W&L students are engaged citizens of a global and diverse community.
Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement Tamara Futrell
It is a pleasure to introduce you to The Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere as students integrate into the educational, cultural and social environment of the University. In concert with Washington and Lee's educational mission, my staff and I seek to foster "harmonious relationships" by providing opportunities for the campus community to enhance its knowledge about issues of diversity and social justice, cultivate and promote an inclusive community and challenge prejudicial attitudes and behaviors that are contradictory to our core values.Student Support
The Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement
The Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement supports the university's mission by striving to foster a culture in which all members of the community feel fully welcome and able to participate in everything Washington and Lee has to offer. Toward this end, OIE develops programs that explore, promote and celebrate the increasingly diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty and staff.
Emergency Need Support
Student Affairs provides discretionary funds and resources for students in times of emergencies. The Angel Fund can provide financial support for students who have experienced a major loss of personal property, death or severe illness of immediate family member, or sudden loss of parental support. The Laptop Lending Program allows students to apply for a temporary laptop loan in times of emergency.
Statement of Commitment to Diversity
Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue.
Campus Food Pantry
The W&L Campus Food Pantry aims to alleviate food insecurity among students by providing emergency food to those in need. The Food Pantry is open 24 hours a day and when Elrod Commons is open during breaks and holidays.
Accessibility
Washington and Lee University is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities. The University is also committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to information and information technology associated with administration and services, courses of instruction, departmental programs and University-sponsored events.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) & Undocumented Student Support
Washington and Lee University is a community that celebrates and honors students from diverse backgrounds. Our University, along with hundreds of other universities across the country , is committed to supporting all students and their academic pursuits regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
Reporting Discrimination and Harassment
W&L encourages all members of our community to report incidents of harassment and/or discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, veteran's status, or genetic information.
Campus Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet aims to create a safe space to distribute good quality clothing for all needs in confidence to current students. The Clothes Closet is accessible by appointment only.
Affordability
The W&L Promise is part of Washington and Lee's strategic initiative to make the distinctive W&L experience affordable to qualified students. Washington and Lee always meets the full demonstrated financial need for any admitted student using a combination of grants, scholarships, and student employment, regardless of the family level of income.
Student Life
Programs and Events
W&L's commitment to diversity is operationalized through intentional programming. The Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement as well as various student organizations work to organize programs and events that speak to issues of justice, global citizenship and diversity.
First Generation Students
Washington and Lee University is committed to ensuring the success of our students who are first in their family to attend college. We are here to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding the application process, financial aid, academics, and social life.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
Since their inception in the early 20th century, Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations have enhanced the lives of African American students in higher education. These organizations have developed some of the world's greatest leaders, who are committed to developing their communities and making the world a better place.
LGBTQ
The LGBTQ Resource Center supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning students through peer counseling, programming, education and advocacy, and students can participate in several LGBTQ campus organizations which also offer programming, support and education.
Leadership Opportunities
Students enjoy participating in peer-to-peer education about a variety of topics, and the Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement strives to provide as many of these opportunities as possible.
Student Organizations
Our student organizations ensure that W&L has a global perspective. Through participation in student organizations, students can build community, engage in social justice, develop leadership skills, and become holistic learners.
OIE Newsletter
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement Newsletter is a monthly email with news, events, and information.
Religious Life
While Washington and Lee University is a non-sectarian institution, we realize that spirituality is a part of a student's holistic development. We provide programs, resources and spaces for all students to learn, grow, and explore.
Black Alumni Mentorship
The Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement in partnership with Alumni Affairs has established a mentoring program that connects current Washington and Lee African-American / Black students with alumni. Learn more about this program and apply to serve as a mentor.
International Education
International students are jointly supported by the Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement and the Center for International Education, which assists with the transition to life in the U.S., helping students attain Visas, prepare tax returns and find a host family for their time in Lexington. There are a number of international student organizations on campus, open to all students, which focus on global awareness and cultural exchange. Students who are interested in global learning and service learning are eligible to live in the University's Global Service House, a theme house that sponsors international- and service-based events throughout the year.
Academics and Education
Academics
The academic life at Washington and Lee is defined by diversity. What, after all, does one study at a liberal arts college, but difference? The point is to engage difference and learn through that experience. The faculty at Washington and Lee place supreme value on the free and respectful exchange of knowledge, ideas, and thought, whether that takes place in the classroom, the laboratory, the lecture hall, or the many crucial exchanges that happen in the hallways and walkways of a great university.
Trainings
Understanding that knowledge is power, W&L offers myriad trainings that empower students, faculty and staff to create inclusive environments and lead important discussions surrounding race, class and gender, in and out of the classroom.
Admissions and Recruitment
The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is committed to recruiting and enrolling students with diverse backgrounds and interests by engaging with high schools and community-based organizations around the world, as a dedicated QuestBridge partner, and by providing an immersive look at student life with the Diversity & Inclusion Visit Experience (DIVE).
Educational Opportunities
Washington and Lee is committed to making internship, fellowship and opportunities available to all students.
