Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 1/18/23 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.
Avery Blackmon, Assistant Lacrosse Coach – Athletics
Avery Blackmon, assistant women’s lacrosseQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I am 25 years old and I have a twin sibling, who lives in Durham, North Carolina. I attended Georgetown College in Kentucky and received degrees in psychology and studio art in 2019. I then earned a master’s degree in health and human performance from the University of Cumberlands in 2022. I am originally from Woodstock, Georgia and I played four seasons of college lacrosse at Georgetown. Before coming to W&L, I coached at Hartwick College (2019-2021) and Central Michigan University (2021-2022).
Q. Any favorite Lexington/regional spots/activities?
I haven’t spent much time in the area personally, but I’m excited to be in such a beautiful area of the country and I’m looking forward to spending time outside. Maybe I’ll try my hand at mountain biking. I’ve always wanted to try. And I can’t wait to be closer to the south after spending the past four years in the cold! Lexington is also very centrally located to friends and family.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun?
I always love a good night playing any card or board games. Some healthy competition with friends. I enjoy trying new things, such as other sports like tennis, pickle ball and skateboarding. After a long day, I look forward to making dinner and listening to some music like Noah Kahn and Dermont Kennedy.
James Flack, Sorority Executive Chef – Dining Services
James Flack, sorority executive chefQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I went to the Columbus Culinary Institute in Columbus, Ohio. I am a huge Ohio State fan and a proud father of two children.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun?
Hanging out with my family.
Q. Anything you are looking forward to in particular at W&L?
The work/life balance.
Emily Innes, Assistant Director of Constituent Communications – Communications and Public Affairs
Emily Innes, assistant director of constituent communicationsQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I grew up in northern Ohio and most of my family is scattered throughout Ohio. I attended Centre College for undergrad, then received my master’s in history from James Madison University in 2020. I’ve spent the last two years living in Cleveland before moving to Lexington with my partner, Will. I have one sister who is finishing up her degree at Boston University and plans to stay in the Boston area, which gives me a great reason to keep visiting New England!
Q. Any Favorite Lexington or Regional Spots/Activities?
I love being able to walk to downtown and explore all of the coffee shops and restaurants! I grew up in a town just a little bigger than Lexington, and I am excited to be back in a small town and enjoy all the perks and charm of small-town life.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun?
I’ve been exploring Lexington by going for runs through downtown or on the Woods Creek Trail. When I’m out and about, you can usually find me at Heliotrope or LexCo! For me, unwinding looks like a cozy night in with a candle lit and a good book.
Ayshunti Patterson, General Services – Café 77
Ayshunti Patterson, dining services, Café ’77Q. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I have a huge family with deep roots. I grew up in the Rockbridge area, but I’ve traveled and plan to continue my travels around the world.
Q. How do you unwind/have fun? Any hobbies/ hidden talents?
I like photography and I enjoy walks in nature. I also do breathwork.
Q. Anything you are looking forward to in particular at W&L?
I am looking forward to the daily walk from my car to the building where I work … it is just beautiful scenery.
Andrea Stogdale, Work Control Specialist – University Facilities
Andrea Stogdale, work control specialistQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I am an artist at heart and my education is in fine arts/graphic design. I love to paint, draw, construct and craft.
Q. How do you unwind/have fun? Any hobbies/ hidden talents?
Family, friends and being in nature bring me joy! Whether hiking, biking, camping, or spending an evening with the kiddos at the creek … I love being outdoors to unwind!
Q. Anything you are looking forward to in particular at W&L?
Most of all I am looking forward to working with the staff at the university again! I am also excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the maintenance of W&L’s beautiful and historic campus!
Samantha Taylor, Accounting Assistant – University Facilities
Samantha Taylor, university facilities accounting assistantQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I am married and I have a 12-year-old daughter.
Q. Any Favorite Lexington or Regional Spots/Activities?
Sweet things. I also love hiking, swimming and going to the movies.
Q. Anything else you want to share with the W&L community?
I am so excited for this opportunity!
Laura Ulmer, Director of Student Activities – Student Affairs
Laura Ulmer, director of student activitiesQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I am thrilled to join the W&L community and the Lexington area as the director of student activities. I come to W&L from Old Dominion University and am originally from Ohio. I earned a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville in 2017 and have been a professional in the field of student affairs for the last 15 years.
Q. Any Favorite Lexington or Regional Spots/Activities?
I enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping and yoga outside the office. The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of my favorite areas and I am excited to explore all the adventures the area has to offer.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
“It’s worth it,” by my niece who was eight years old at the time. If I am ever weighing whether to take on something new, I think of her advice and it’s always worth it.
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