Meet a Colleague: Colleen Drake Colleen Drake serves as senior program coordinator in the Division of Student Affairs.

W&L News Office
August 26, 2026

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I have worked at W&L for a year and eight months.

Q. What is the favorite aspect of your job at W&L?
My favorite aspect of my job is helping first-year students begin their journey at W&L. I enjoy guiding students through the onboarding and orientation process, answering their questions along the way, and helping create a welcoming and positive experience as they prepare for their first year at W&L.

Q. If you chose a different path, what other career would you have?
I would have been a meteorologist.

Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

Q. What was your favorite subject in school?
Honestly, I was never a fan of school, so it’s funny that my career led me to public education and now higher education at W&L. I guess life has a way of surprising you!

Q. What three words describe you best?
Thoughtful, creative and patient.

Q. Name one person from history you would like to spend a day with and why.
If I could spend a day with anyone, it wouldn’t be someone famous, it would be my dad. I have so much I would love to share with him and so many things I would like to tell him about my life today.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
When someone stands too close to you while checking out at the grocery store.

Q. What do you like to do away from work?
Spending time with my family, especially when we can be altogether.

Q. What is your least favorite chore at home?
Putting laundry away.

Q. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
Hands down, Christmas. My children are grown so we exchange names each year. Everyone must fill out a wish list and the spending limit is set so that each person receives something they might not normally buy themselves.

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
Traveling alone.

Q. What is your all-time favorite food or food dish?
I’m a foodie so this is a really hard question. I’m not sure I could pick just one favorite food or dish.

Q. Where would you choose to build your dream home?
Directly on the beach – probably Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Q. If you could choose one series to binge-watch, what would it be?
I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I’m a reality television junkie and can easily binge an entire season in a day! Right now, though, I’m binge-watching “Breaking Bad.” I’m a little late to the game, but I’m hooked!

Q. What is your all-time favorite movie?
I have two favorites that I can watch over and over again, Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias. I love the strong friendships and humor in both movies.

Q. What song or artist could you play on repeat?
Stevie Nicks.