Meet Spratt Allison ’26 As a leader of the Peer Connections program, Allison hopes to help other students feel at home.

Spratt Allison ’26
Majors: Accounting and German
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Why did you choose to come to W&L? 

W&L wasn’t my first choice. I really liked the University of Richmond, and my mind was pretty set. Then, I met a couple of [W&L] students through connections on campus, and they really changed my perspective of the school, which began to change my mind over time.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L? 

I never intended to major in German. Initially, German was just going to be the language that fulfilled my language requirement. I enjoyed it and used it to help me go abroad. Next thing you know, I am a German major.

Where is your “home” on campus?

I don’t think I have a specific place on campus that feels like home. As in, I don’t really hang around in the same spots. A feeling of belonging or “home” is something that I have found through various organizations on campus like Greek life and the Peer Connections program.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus? 

My experience studying abroad with W&L during Spring Term was life-changing. I went to Berlin with Professor [Drew] Hess and Dean Youngman. The class was engaging and well planned, and the people were awesome. It was a very fun four weeks!

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student? 

Most of my mentors have graduated! I would like to mention Katherine Ho ’23, and Mariam Drammeh ’25 who are both great friends but also important in shaping my academic career. Mariam has been the biggest blessing, and I aspire to lead the Peer Connectors as well as she did. Katherine is one of the students who convinced me to choose W&L and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Alternatively, there are so many faculty members that have helped me develop. I want to thank my advisors Dean Youngman and Professor Fafatas, Professor Prager, Professor Crockett, Professor Roots and Professor Tanlu. Their classes/guidance have been invaluable!

What was your favorite class and why? 

I took Geology 100 with a lab during my first year. The professor was Jeff Rahl, who is an absolute rock star. The class was a great introduction to the outdoors around Lexington, and I really enjoyed the class.

What are your hobbies/interests and how has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?

 I have recently started playing guitar. Over the last half year, I have been taking lessons here on campus. Professor Harper has been really encouraging over the past semester and a half. I don’t think that I am a particularly gifted student of guitar, but he has helped me learn more about the guitar as a whole, while also allowing me to pursue the songs/genres that interest me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L? 

I would have to say my involvement with the PC program. Being a part of this organization has been so fulfilling for me. Now, as a leader of the program, I am very proud of the PCs and what they do for this campus.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success? 

W&L prepared me for post-graduate success by forming me into a well-rounded person. I think W&L has helped me become a better conversationalist, among other important soft skills.

Who or what inspires you?

I think I am most inspired by my family and close friends. Friends keep me grounded and present, while my family are my biggest supporters and my favorite people to talk to.