdmissionsKy Counties: Fayette (Public), Bourbon, Clark, Scott, Woodford
More...B.A., Communication, University of Cincinnati
B.A., Organizational Leadership
University of Cincinnati
As the counselor responsible for Central Kentucky and Central Ohio I am looking forward to working with students during the college search process. My favorite part of the job is helping students to find the right fit and have the best college experience possible.
As a student, I studied communication and never dreamed that I would be using these skills so often while working with high school students and their families. I graduated with a degree in Communication and a degree in Organizational Leadership from The University of Cincinnati in 2004. In my college days, I spent all four years as a college athlete, participated in intramural sports, helped out with Habitat for Humanity, was involved with Student Government, and also was the president of the Communication Club on campus.
With an education from a large school and now working at a small private liberal arts college, I feel that I can help students understand the difference between the two. Every day that I am at Transylvania I learn something new and special about the University, and being a part of this community has helped me see the importance of a liberal arts education.
I really enjoy spending time with my husband and brand new daughter, Lyla. New to the Lexington area, people always ask me what the best thing about this area is. I think they expect me to respond with the amazing history, the diverse “college town” feel or the beautiful horse parks. I always respond with my absolute favorite thing…. “Shamrock’s Cheese Fries, of course!”
Betsey Bachert, Assistant Director of AdmissionsStates: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee (Middle/West), Texas
Ky Counties: Franklin, Jefferson (Private)
B.A., Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication, Transylvania University
A Kentucky girl through and through, I grew up in Lexington and feel fortunate to be a native of such a dynamic city. I am a 2008 graduate of Transylvania University, where I self- designed my major in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication. As an intern at Lexmark International Inc. in corporate communications, I was able to learn so much about the business world, and I took much away from my experience. Now I’m thrilled to be back at my alma mater as a member of the admissions staff, and I feel lucky to have found a profession that doesn’t feel like work!
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my incredible family and friends, cooking, dance classes, traveling, and solving the crimes on Law and Order.
My best advice in selecting a school is to be open-minded, look into schools you don't know much about but also be sure to examine the colleges you might think you know already know well. You may really be surprised! In the end, it’s up to you to choose a place where you can grow intellectually, have a lot of fun, and be comfortable.
Jonah Brown, Assistant Director for Multicultural RecruitmentStates: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
B.A., Political Science, University of Kentucky
J.D., University of Kentucky
I am a native of Richmond, Ky., just 30 minutes south of Lexington. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in African-American studies and Spanish from the University of Kentucky. Throughout my time as an undergraduate, I served in leadership roles in various student organizations, and was elected student body president by my peers. I then obtained my law degree from the UK College of Law, and became a licensed attorney in Kentucky. After practicing for a year, I decided to return to a career in higher education, so that I might interact with current and prospective students about taking advantage of everything that the college experience has to offer.
When I’m asked why an attorney would want to work in a college admissions office, the answer is simple. I believe so strongly in the promise of the higher education opportunity that Transylvania provides that I want to commit my time and efforts to promoting that cause to as many communities as possible. I will always cheer on my Cats, but that won’t substitute my appreciation for everything that Transylvania offers its students. Whether it’s the esteemed liberal arts education, the enriched cultural and social experience of a smaller campus mixed with the larger Lexington community, or the opportunity for personal growth and development, Transylvania has something for everyone. This university has become a “home away from home” for some of the best and brightest students in the world, and we want YOU to be a part of this special place.
I will focus primarily on getting to know the students and families of Illinois, particularly in Chicago and its surrounding areas. I am also focused on introducing and exposing students from racial and ethnically diverse backgrounds to the opportunities that Transylvania provides. I want you to find the “best fit,” and I am here to share with you the many reasons why I believe Transylvania is that place. I hope to make this process as smooth and exciting for you as I can, so feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you might have. I look forward to meeting with you!
