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.” With her own research extending beyond the English department and into subjects of history and modern TV, she delves into the enduring value of humanities in an ever-changing world and reflects on how studying Shakespeare can offer insights into the core questions of what makes all of us human.

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 his 19th season as head coach, McCabe reflects on his most treasured memories with the lacrosse program, the challenges he witnesses student-athletes facing, the overall changing landscape of collegiate sports and the culture and values he works to cultivate on Wilson Field. We also discuss his efforts to marry sustainability with the athletic department, the pride he feels as a W&L alumna parent and the importance of holding onto those passions that feed the soul.

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 Center, the importance of storytelling for all of us as we process the reality of death and the way in which Buddhism addresses finality, particularly through its sacred artistic tradition. We also talk about Professor Kerin’s own journey from appreciating the social power of the arts through theater to beholding the shrines that influence the cultural world of small villages in the Himalayas.

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 introduction of coeducation, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to teaching and guiding students towards careers in health sciences. From her passion for incorporating medical ethics into the pre-health curriculum to her work with Remote Area Medical, Professor Alty offers valuable insights and advice for young women in male-dominated fields, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of chemistry education and beyond.

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 dance genres and techniques, as well as the unexpected benefits students gain from dance classes. Jenefer shares insights on how dance challenges and empowers W&L students, pushing them out of their academic comfort zones and fostering personal growth. We'll also discuss the exciting annual tradition of the alumni and student dance performance in New York City, which has become a cherished part of the W&L dance community.

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 the marginalization of people and collective violence and his beliefs on how we need to reconceptualize evil.

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 stationed in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

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 on mental health, and shed light on the hidden dynamics that shape our online experiences.

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 the horizon, including the plans for the new Williams school building.

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 impact on an individual’s day-to-day life.