Three Disciple related colleges and universities are in their first year under new presidents. This month we meet Brien Lewis, President of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Before coming to Transylvania, Dr. Lewis served as President of Catawba College in North Carolina. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read a brief interview with President Lewis below:
What drew you to Transylvania University?
I found the combination of a national-caliber liberal arts education in the heart of a thriving city especially compelling. It really offers our students the best of both worlds: the personal attention of a teaching-focused and dedicated faculty and easy access to the experiential opportunities (including internships and mentors) that will also help them develop the skills needed to navigate our complex future.
What has been your biggest joy so far? You biggest surprise?
The biggest joy has been the depth of commitment to the core mission and values of the University. It is evident in our students seeking the fullest residential and connected experiences possible, the thoughtfulness and creativity of faculty adapting to online and hybrid pedagogies, and the care and generosity of alumni and friends of Transy. Each is driven by the same passion: a deeply personal and relevant liberal arts education that will shape the critical thinking, communications skills, and creativity that students will need to thrive in “The Conceptual Age”.
The biggest surprise is how patient everyone has been. Students and parents, faculty and staff – everyone recognizes just how unusual and challenging it is to navigate the pandemic. As a result, they have given the Transy team the time and space to think things through, to experiment, and to not have all the answers overnight. When we have said, “We don’t know yet” people have nodded and said, “That’s fine – just let us know when you do.” I am grateful for the grace members of our community have shown each other.
What do the college’s historic ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) mean to you as you lead the institution into the future?
Transylvania University’s ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are vital on several levels. The values and tenets of the Church help provide a moral and ethical foundation for us in approaching complex issues such as racism and social justice, stewardship of natural resources, and civil discourse. In addition, the way the Church embraces people of many faith traditions sets an example for our campus community in accepting and understanding differences. It is my hope that we can deepen and expand our ties with the Church both for families who might