Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 7/14/25 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.

Communications & Public Affairs
July 14, 2025

Calvin Bryan, Assistant Professor of Economics – The Williams School

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Round Rock, a town just outside Austin, Texas. I attended Texas A&M University, where I majored in bioenvironmental sciences and minored in economics. After graduating, I joined Teach For America and spent two years in Memphis, Tennessee, teaching sixth-grade math and coaching baseball and girls’ basketball. After that, I moved to a town near Breckenridge, Colorado, where I worked for the U.S. Forest Service during the summers as a trail crew member and wildland firefighter, and as a ski instructor in the winters (Keystone Ski Resort). My experience fighting wildfires sparked a deep interest in economics, which led me to pursue graduate school. I earned a master’s degree in economics from San Diego State University, where I also met my amazing wife, Melissa. I then continued my studies at Colorado State University, completing a Ph.D. with a dissertation focused on using microeconomic theory and econometric modeling to improve the efficiency of wildfire suppression.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible — riding my bike, hiking, camping and backpacking, skiing, playing disc golf, fishing, or even just reading a good book by a body of water. I enjoy playing just about any sport, especially basketball. I also really enjoy listening to music (especially if it’s live) and watching a good movie.

Q. Anything in particular you are looking forward to at W&L?
I’m truly excited to work with, mentor and get to know the students at W&L. I’ve heard great things about the student body and was especially impressed when I had the chance to meet many students during my campus visit. I’m also looking forward to joining the Economics Department and the Williams School, where I’ve felt welcomed and encouraged to pursue my research interests and teach subjects I’m passionate about.

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Pascale Couturier, Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from Canada and now live in Lexington with my husband and our two children.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love spending time in my garden, growing vegetables and herbs, then turning them into meals to share with friends and family. I’m also really into music, art and history. Honestly, I have more hobbies than I can count — I just really enjoy learning new things and staying curious.

Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Sleep on it!

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Grace Miller, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life – Student Affairs

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from just outside of Jackson, Mississippi. I hold a Master of Education in counselor education/student affairs from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in classics from Baylor University.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
In my free time, I love sharing meals with people, watching the television show Survivor, and playing any and all New York Times games.

Q. Any favorite Lexington or regional spots or activities that you are excited about?
I am excited for all that living in the Shenandoah Valley will bring, like scenic drives, visiting breweries and getting outside!