A major gift, renovated space, new acting director and the addition of a leadership council are expected to make a significant impact on Transylvania’s entrepreneurship initiative. Launched in fall 2021, the program encourages entrepreneurial thinking and career development for students in any academic major by providing hands-on, real-life experiential learning opportunities.
“Our vision is to be Kentucky’s leading destination for students interested in developing their entrepreneurial thinking and skills as part of Transylvania University’s outstanding liberal arts education,” said President Brien Lewis.
The newly renovated Sanders-Siebers Entrepreneurship Hub will showcase Transylvania’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Part of the Warren W. Rosenthal Complex, the hub will house student entrepreneurial activities, meetings and programs — a perfect fit for Transylvania’s focus on creativity, communication, decision-making and leadership. The hub’s name recognizes a major gift from the family of Kim Siebers Cornetet ’81 and her husband, James Cornetet. The Sanders and Siebers families have five members who attended Transy including Kim Cornetet’s mother Joyse Sanders Siebers ’44, uncle William Clyde Sanders Jr. ’46, sister Lynn Siebers Ricketts ’77 and cousin Kim Sanders Gray ’81. Cornetet, Ricketts and Siebers were all three selected as Miss Transylvania during their time at their alma mater, with Cornetet continuing to serve the institution as a former Board of Regents member, class agent and class reunion chair.
“We’re excited to begin our new era in entrepreneurship thanks to the support of so many in our community, and particularly the generosity of the Cornetet family by funding initial space and programming for this venture,” Lewis added.
Leading the program elements of the center is new acting director Kaelyn Query Caldwell. An award-winning entrepreneur based in Lexington, Query Caldwell is the founder of Kentucky Event Company, LexEffect Venues and Big Ideas/Small Business, a consulting firm. She is an author, guest speaker and lecturer, having taught entrepreneurship classes at both Transylvania and the University of Kentucky. In October, Query Caldwell was named as one of seven finalists for the 2024 Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award from the National Small Business Association.
Additionally, a new Transylvania Center for Entrepreneurship Leadership Council brings together successful entrepreneurs, including a number of alumni. The council, which held its inaugural meeting earlier this month, will not only assist the university in developing experiential and curricular opportunities for students but will also provide mentorship to student entrepreneurs.
“By connecting Transylvania to our local community, we hope to bridge the gap between the university and the local and global entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Lewis.
Members of the leadership council include:
- Paul Allen ’88
- Cynthia Bohn
- Betsy Bulleit ’76
- Colene Elridge ’05
- Kyle Green ’01
- Dave Johnson ’92
- Prakash Maggan ’97
- Nicho Nelson ’86
- Brian Raney
- Britt Reynolds ’85
- Becca Self
- Brett Setzer
- Mac Thompson ’92
- Elmer Whitaker ’94
- Dr. Greg White ’85
- Brian Wood ’94
Transylvania’s Center for Entrepreneurship encourages students in any academic major to pursue their passion, promoting creativity and innovation and providing exposure to a vast range of entrepreneurial career paths. Being in the heart of Lexington sets Transylvania apart from most other liberal arts colleges, as does Lexington’s ranking as one of the top 10 cities in the country for entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for students to connect with local business leaders through jobs, internships and networking.
The center is hosting its annual Makers Market on Dec. 6, giving student makers and entrepreneurs who have turned their passions and hobbies into a business an opportunity to sell their products.