Meet a Colleague: Katharine Farrar ’11 Katharine Farrar ’11 is the director of alumni chapter programs at W&L.

W&L News Office
April 30, 2025

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I have been working at W&L since December 2023.

Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
I enjoy the people the most. The faculty, staff, students and alumni alike. It’s an honor to be part of a community made up of genuine, bright, passionate and hard-working individuals.

Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
The Liza Haynie Heaton bench right behind Washington Hall that friends, families and the Class of 2011 dedicated in her honor. Liza was a dear friend and roommate of mine that we lost much too early in life. Having a permanent tribute to Liza at W&L, a place that she loved so much, is very special.

Q. Where did you grow up?
I am a native of right here in Lexington.

Q. What advice do you have for students?
Make the most of the guest speakers and special programs on campus. I wish I had prioritized this more during my time as an undergrad. The faculty and staff at W&L do an amazing job of bringing in renowned speakers, authors, artists and experts, so take advantage while you can!

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
I’d have to say moving to Miami upon graduating from W&L, not knowing anyone, for a job working in television.

Q. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love to needlepoint. I took it up a couple of years ago and became addicted. I even created my own small business out of it: ‘You Pick, I Point.’ You pick out the canvas you want, and I needlepoint it!

Q. Who most inspires you?
I hold a deep admiration and respect for Mason New, a former high school teacher of mine and a 1996 graduate of W&L. I frequently turn to Mason for advice and count him as one of my closest confidants, as well as a steadfast cheerleader and role model.

Q. What book are you reading now?
“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker.

Q. What music are you listening to these days?
A constant in my recently played list is Tedeschi Trucks Band. I never grow tired of listening to them.

Q. What is your favorite film (movie) of all time?
I have never been able to answer this question! I love too many movies. But, for the sake of this exercise, I can share that one of my all time favorites is “White Christmas.”

Q. What is the website you visit most often and why?
I think it is safe to say that it is most likely LinkedIn. Working in alumni engagement means that I am often playing detective to confirm where people are working, living and what they are up to in real time.

Q. If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?
Tina Fey. I must assume she’d be flattered and honored to take on a once-in-a-lifetime role as Katharine Farrar.

Q. Which historical figure do you most identify with and why?
Shelley Moore Capito – among many notable accolades, a major standout is that she was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from West Virginia. While I am obviously not a politician, I most identify with Shelley because she is my aunt with whom I am very close.

Q. If you could have coffee with one person, who would it be and why?
Breaking the rules here – two people I’d love to have coffee with are my mother’s mom and dad. Unfortunately, never got to meet them so I would love the opportunity to have that time with them!

Q. What is your desert island food?
Pizza.

Q. Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
It wasn’t until I was 15 that I truly learned how to ride a bike.