LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Seamus Carey will step down from his role as President of Transylvania University, according to a post on the Board of Trustees website.
Board of Trustees Chairman William T. Young Jr. said the board will appoint an interim president for the 2019-2020 academic year.
“We are sorry to see Seamus leave Transylvania after five successful years as president. We wish him the best as he returns to New York for his next position,” Young said.
Carey had several accomplishments during his tenure.
Transylvania’s campus has been transformed by major building projects—including the construction of three new residence halls and Alumni Plaza. Other work has included the renovation of the J. Douglas Gay Jr./Frances Carrick Thomas Library and the iconic Carpenter Academic Center, and the start of construction on a new, $30-million Campus Center. He also initiated the 100 Doors to Success mentoring program, which helps students transition from college to the workplace, and Project One, a coordinated effort to deepen the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Carey was also one of the first officials on the scene of an attack in which a student wielded a machete at a campus cafe and injured two people. He was widely praised for his response in the aftermath.
“Serving this community as your president has been an honor and a privilege. I am grateful for all of the support I received and for all of the friendships we developed,” Carey said.
The Board will begin a national search for a new president.
