Business Administration Department
The Business Administration Department at Washington and Lee University prepares students to understand how organizations work, how they create value, and how they can serve society responsibly. Rooted in the liberal arts, the major combines analytical rigor with communication, ethical reasoning, and an appreciation for the broader economic, human, and global contexts in which business operates.
Students learn to think critically about markets and organizations, to interpret data and make evidence-based decisions, and to communicate clearly with a variety of audiences. Students may gain experience applying theory to practice through courses, research, internships, and experiential learning. Our goal is for students to graduate with the knowledge, skills, perspective, and judgment to lead thoughtfully in complex and evolving environments.
Career Connections
The W&L network is perhaps most illustrative in the early-career assistance and opportunities our alumni provide to current students.
Refining an Industry
Eric Herrera ’20 was recently named to the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his work with chemical manufacturing startup MaverickX, which he cofounded with Jesse Evans ’20.
Two W&L Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.
Betty Boatwright ’26 Named to NFHCA Senior Team
Boatwright, co-captain of the field hockey team, is one of just 60 student-athletes nationwide to earn the honor.
Soo Yon Ryu Presents at the Association of Consumer Research Conference
The assistant professor of business administration shared her paper on the materialization of experiences.
Meet Reagan Reiferson ’26
Reiferson has found her “homes” on campus in her sorority and the Outing Club.
Where Creativity Meets Commerce: W&L’s New Arts Management Minor
Collaboration between the business administration and theatre, dance and film studies departments has created pathways for students to blend creative interests with professional skills.
Soo Yon Ryu Publishes Article in Journal of the Association for Consumer Research
The assistant professor of business administration explores the relationship between experience and consumption.
Andi Coulter is the Next Speaker in the Anne and Edgar Basse Jr. Author Talk Series
Coulter will deliver a lecture on fan-driven marketing for independent artists on Oct. 6.
Pooja Thakur-Wernz Publishes Research Article for the Global Strategy Journal
The article examines and weighs both the potential benefits and drawbacks of foreign ownership on CSR spending.
W&L Students Learn and Network in New York City
Washington and Lee students interested in finance completed valuable summer internships in New York City this summer.
A Model of Sustainability
Students explored real-world applications of sustainable business practices in the Social Innovation in Scandinavia Spring Term Abroad course.