Bryan Conover, Assistant Director of AdmissionsStates: Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia
Ky Counties: Boone, Campbell, Kenton
B.A., Political Science, Transylvania University
M.A., College Student Personnel, Bowling Green State University
I am a 2006 alumnus of Transylvania with a degree in political science. From 2006-2008, I worked as an admissions counselor at Transylvania before heading to get my master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University. For the past three years, I have worked in student life at small private schools in Ohio. I am very excited to have returned to my alma mater to help reach the vision of President Williams for Transylvania University to be a top-50 liberal arts college. My love for Transylvania University runs deep. I would not be the person that I am today without the invigorating academic and personal environment of our unique community.
One of the main reasons that I have returned to admissions at Transylvania is because President Williams is committed to advancing Transylvania through innovation and a commitment to a stellar academic community with an amazing student experience. Truly, we are embodying the historical context and the intentional meaning of being Pioneers. It is my sincere hope that you will join us on this exciting journey. If there is anything that I can do to help with your college search, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am a resource for you and your family and am committed to being honest and transparent about how our process works at Transylvania University.
Brittany DeHaven, Admissions CounselorStates: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
B.A., Criminal Justice, Juniata College
M.S., Sports Administration, Eastern Kentucky University
I graduated from Juniata College in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. My course work in my undergraduate studies was also highlighted significantly by history and psychology courses. While at Juniata, I also competed on their nationally ranked women’s volleyball program. We won the Division III National Championship in 2006, my sophomore season!
After graduating, still unsure of a career path like many graduating students, I took the year to research my career interests and search for graduate programs. That year I also coached volleyball and managed a local coffee shop. My experiences in that year allowed me to explore my interests fully and gather some significant real world experience in the business world. In the summer of 2010, I moved to Kentucky with my future husband and assistant volleyball coach at Transylvania University, Glenn DeHaven, and enrolled in Eastern Kentucky University’s master’s program in sports administration program. In just one short year I have now completed my master’s degree and begun my career in college admissions.
Why college admissions, you may ask? I love sports and will continue to engage in the sports world, but my college experience demonstrated to me how important it is for every student to find a perfect fit. As an admissions counselor, I am here not only to help you learn more about Transylvania University and all that it can offer you, but to help you find your perfect fit. Deciding what college or university to attend is a very important step in students’ lives as it begins to illuminate their professional paths. I fully understand the level of anxiety that comes with making a college decision and I am here to offer any support and assistance possible in your college search. One of the most important things to remember in your search is finding a school that makes you feel comfortable in more than just the classroom. The college or university you choose will become home for four years and it is very important you enjoy the social, physical, and academic environment on campus. The friends and faculty you meet in college will in essence be a family away from home for you and a source of comfort. Best luck in your college search. I look forward to meeting you!
Sarah Guinn, Admissions CounselorStates: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Ky Counties: Adair, Allen, Ballard, Barren, Breckenridge, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Christian, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Union, Warren, Wayne, Webster
B.A., Theater, Transylvania University
A Lexington native, I grew up knowing the name Transylvania was synonymous with excellence. After spending a great year at Hood College in Maryland, Lexington called me back and I made Transylvania University my home for the next several years. In addition to my time in the classroom, being involved on campus shaped me greatly. As a student, you could usually find me spending time with my Greek sisters, helping with theater productions, working on The Crimson yearbook and guiding first-year students during the orientation program. I graduated in 2006 with a degree in theater and minors in English and history and spent the next five years working in management. I could not be more thrilled to call Transylvania home once again.
On a personal level, I love to travel and visit exciting new places as well as lifelong favorite destinations (Walt Disney World being one). With a passion for travel also comes my love for photography, which I do on a very amateur level, and scrapbooking. I also love spending time with my loved ones (including my new Corgi puppy Reggie), reading (especially magazines), cooking, and watching my fair share of reality television.
When it comes to making your important college choice, many schools may look the same on paper but are truly unique once you have the chance to get to know them. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities available to you to visit Transylvania and other schools you are interested in. Whether you come for a campus visit, overnight stay, or preview day, spending time on campus with students is the best way to determine if a campus will be where you want to spend the next several years. When you have questions about Transylvania, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or send me an e-mail. I look forward to getting to know you better and being a resource to you during the admissions process.
Stacy Marsico, Admissions CounselorKy Counties: Jefferson (Public), Anderson, Boyle, Bullitt, Garrard, Hardin, Jessamine, Larue, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Oldham, Pulaski, Shelby, Spencer, Washington, Whitley
More...B.S. Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Kentucky
M.S. Educational Policy and Evaluation Studies — Higher Education, University of Kentucky
Hello! Pleased to meet you!
