Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 11/4/26 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.

Communications & Public Affairs
November 5, 2026

Emily Alexander, Food Service Worker — Café 77

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I have a bachelor’s degree in biology and have two older brothers.

Q. Any favorite Lexington or regional activities that you are excited about?
Boxerwood is a really good location for spotting birds, especially for the fall migration species and spring songbirds.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy crocheting, writing, reading, watching YouTube and listening to music.

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Jill Babauta, Gift Accounting Coordinator — Advancement Operations

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Rockbridge County native and a graduate of Parry McCluer High School. I am married to my husband, Zack, and we have a son, Maverick (8), and a daughter, Lainey (2).

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
My favorite thing is to go for rides on country back roads with the windows down and my kiddos looking for all sorts of wildlife.

Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Never go a day without learning something new!

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Alexis Cline, Financial Aid Coordinator — Office of Financial Aid

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Fairfield, Virginia and graduated from Rockbridge County High School. I am a personable person, outgoing, and love family time.

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Madeline Fuentes, James W. Whitehead Fellow in Museum Education – Museums

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve lived in Lexington for years but most recently I’ve been living in Manhattan, where I was born and earned a master’s degree in decorative arts, design history and material culture from Bard College. The city was great, but I am happy to be returning here where my family and two amazing dogs are still local!

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I garden, read, experiment in the kitchen (a lot), and I occasionally put my carpentry skills to work to design and build furniture.

Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
You as an individual are very small and the world is very big. Keep things in perspective!

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Riley Kuehner, Records Specialist – University Registrar

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up and attended school in the Lexington area. I went on to study dance and East Asian studies at Oberlin College, graduating in 2025.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
As a lifelong dancer, I am always on the move! Whether it’s honing my artistry, teaching technique, or hitting the floor at a social gathering, I would hate to pass up an opportunity to dance. I am currently teaching at Halestone Dance Studio, where I grew up training. I’m also a lover of music and have played a few instruments in my life. These days you’ll catch me playing my flute with the Rockbridge Symphony.

Q. Any favorite Lexington or regional activities that you are excited about?
Since moving back to Lexington, I have been rediscovering my favorite hiking trails and outdoor locations, especially spots along the Maury River.

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Kendrick Messerich, Full Circle Food Fellow – Sustainability

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a Lexington native and recently graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a bachelor’s degree in sustainable food systems, and an associate degree in culinary arts. I’ve spent the last several years bouncing between kitchens, classrooms, and even a winery in Mallorca, Spain, where I studied and worked last year. It’s been quite the journey, but I’m excited to be back in Lexington and joining the W&L community!

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
Spending my life savings at the farmers market just to cook an extravagant dinner, gardening, thrifting, playing basketball and occasionally getting lost in the woods.

Q. Any favorite Lexington or regional activities that you are excited about?
You can’t beat a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall or a hike to St. Mary’s Falls in the summer. But a torta from Taqueria Jalisco or the chicken sandwich from Hardens? Those are year-round essentials!

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Caylin Parker, Custodian – University Facilities

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy singing!

Q. Any favorite Lexington or regional activities that you are excited about?
Doing karaoke.

Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Never give up on what you want in life.