Cultivating an Interesting Mind for a Lifetime

Season 6, Episode 5

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W&L at Home

Cultivating an Interesting Mind for a Lifetime

A Conversation with President Will Dudley

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 grounds him and positively influences his role as president as he invites discussions on honor, integrity and civil discourse. From the value of freedom of expression to the joy of fly-fishing with students, our conversation invites you to reflect on the enduring impact of a liberal arts education and how to keep your mind an interesting place to live.

Recorded: May 13, 2025
Aired: June 10, 2025

“Philosophy is about asking the most important questions, exploring them to the best of your ability [and] being comfortable with the fact that pretty rarely do you get the answers.”

- Will Dudley, President and Philosophy Professor at Washington and Lee University
President Dudley fishing
President Dudley fishing
President Dudley fishing with students
President Dudley fishing with students

W&L at Home

Lifelong Learning

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