Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 1/10/24 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.

Communications & Public Affairs
January 10, 2024

Stephen Harris, Network Engineer – Information Technology Services

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
My wife and I are from Boulder City, Nevada. I have Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an Associate of Applied Science degree in engineering from the College of Southern Nevada. Previously, I worked as a network engineer for an internet service provider in Las Vegas. My wife and I look forward to our new start in Lexington!

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy reading a good book and taking my dogs on hikes.

Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Build relationships with those around you to increase teamwork, trust, communication and accomplish goals.

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Sarah Hughes, Assistant Dean of Law School Advancement – The Law School

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
Though I am a native of Pennsylvania, I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended Presbyterian College, before proceeding on to graduate school at the University of South Carolina. For better or worse, I am a Gamecock. I worked at W&L Law from 2003-2016 in Admissions and Development, so I am excited to be back. I am married to Sy Hughes, and we have two boys named Marshall and Porter. We also have two dogs: Izzy and Teddy.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
Since leaving in 2016, I have taken up tennis and played on some USTA tennis leagues in Columbia, South Carolina so I am looking forward to playing more in Lexington. I played volleyball in college, so tennis has been a better “lifetime” sport for me. I also enjoy coffee way too much.

Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I have missed Lexington and the community here. I love walking on the Chessie Trail, taking in a concert at the Lime Kiln Theater and enjoying all the shops and restaurants downtown.

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Nikki Lee, Assistant Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science – The College

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Southern California. I double-majored in biology and English at Cornell University, then completed my Ph.D. in neuroscience and behavior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Smith College.

Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I’m excited to go to Shenandoah National Park and otherwise enjoy the region’s natural beauty!

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I’m not sure how many of these count as actual hobbies, but I love reading, creative writing, shopping and eating.

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Aaron Masey, Assistant Director of Donor Relations – University Development

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I have lived in Virginia almost my entire life. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004. I married my wife Katie in 2008 and we moved to Lexington from the Washington, D.C. area in 2010. We have two children: James Vincent born in 2014 and Bailey Elizabeth born in 2018. We have a 13-year-old hound mix named Bella.

Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
Lexington has so much to offer in the way of NCAA athletics, a vibrant music and arts scene, beautiful nature, great restaurants and more. We have enjoyed the Chessie and Woods Creek trails over the years and my kids love Boxerwood.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love history, so anything related to that – reading a book, listening to a podcast or visiting historical sites. I am also a big Washington Capitals fan and try to watch as many games as I can. My kids are both into Legos right now and I have enjoyed building and watching “Lego Masters” with them.

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Preston McAllister, General Services – Dining Services

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from Alaska Pacific University with a degree in outdoor studies in 2022.

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Marisha Williams, Dining Operations Assistant – Dining Services

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I share my beautiful family with my partner and five children. Needless to stay life is never dull.

Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I am a big fan of Blue Sky Bakery. I am biased, but love being there!