August 31, 2023
Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 8/31/23
Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 6/17/24 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.
Thomas Culligan, Assistant Director of Law School Advancement
Thomas Culligan, assistant director of law school advancementQ. Tell us a little about yourself
I grew up in coastal New Jersey and earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Roanoke College, as well as a master’s degree in sports administration from Northeastern University. I love the New York Mets and enjoy nature, particularly riding my bike and hiking. I am married to a W&L Law graduate, have an older sister and own a seven-year-old dog named Maggie.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I am thrilled to be coming back to Lexington. I am excited to pick up where I left off when my wife graduated from W&L. I am looking forward to getting to ride my bike, run and hike in my spare time in Lexington. I am also thrilled to be able to dine at Heliotrope, Blue sky and Legendary Eats, and to do some of my grocery shopping at Cattleman’s market.
Q. Anything in particular that you are looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to being back at a liberal arts college in an amazing town. I have missed the tight knit community that W&L has.
Jenny David, Prospect Research Analyst – Advancement Operations
Jenny David, prospect research analystQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my husband John is a math professor at VMI. I have two kids, Maddie (13) and Joey (10).
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I like to exercise at the YMCA, taking classes like Body Combat and Zumba. I also enjoy cooking and reading.
Q. Anything in particular that you are looking forward to?
I enjoyed working at W&L – the people are bright and interesting. I look forward to being part of this unique community again.
Vaughn McBean, Administrative Assistant II – University Advancement
Vaughan McBean, advancement administrative assistantQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a storyteller and I like to connect with individuals by sharing my life’s experiences. I like to read, write poetry and go on long road trips with my family. I will be completing my MBA this summer.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I enjoy most outdoor sporting activities, especially soccer. I also like riding motorcycles and the occasional fishing trip.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
A smiling heart is one of God’s greatest gifts so share it with the world.
Denise Meredith, Executive Assistant – President’s Office
Denise Merideth, executive assistant in the president’s officeQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I attended the University of Alabama and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in educational psychology. I have five grown children and one just graduated from W&L in May. They live all over the country. I like to travel, read, garden, play pickleball, swim, ride my bike and hike.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
My favorite way to unwind is getting into my cold plunge tub. Watercolor painting is also something I enjoy when I have time. Netflix is fun too.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I am in the Master Gardener trainee program and have recently grafted apple trees. My favorite activities in Lexington are the Lime Kiln Theater and walking on the Chessie Trail with friends. I’m excited to begin working at Washington and Lee.
Payton Miller, Grounds Worker – University Facilities
Payton Miller, university facilitiesQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up right here in Lexington.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy spending time outdoors.
Q. Anything in particular that you are looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to being a part of the W&L community.
Melissa Neal, University Registrar
Melissa Neal, university registrarQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married with five children that range in age from 5 to 26. I have lived in Virginia for most of my life, with a six-year stint in Boston, Massachusetts. I have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, having spent about 15 years in the restaurant industry. My master’s degrees are in theological studies and discipleship ministries, and I have spent 10 years in hospital chaplaincy (although I think I have used more of my chaplaincy skills in my higher education role then the hospital in recent years). My family has a super sweet Belgian Malinois that loves frisbee and herding the kiddos, in addition to a cat that follows mom everywhere. Three horses round out the bunch.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love to read, crochet, sing and take my little kiddos to the playground. I can also be found binging a good show on TV every now and again. Fun fact, I used to work on the Annabelle Lee dinner cruise ship in Richmond after high school as a singing waitress.
Q. Anything in particular that you are looking forward to?
I’m very much looking forward to getting to know everyone at W&L. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the faculty, staff and students, and I’m excited to be a part of the family.
Lumumba Shabazz, Associate Professor of Physical Education and Head Men’s Soccer Coach – Athletics
Lumumba Shabazz, associate professor of physical education and head men’s soccer coachQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married with four children and have a bachelor’s degree in history from Florida International University and an MBA from the Real Madrid International Graduate School. I am an avid historian and a novelist.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I write novels and cook exquisite meals.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I love rafting and hiking.
Amanda Smith, Administrative Assistant II – The College
Amanda Smith, administrative assistant for The CollegeQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a native of Rockbridge County. Growing up here and having a family has given me a deep appreciation for the area’s unique charm.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I like to unwind by watching movies with the family.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
My favorite thing about Lexington is exploring the many downtown shops.
JT Torres, Director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning
JT Torres, director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and LearningQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I have lived in almost every region of the continental U.S.: Southeast, Caribbean, Southwest, Midwest, Pacific Northwest (including Alaska), New England and now the Mid-Atlantic.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about
The mountains!
Q. Anything in particular that you are looking forward to?
Being part of an amazing team and working with some creative, critical and dedicated communities across W&L.
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