President William C. Dudley
William C. (Will) Dudley became Washington and Lee University’s 27th president on Jan. 1, 2017. Previously provost and professor of philosophy at Williams College, President Dudley is a native Virginian who was born in Charlottesville and raised in Arlington.
More about President Dudley
Office of the President
Office of the President
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Washington and Lee University
Washington Hall, 2nd Floor
204 West Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Community Messages
Read or watch messages from President Dudley.
The 2023-24 President’s Report
On Monday, April 29, President Dudley shared his latest President’s Report, “More Than a Number,” with the W&L community. The report contains many facts and figures, but also aims to capture the stories of the people behind the numbers who make Washington and Lee so distinctive.
Our Place in Higher Education
Distinctively W&L
In a series of essays, President Dudley discusses Washington and Lee’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities, looking beyond the national headlines to what makes W&L distinctive in higher education.
W&L’s Next Decade
Strategic Plan
The University’s current Strategic Plan was adopted by the Board of Trustees in May 2018, and will guide Washington and Lee’s priorities for the coming decade.
2024 was exceptional by any measure. Here are some of the notable achievements of our students, faculty and staff over the past 12 months, all of which were possible thanks to the generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends.
Wangdali C. “Wali” Bacdayan ’92 Sworn in as Rector of Washington and Lee University
The board elected Bacdayan as the university’s 32nd rector during its October 2023 meeting.
Washington and Lee is a remarkable place, and 2023 gave us many reasons to celebrate. We continue to attract exceptionally talented students, our faculty provide them with an outstanding education, and they enjoy excellent post-graduate opportunities. Here are just a few highlights:
Wangdali C. “Wali” Bacdayan ’92 Named Next Rector of Washington and Lee
Wangdali C. “Wali” Bacdayan ’92, a current trustee of Washington and Lee University, will be the next rector of W&L’s Board of Trustees. The board unanimously elected Bacdayan as the university’s 32nd rector during its meeting in Lexington on Oct. 21, 2023. He will assume his duties at the conclusion of the February 2024 meeting, succeeding Michael R. McAlevey ’86, who has been rector since 2020.
Statement Regarding the Relocation of Plaques to a New Exhibit in University Chapel
Four historical plaques relocated on campus are being installed in a new exhibit in University Chapel.
Melanie Wilson to Serve as President-Elect of AALS
The AALS House of Representatives voted to accept Wilson’s nomination as the 2023 President-elect. Wilson has served the AALS in numerous capacities, including membership on its Executive Committee since 2020.
2022 was a remarkable one for Washington and Lee by any measure. In addition to the full program of academic and extracurricular activities and campus events that we enjoyed this year, we have many reasons to celebrate this remarkable institution and give thanks for the tremendous community that makes our success possible:
Michael Hill Named Inaugural Director of the DeLaney Center at Washington and Lee
Michael Hill, professor and chair of the Africana Studies program at Washington and Lee University, has been named the inaugural director of the University’s new DeLaney Center, an interdisciplinary academic center for teaching and research on Southern race relations, culture, and politics.
Melanie D. Wilson Named Next Dean of Washington and Lee University School of Law
Melanie D. Wilson has been named the next dean of Washington and Lee University’s School of Law. She will also hold the Roy L. Steinheimer Jr. Professorship in Law.
W&L Welcomes New Trustees Betsy Pakenas ’94 and Jonathan Wortham ’04
Pakenas and Wortham joined the W&L Board of Trustees on October 15.
Cassie Hunt Named Executive Director of Strategic Analysis at Washington and Lee University
Cassie Ritter Hunt, executive director of advancement operations at Washington and Lee University, has been named executive director of strategic analysis, effective October 18. She succeeds Tim Diette, who will join the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty as its executive director this month.
Washington and Lee University Selected as SHECP Academic Home
Washington and Lee has been selected as the new academic home of the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP) following a competitive application process. Tim Diette has been named executive director of the consortium.