My name is Stacy, and I am originally from Murrysville, PA, a suburb about 30 minutes east of Pittsburgh, PA. I am a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Pens. While my roots are in Pittsburgh, I have grown to love Lexington. It is such a friendly and vibrant city. The perfect place to spend your next four years! I am married to a wonderful man named Ben!
My Kentucky territory includes the Bowling Green area and Southeastern Kentucky. I also work with students from Indianapolis, Michigan, and Pennsylvania (my home state!). I hope you will contact me with any questions or concerns you have about Transylvania or about the college admissions and financial aid process in general.
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. And while it has been a few years (more than I would like to admit) since I went through the process, my guess is that many of the concerns you have are not that different from the ones I had: How do I know what a good school is? Will I fit in? Do I want a small college or a big university? Do I want to go far away, or stay close to home? How will I pay for college?
I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with students as they make this important transition from high school to college. My job is to help you find the best fit for you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you either at your high school, at a college fair, or when you come for a visit to campus. Best wishes!
Shane McGuire, Admissions CounselorStates: Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee (East)
Ky Counties: Fayette (Private)
B.A., Biology & Religion; Transylvania University
Born and raised in Lexington, I am a 2009 Transylvania graduate with degrees in Biology and Religion and a liberal arts education that will serve me well in life. During my time at Transy, I played varsity golf and almost every intramural, served as a Resident Advisor, traveled to Turkey, Greece, Israel, and Egypt, and was always up for a midnight volleyball game in Back Circle or a late night run to Taco Bell. I am now extremely privileged to be working at my alma mater serving students from Lexington, Jessamine County, and the Heartland Region of Kentucky as well as East Tennessee and Alabama.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy hanging out with my wonderful family and friends, traveling, golfing, basketball, tennis, ping-pong, running at night, going to the movies, reading a good book, and watching White Collar, Criminal Minds, House, and Big Bang Theory. I also love watching sports, and there is no better time of year than March Madness.
Not long ago, I was faced with the same important decision you are now. My advice is to keep an open mind, look into all types of colleges and even ones you haven't heard of, and make sure to visit the top colleges on your list. I thought many colleges looked the same on paper. It wasn't until I visited that I fully grasped the essence of each institution. If you have any questions about Transylvania or college in general, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me anytime. My goal is to ensure you find the college that fits you best — a place where you can grow, have endless opportunities available to you, and enjoy yourself.
Meredith Plant, Admissions CounselorStates: West Virginia
Ky Counties: Bath, Bell, Boyd, Bracken, Breathitt, Carroll, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Gallatin, Grant, Greenup, Harlan, Harrison, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owen, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Trimble, Whitley, Wolfe
B.A., English, Transylvania University
M.A., Higher Education Administration, University of Louisville
So what was college like for me at Transylvania? It is impossible to sum up my college experience in one paragraph but I will do my best! Academically, I thrived here. I majored in English and minored in political science and had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica for an economics class during May term of my sophomore year. Socially, I met some of my best friends in my dorm and we continue to catch up in person and via e-mail. As far as extracurricular activities at Transylvania, there are so many different things to do that I have to resort to a cliché: there is something for everybody. In addition to playing basketball, one of my most rewarding extracurricular experiences was serving as a Student Orientation Leader.
Flash forward to the present, and besides my work as an admissions counselor at Transylvania, I have several hobbies that keep me busy. I especially enjoy running around downtown Lexington, shopping with friends, letter-writing, day-dreaming about my next vacation with family, or making friends with all of the cute dogs that walk around downtown Lexington.
I have many interests, and one of those is to tell you more about Transylvania University so that as you go along in your college search process, you will have the information you need to make an informed decision. I have been in your shoes and I know making a college choice can be one of the toughest decisions you will have to make. But I promise that I will do my best to make the process as easy and fun as possible. I encourage you to contact me in any way you prefer, whether by phone, e-mail, or by following me on Twitter @pioneermeredith. I look forward to working with you!
Transylvania University admits students regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other classification protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.
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