2021 State of the University Conversation

To: The W&L Community
From: President Will Dudley
Date: Dec. 14, 2021

Holiday greetings from Lexington, where undergraduate students are in the midst of final exams. Last night I had the pleasure of serving midnight breakfast to students in the Marketplace, a beloved end-of-term tradition.

This fall we have welcomed many alumni, parents and families back to Lexington for signature events like Young Alumni Reunion and Parents and Family Weekend. We look forward to seeing many more of you this spring at our March Reunion Reconnect for those who missed their reunions in the past two years, and our traditional Alumni Weekend in May.

I am pleased to share with you my latest State of the University conversation with Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Beau Dudley '74, '79L. Our discussion encompassed highlights of the Fall Term, admissions trends, university leadership, new facilities on campus, University Chapel, university finances, our commitment to freedom of expression, and W&L's strategic plan. I hope you'll tune into our conversation and learn about some of the most important things going on here at Washington and Lee. You may watch or listen to the full conversation, or view the topical segments of greatest interest to you.

With gratitude for your support, I wish you a happy holiday season and a joyful new year.

Will Dudley

Watch

• Full Conversation (Runtime 40:05) Watch the complete conversation including all of the topics below.
• Fall Term in Review (Runtime 4:02)
  including fall athletics, campus events, and President Dudley's Fall Term class.
• Admissions (Runtime 2:41)
  including priorities, trends, and legacy enrollment
• University Leadership (Runtime 3:44)
  including W&L's new Provost and Dean of the College and the search for the Dean of the Law School
• New Campus Facilities (Runtime 5:34)
  including the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center, the Harte Center and the Center for Inclusion and Engagement
• Board Decisions (Runtime 2:50)
  including the Board's process
• University Chapel (Runtime 3:48)
  including the status of the restoration work and the portraits and artifacts housed in the chapel.
• University Finances (Runtime 4:19)
  including the impact of Covid-19, the state of the endowment, and the Annual Fund.
• Freedom of Expression (Runtime 4:11)
  including the university's commitment to free speech and policy on student political activity 
• Alumni Perspectives (Runtime 1:54)
  including how the administration and Board of Trustees engage with alumni
• Strategic Plan (Runtime 5:31)
  including university priorities such as need-blind admissions; expanded support for student opportunities; curricular investments; new facilities for the Williams School, student health and wellness; the sciences, admissions and institutional history; and a softball team.
• Final Thoughts (Runtime 2:27)