Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 7/24/24 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.

Communications & Public Affairs
July 24, 2024

Samuel Bowles, Grounds Worker – Athletics

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from Rockbridge County High School in 2024.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I like mountain biking, snowboarding, fishing and I’m getting into enduro dirt bike riding.

Q. Anything in particular you are looking forward to at W&L?
I’m looking forward to a good work environment and great benefits!

---

Samuel Concannon, Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach – Athletics

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I majored in finance at Case Western Reserve University where I also played on the tennis team.

Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I’m really looking forward to getting to know the area!

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy watching sports or doing something active.

---

Emily Stephenson, Custodian

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a mother to a crazy, sweet, 6-year-old boy. I went to school to become a surgical technologist and served that role from 2014-2020 due to my son needing me to be home with him. Now that he’s older and in school, I’m excited to work a full-time position again!

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
In my spare time I like to hang out with my son; going to the pool, playing outside, playing games together or watching movies together as well.

Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
Never lose focus of your main goal!

---

Renae Watson, Head of Research Services and Associate Professor – University Library

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I have am M.S.Ed. in education in learning design and technology from Purdue University, an MSLS in library and information science from the University of Kentucky and an M.A. in English from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to W&L, I served as a librarian at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado for eight years. I have a 19-year-old son who will start Southern New Hampshire University’s game art design program virtually in the fall and is looking forward to meeting folks in Lexington.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy reading (of course!), video gaming with family, cross stitching, crocheting and walking. I have a not-so-secret love for Sherlock Holmes stories and adaptations, as well as Jane Austen novels.

Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
The people! I’m looking forward to working with faculty/staff across campus and new colleagues within the library system. I look forward to supporting the research needs of students once the new academic year begins.

---

Wesley Wood, Senior Building Automation Systems Operator – University Facilities

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I have an associate degree from Mountain Gateway Community College and 24 years of HVAC experience. Most recently, I worked for Trane as a BAS controls technician.

Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
My wife and I like to travel and go camping. I also have a motorcycle that I love to ride.

Q. Anything in particular you are looking forward to at W&L?
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and learning the W&L culture.