Tips on Navigating the First-Year Experience
Nathan Graves, associate dean for first-year experience, and Leah Beard, assistant dean of student leadership share tips for students, parents and families navigating their first Fall Term at W&L.
Featured News, Views and More from Around W&L
Local Impact
Community-Based Learning interns leave their mark on Rockbridge County.
Finding Your Path
For Washington and Lee University’s Jack Evans ’25 and Adja Ndiaye ’26, receiving a Gilman Scholarship redefined what was possible during their four years on campus and beyond.
Q&A: Why are Shows like ‘The Pitt’ so Popular?
Ahead of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, W&L’s Eric Deggans and Stephanie Sandberg discuss the current state of television and why this year’s nominees have found such broad appeal in the streaming age.
Washington and Lee Welcomes the Class of 2030
Hailing from 38 states and 44 countries, the Class of 2030 represents an impressive range of accomplishments, interests and backgrounds.
Seen and Heard
View all SOC »One of the reasons I chose to come to W&L was for the flexibility to take a variety of courses to help me figure out what I wanted to do. My career plans changed a dozen times in my four years, and I think that’s the amazing thing about a liberal arts education. ~ Marshall Wilt ’26
People & News
Megan Fulcher Named Scholar in Residence for the Office of Community-Based Learning
The professor of cognitive and behavioral science will develop and run science enrichment programs.
Ryan Jones Co-Authors Article in The Journal of Biogeography
The visiting assistant professor of biology examined the genetic differences, relationships and evolutionary history of camel spiders from the Baja California Peninsula.
W&L Announces 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award Winners
Bren Flanigan ’16 and Madison Sanders ’16 will be recognized during Young Alumni Weekend.
Andrea Lepage’s edited collection published as part of the ‘X as Intersection: Writing on Latinx Art’ Digital Publishing Initiative
The Pamela H. Simpson Professor of Art History is one of 10 editorial board members producing edited collections on Latinx art.
Office of Community-Based Learning Announces 2026-27 Faculty Collaborative
This year’s collaborative includes 16 faculty members representing a variety of disciplines.
Kyle McCoil Named Chair of the 2026 Student Organization Misconduct Institute
The associate dean of student affairs will facilitate discussions surrounding misconduct in higher education.
Josh Poole Co-Authors Fantasy Novel, ‘The Shards of Acrilon’
Poole’s book will be launched with a book signing at Downtown Books on Sept.22.
W&L Joins Four Virginia Institutions in NEH Grant to Preserve Revolutionary-Era Collections
The grant will fund conservation and digitization of collections documenting Virginia’s role in the nation’s founding.
2026 Five-Star Distinguished Alumni Award Winners Announced
These W&L alumni exemplify leadership, service and professional excellence and will be honored during Five-Star Festival, Sept. 18-19.
Washington and Lee Receives Grant from the Teagle Foundation
The planning grant will create a shared first-year humanities experience and expand pathways through the curriculum.
Lindley Center for Student Wellness Becomes W&L’s Second LEED Gold Certified Building
The building, which opened in August 2025, joins Childress Hall to earn the global sustainability certification.
Alex Rabar Profiled by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
W&L’s chief public safety officer was featured in the member spotlight series “Behind the Uniform.”
Faces of W&L
Meet a Colleague: Trish Campbell
Trish Campbell serves as the manager of Café 77.
Meet a Colleague: Colin Reid
Colin Reid serves as a professor of accounting.
Meet a Colleague: Lauren Kozak
Lauren Kozak serves as Title IX coordinator and director of disability resources.
Meet a Colleague: Rob Straughan
Rob Straughan is the Crawford Family Dean of the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics.
Meet a 1L: Griffin Polinsky ’29L
Griffin Polinsky is from Wilmington, North Carolina and received his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University.
Meet a Colleague: Colleen Drake
Colleen Drake serves as senior program coordinator in the Division of Student Affairs.
Meet a 1L: Brody El Ahmar ’29L
Brody El Ahmar is from Berwick, Maine and received his undergraduate degree from American University.
Meet a 1L: Ruthie Ross ’29L
Ruthie Ross is from Seattle, Washington and received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine.
