Alumni Engagement

Executive Director of Alumni and Career Services

• P: 540-458-8593
• E: jensenj@wlu.edu

John was appointed executive director of Alumni and Career Services at Washington and Lee University in July 2022. In this role, he leads a combined team consisting of the offices of Alumni Engagement, Career and Professional Development, and Lifelong Learning. Working together, his team engages and supports students, alumni and parents throughout their W&L experience, from the first year on campus to graduation and beyond.

Director of Alumni Engagement

• P: 540-458-8551
• E: hcocke@wlu.edu

Hillary is the director of alumni engagement at Washington and Lee University, where she leads the Alumni Engagement team, overseeing chapter programs and on-campus alumni events. She joined W&L at the end of 2024, bringing extensive experience in alumni relations and development.

Hillary earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and American studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science in social work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Before joining W&L, she worked in alumni relations and development at UVA’s School of Medicine and UVA’s Darden School of Business.

Director of Alumni Chapter Programs

• P: 540-458-8464
• E: kfarrar@wlu.edu

Katharine serves as director of alumni chapter programs, overseeing more than 75 alumni chapters across the country and abroad. She provides creative and structural vision for chapter programming, ensuring alumni stay connected to W&L no matter where life takes them. A proud General with deep ties to the university, Katharine loves helping alumni keep W&L a steady and meaningful part of their lives.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking and baking, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and seeing live music.

Director of Alumni Reunions and Events

• P: 540-458-8886
• E: mjones@wlu.edu

Michelle “MJ” joined Washington and Lee University in January 2018, first serving as associate director, leading W&L Fund alumni volunteers. She now serves as director of alumni reunion and events as part of the Alumni Engagement team.

Before W&L, MJ spent seven years as director of public relations and development for Connections+ (formerly Rockbridge Area Hospice). On campus, she can often be found taking early morning walks along the Colonnade. Off campus, she enjoys tending to her flower garden, spending time with family and friends, and reading a good mystery novel.

Associate Director of Lifelong Learning; Host, Executive Producer for W&L After Class Podcast

• P: 540-458-4866
• E: rcandler@wlu.edu

Ruth joined Washington and Lee’s Office of Lifelong Learning in April 2019. Prior to this position, she managed the Class Secretary Program for University Development. She has held a number of marketing and managerial positions in the publishing and graphic arts industries.

Associate Director of Alumni and Career Services Operations and Marketing

• P: 540-458-8228
• E: tmeeker@wlu.edu

Taylor is the associate director of alumni and career services operations and marketing at Washington and Lee University. In this role, she leads a team dedicated to showcasing W&L’s robust offerings in career development, alumni engagement and lifelong learning.

Taylor first joined W&L in 2016 as a communications associate in the Williams School before transitioning to career development and, ultimately, the combined Alumni and Career Services office. With a passion for storytelling and strategic communication, she works to connect students and alumni with meaningful opportunities and resources.

Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning

• P: 540-458-8916
• E: ldamelio@wlu.edu

Lisa joined the Lifelong Learning office in 2021, driven by her passion for education and travel. She supports the travel program, manages the virtual book club, and oversees campus programs. Before coming to W&L in 2018, Lisa spent over 20 years in various educational roles, including teaching ESOL in Rockbridge County, providing Spanish enrichment at local elementary schools, and teaching English in Mexico. She holds a master’s in education from Wilmington University in Delaware.

Assistant Director of Alumni Chapter Programs

• P: 540-458-8472
• E: bzitmore@wlu.edu

Bridgett joined the Alumni Engagement team as assistant director of alumni chapter programs in April 2023. In this role, she works with chapter volunteers to plan engaging events that promote networking and help alumni stay connected to the W&L community.

Before W&L, Bridgett spent more than a decade in the consumer packaged goods industry, focusing on client relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University.

Assistant Director of Alumni and Career Services Marketing

• P: 540-458-8469
• E: msizemore@wlu.edu

Melissa is the assistant director of alumni and career services marketing at Washington and Lee University. She has more than eight years of experience in marketing, social media and content strategy, helping organizations improve engagement and brand visibility.

Before joining W&L, Melissa worked as a multimedia content specialist and marketing associate, developing digital strategies and content for a variety of businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and photography from Southern Virginia University.

Alumni and Career Services Fellow

• P: 540-458-8122
• E: ssoman@wlu.edu

Shaun joined Alumni and Career Services in October 2024 after previously working at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. They graduated from W&L in 2017 with a major in philosophy and minors in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and film and visual culture studies.

Alumni Engagement Operations Coordinator

• P: 540-458-4593
• E: kharlow@wlu.edu

Katie joined Washington and Lee in October 2023 and is responsible for Alumni Engagement operations and event logistics. Prior to W&L, Katie was in healthcare as a certified dementia practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Radford University. Katie is a “Lexintonian” and is raising her family here as well.