W&L After Class, the Lifelong Learning Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Visiting Assistant Professor of Writing and Environmental Studies Leah Naomi Green to continue this season’s central question: What is beauty? Approaching the question through poetry, ecology, and lived experience, Green reflects on beauty as a practice of attention rather than an attribute of prettiness. Drawing from her life as a poet, teacher, and homesteader,...

In this episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor of Philosophy Angela Sun to explore the question at the heart of this season: “What is beauty?” Through reflections on philosophy, music, art and everyday life, Sun challenges the idea that beauty is merely subjective, inviting us instead to see it as a shared human practice shaped by attention, openness and community. She discusses how aesthet...

In this episode, we sit down with Provost Lena Hill, whose vision and leadership maintain the best of the liberal arts education at Washington and Lee. For Hill, education is not only about mastery of a discipline but also about discovery, openness, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. She reflects on her own journey, from studying Renaissance art in Florence to becoming an internationally r...

In this episode, we sit down with James Lambert, whose career and curiosity embody Washington and Lee’s mission of lifelong learning. For Lambert, the pursuit of knowledge is inseparable from the pursuit of beauty, a source of joy, wisdom, and renewal that transcends the daily grind. He reflects on how learning opens us to wonder, sustains our sense of purpose, and helps us see the extraordinary i...

In this episode, we talk with Stu Gray, associate professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, whose winding journey from West Point to political theory is a story of risk, reflection and relentless curiosity. Gray shares how his fascination with both Western and Eastern traditions reshaped his understanding of identity, meaning and what it truly means to live a good life. We explore th...

In this episode, Will Dudley, Washington and Lee University president and philosophy professor, shares how a lifelong love of asking questions shaped his path from an aspiring mathematician to a college president. As an educator at heart, President Dudley elects to teach one philosophy course a year, which explores the university’s mission statement. He talks of how remaining in the classroom grou...

In this episode, we talk with Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship at W&L. Margalus shares his unconventional path from law to software to academia, and why he believes embracing risk is essential, not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone seeking a meaningful life. We explore how he's helping students unle...

In this episode, we talk with Beth Staples, editor of Shenandoah Literary magazine and assistant professor of English. Staples discusses storytelling, the legacy of Shenandoah, the exciting changes she's bringing to the magazine and what it means for W&L students. We dive into the magazine's history, its editorial process and how Staples is shaping the future with programs including the innova...

In this episode, Matthew Loar, Director of Fellowships and Student Research at Washington and Lee University, shares his path from studying abroad in Rome to shaping the futures of current W&L students. He talks about how fellowships are transforming undergraduate experiences and why he is so passionate about the application process itself. We discuss Matthew’s work with programs such as Summe...

In this episode, Holly Pickett, professor of English at Washington and Lee University, shares her experience with Shakespeare, from an unconvinced high school student to an early modern drama scholar, and discusses the transformative power of teaching on the playwright. She encourages her students to not just read the text, but to experience it – and talks of ways to bring Shakespeare “to its feet...

In this episode, Gene McCabe, head men’s lacrosse coach and assistant director of athletics for compliance, details how sports and childhood mentors launched his trajectory as an educator in athletics. He played both lacrosse and football at Bates College before a neck injury sidelined his football career but ultimately gave him his first taste to coaching at the collegiate level. As he heads into...

In this episode, Melissa Kerin, Professor of Art History at Washington and Lee University and Director of the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics, discusses this year’s theme for the Mudd Center: “How We Live and Die.” As a Buddhist art historian, she presents a unique perspective on the meaning of life and death and the moral questions that shape the human condition.  We discuss the history of the Mudd...

In this episode of W&L After Class, we sit down with Lisa Alty, the John T. Herwick, M.D. Professor of Chemistry at Washington and Lee. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Alty shares her inspiring journey from a poor high school experience to becoming a dedicated educator and mentor. She reflects on the significant changes she's witnessed at W&L, particularly the introduc...

Jenefer Davies, Professor of Dance and Chair of the Department of Theater, Dance, and Film Studies at Washington and Lee University shares her early beginnings at age three to her current role shaping W&L's dance program. We explore Jenefer's innovative approach to dance education in a liberal arts setting, including her groundbreaking work in aerial dance. Our conversation covers diverse danc...

Through a serendipitous happenstance, Mark Drumbl, Class of 1975 Alumni Professor of Law and director of the Transnational Law Institute, has dedicated his career to practicing, teaching and questioning international law. In this episode, we examine the function — and limitations — of law as Drumbl details his experiences as a defender for those accused of mass atrocities in Rwanda, his study into...

Paul Youngman, W&L class of 1987, associate provost and the the Harry E. and Mary Jayne W. Redenbaugh Professor of German, details his very full days as a W&L undergrad, his return to his alma mater as a German professor, his journey as W&L’s Associate Provost, and also what it feels like to walk in the shoes as a W&L parent. He also shares his time in the military when he was stat...

Wythe Whiting, professor of cognitive and behavioral science, helps us explore the complex connections between mental health, sleep, physical activity and cognitive functioning. In this episode, we’ll discuss how modern technologies impact our ability to focus during daily tasks and potential harmful effects. And we’ll also navigate the vast social media landscape, examining its powerful influence...

Rob Straughan, the Crawford family dean of the Williams school and Professor of Business Administration brings a wealth of knowledge and insights about the unique interdisciplinary approach of the Williams School. In this episode, we'll delve into Rob's journey at W&L, the evolution of the William schools' distinctive approach within a liberal arts curriculum, and the exciting initiatives on t...

In this episode, we chat with Kish Parella, Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Law, about her academic research in business and human rights, how her students influence her scholarship, and why working outside the classroom strengthens her role as a professor. We also explore the importance of corporate accountability and consumer education, including how contract clauses can have a major impac...

Tom Camden, Washington and Lee’s outgoing head of Special Collections and Archives, tells us how W&L ignited his career as a historian, then takes us on a tour of what has come to be known as “the vault” to showcase some of the university’s extensive collection.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Rob Fure on his last day in the office as director of W&L’s Office of Lifelong Learning. We learn how Rob came to W&L in 1977 as an English professor and created programs that evolved into what is now the Office of Lifelong Learning. We’ll also hear from Rob about the experiences that have meant the most to him and what the one area of the world...

Jeff Schatten, associate professor of business administration, helps us to better understand the ever-changing world of artificial intelligence (AI). In our conversation, we discuss the challenges and benefits of using AI in the classroom, and how we can implement it to help students think critically, freely, and humanely.

In this episode, we’ll talk with Michael Hill, professor and chair of Washington and Lee’s Africana Studies program and also the inaugural director of W&L’s new DeLaney Center. We’ll explore how Michael’s background, family, and formative experiences not only shaped his path as a scholar, but how many of his experiences have prepared him for his work with the DeLaney Center.

In this episode, we spend time with James Dick, W&L’s director of outdoor education and recreation. We learn how James found his way to W&L and why he loves his job, the ways in which recreation intersects with W&L students’ experiences in the classroom and life, and how the outdoors can be a lifelong classroom.

“Sascha Goluboff, Washington and Lee’s director of community-based learning and professor of cultural anthropology, recounts her experiences of stepping into the unknown through ethnography research, working in local prisons and even improv.”