Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 6/6/23 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.
Sarah Cravens, Visiting Professor of Law – The Law School
Sarah Cravens, visiting professor of lawQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in classics from Princeton University, a master’s degree in classics from the University of Cambridge and a juris doctor degree from W&L. I have previously served as a law professor and higher education administrator (a mix from interim dean to vice provost to general counsel and chief of staff) in Ohio, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love to walk and hike – during law school I used to go hiking at least once a week and explored lots of different spots. I also love to travel, especially internationally, but also to visit family who are scattered around the country. A recent move was a bit of a disaster, with the movers badly packing the truck and then flipping it over. As a result, with the help of my brother, I’ve learned some new talents for wooden furniture restoration and building.
Q. Are you looking forward to anything in particular at W&L?
As a student, I chose W&L for a number of reasons, but above all for the kind of community I believed I would find here and the kind of faculty I believed I would find teaching my classes. I was not disappointed. I look forward to having such faculty as colleagues and offering current students the kind of rich experience I had.
Malcom Gibson, Assistant Football Coach – Athletics
Malcolm Gibson, assistant football coach – athleticsQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I am a graduate of Salisbury University where I played quarterback for the football team. I graduated with a degree in multimedia communications in Fall 2021 and I have coached three seasons since graduation. I am the eldest of nine siblings and was originally born in New York City.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy watching the Mets, Jets and Knicks as they continue to break my heart. I enjoy cooking and jamming to music to finish out a long day.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Be yourself and trust in yourself.
Ethan DeSilvey, Grounds Worker – Athletics
Ethan DeSilvey, grounds worker – athleticsQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I was born in New York City, grew up in Vermont and attended college at the University of Montana. I have been married to my wife Catherine for 24 years and we have two awesome daughters named Josephine (20) and Beatrice (18).
Q. Any favorite Lexington spots or activities or things that you are excited about?
I can’t wait to be close to Goshen Pass and the Maury River.
Q. Are you looking forward to anything in particular at W&L?
I look forward to being part of a school that has such a rich and esteemed history. The location is ideal and I can’t wait to take advantage of the awesome facilities on campus.
Katie Kirby, Executive Assistant – Admissions and Financial Aid
Katie Kirby, executive assistant – admissions and financial aidQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mary Baldwin College and a master’s degree in teaching from Liberty University. I have been married for almost 21 years and have a 14-year-old son.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love to read. I enjoy many genres, but some of my favorites are from the WWII era. I also enjoy watching movies with my family. I love animals of all kinds and like being with my pets.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice anyone has given me is to stay humble and to listen more than you speak.
Susan LeMert, Program Coordinator – The Law School
Susan LeMert, program coordinator – law schoolQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I grew up in Lexington and attended Old Dominion University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After living and working in four different states, and raising a son and daughter, I returned to Lexington in 2011. My son, mother, sister and brother all live here as well. My grandfather, Charles H. Lauck, Sr., worked in the W&L Journalism Department for many years and my father, Charles, Jr., was a W&L graduate and a local teacher and coach.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I’m an active volunteer serving The Community Table and my church community. I also enjoy supporting Habitat for Humanity and Project Horizons initiatives, and local merchant activities, such as Small Business Saturdays. I love to read, listening to music and podcasts, and cooking new things.
Q. Any favorite Lexington spots or activities or things that you are excited about?
I’m an avid runner and love the trails in our area that are both beautiful and well-groomed for safety. This year, I am excited about starting a new job at the Law School and for the upcoming marriage of my son and gaining a new family member!
Craig VanClief, Director of Public Safety
Craig VanClief, director of public safetyQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I have a doctorate in criminal justice from Liberty University. I am single with three sons and one daughter, and three grandchildren.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. In the end, it’s all small stuff.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I just love to sit quietly sometimes and breathe.
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