Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 10/31/23 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.
Charles Anderson, Director of Student Counseling – Student Affairs
Charles Anderson, director of student counselingQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I studied music and Russian literature undergrad and I also have an MFA in creative writing. I still play music and write as an avocation. My doctoral degree is a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am board certified in group psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). I grew up in a military family (Air Force) and have lived all around the U.S. and abroad. Most of my high school years were in Izmir, Turkey and I have been back to visit many times.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
My favorite pastime is going out for karaoke night. It’s a great way to keep music alive in my life without spending hours at the piano. My latest (and probably last) instrument is the 10 button Cajun accordion you can see (and maybe even hear) in my office if you stop by!
Q. Anything you are looking forward to in particular at W&L?
I’m really excited to join the intellectual and artistic community at W&L while pursuing my passion for college mental health and community building. Getting to know the students is my first priority!
Leslie Bretz, Social Media Marketing Manager – Communications & Public Affairs
Leslie Bretz, social media marketing managerQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from Longwood University with a degree in communication studies. I married my husband in 2021 and this past December we welcomed a baby girl into our family.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I enjoy swimming, fishing and kayaking in the James River.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
Spending time outside and snuggling my 10-month-old daughter.
Katie Harlow, Alumni Engagement Operations Coordinator – Alumni and Career Services
Katie Harlow, alumni engagement operations coordinatorQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from Radford University with a degree in recreation, parks and tourism, and was in healthcare for several years as a recreational therapist. I worked primarily for folks with alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Building relationships and creating lasting memories for others has always been a true passion of mine and getting to do that for folks that couldn’t do it independently was even more rewarding. My husband and I are both from Rockbridge County, moved and worked away from here, but returned to raise our family. My husband, Wes, is a lieutenant with Lexington City Fire Department and we have two young boys: Jackson and Wyatt. We loved growing up in Rockbridge County and are so happy to have brought our children back to grow up here as well.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
We love to venture out and visit the local breweries and vineyards, hearing live music and being with friends and family. Both of our families still live in the area and we spend a lot of time outdoors, gardening and spending time with our Australian Shepherd named Hank.
Q. Anything you are looking forward to in particular at W&L?
I am looking forward to branching out into the higher education atmosphere and helping create those lasting memories for students and alumni for all the years to come!
Oforiwaa Sam, Administrative Assistant II – The College
Oforiwaa Sam, administrative assistantQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from Ghana, West Africa. I’ve lived in Texas with my family for the last seven years. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. I will graduate with a master’s in healthcare administration this fall from Texas Tech University. I love to travel and have new experiences. In Texas, I lived close to the southern border, which gave me the opportunity to travel to Mexico often. My favorite food is tacos.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love to listen to music and my favorite genre is contemporary Christian music. I also enjoy going to the movies and reading.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I am definitely excited about the fall and winter seasons. I also look forward to more outdoor activities like hiking and attending soccer and basketball games at W&L.
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