Career and Professional Development
Career and Professional Development offers a wide range of support services to guide students in self-assessment leading to decisions for postgraduate pursuits, and planning experiences and coursework to support those decisions. This office also helps students prepare by assisting with professional documents, networking, internship and employment searches and interview practice.
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Since March of 2020 the number of reported hate/bias incidents against Asian and Pacific Islander (API) people has increased exponentially. However, we cannot truly quantify the number of hate/bias incidents as many incidents go unreported. Members of the API community at W&L encourage you to stand up and speak out to #StopAPIHate.
In Memoriam: Theodore Carter DeLaney Jr. '85, professor of history emeritus
During his career at W&L, DeLaney brought his passion for justice and inclusion to the classroom and to his scholarship.
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Diversity & Inclusion Contacts
Tamara Futrell
Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement
Tamara Futrell serves as the Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Tamara is responsible for providing leadership and vision for student diversity and inclusion programming, services and initiatives within the division of Students Affairs. She collaborates with the Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement, The Office of Jewish Life, the LGBTQ Resource Center, religious and spiritual development, first generation programs and campus diversity trainings. She has a passion for working with all parts of campus to create a truly welcoming and inclusive community that provides support for all students. Tamara also acts as an ex-officio member of the University Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate (UCICC). 
Heidi Bustos
Assistant Director of Inclusion and Engagement
Heidi Bustos (she/her/ella) serves as the Assistant Director of Inclusion and Engagement. In her role, Heidi is responsible for supporting First-Generation students and developing programming that enhances their experiences. She also serves as the advisor for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations and supports theme houses and cultural student organizations to create more visibility, programming and student engagement. Heidi's area of interest is to promote an inclusive environment for all students with intersecting identities and diverse backgrounds. She is a proud first-generation student and has a passion for the first-generation student experience at predominantly white institutions. 
Jake Reeves
Assistant Director of Inclusion and Engagement for LGBTQ+ Support
Jake Reeves (he/him/his) serves as the Assistant Director of Inclusion and Engagement for LGBTQ+ Support. In his role, Jake is responsible for advising and supporting LGBTQIA+ students and developing programming that enhances the LGBTQIA+ student experience. Jake's area of interest is in queer representation in media, regionality and queer identity, and first-generation student experiences. 
Ryan Brink
Interim Coordinator for Jewish Life
Ryan Brink joined the staff at Washington and Lee in 2019 as the Campus Kitchen Coordinator after graduating in 2018. As a student, he studied Engineering and Studio Art, with some of his paintings displayed in the Mattingly and Hillel Houses. Ryan was also heavily involved in the Shepherd Program through Bonner and Campus Kitchen, as well as the W&L Club Rugby Team. Since moving back to Lexington, he has taken an active role in the local Jewish community, participating in weekly Torah Study, community Shabbats, and Passover Seders. I am thrilled that Ryan has agreed to serve as our Interim Coordinator for Jewish Life while continuing his full-time role with the Shepherd Program. He is excited to work with W&L Hillel to foster a strong sense of Jewish community on campus. 
Mohamed Kamara
Faculty Advisor to Campus Muslim Students
Mohamed is Associate Professor of French at Washington and Lee and the current Head of the Africana Studies Program. Mohamed's teaching and research interests include French language as well as French and Francophone literatures and cultures, with specific focus on African and Eighteenth century French women writers, colonial education and human rights. Mohamed is also a founding member of Rockbridge Interfaith and a board member of CARE Rockbridge. As faculty advisor to campus Muslim students and the W&L African Society, he is a member of the Religious Staff in the Class of 1994 Office of Inclusion and Engagement. Mohamed is married to Tida Dramé and has two children, Adama and Musa.
Noah Kennedy
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship - Campus Minister
Noah Kennedy is the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship minister for Washington and Lee. He is so excited to be able to continue to serve at this chapter which has welcomed him since 2023. He hails from the beautiful river city of Richmond, and graduated from Christopher Newport University with a double major in Philosophy and Communications. If he is not having deep spiritual conversations with students, you can find him at the local board game store deep in a strategy game, or training jiu jitsu and kickboxing at the gym. Noah is deeply grateful for the W&L faculty, staff, professors, and students for making Lexington a place of learning and growth, and he looks forward to walking alongside students in their spiritual journeys. He is engaged to the wonderful Julia, who inspires him every day with her heart for people and animals.
Sarah Parnell
Young Life College - Campus Minister
Sarah Parnell has been on staff with Young Life in Lexington since 2019. She works directly with local high school students and as a campus minister through Young Life College to the campus of Washington & Lee. Young Life's mission is to introduce students to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. Sarah is passionate about all students having the chance to know the truth of who Jesus is and walk with them through discovering how that truth impacts their identity and how they live life. Sarah received her bachelor's degree from Messiah University in Christian Ministries and is currently pursuing her Masters from Fuller Theological Seminary in Ministry and Leadership. Sarah is married to Caleb, and neither can imagine living in a better place than Lexington right now. Sarah enjoys running on the Chessie, playing board games and taking her dog, Bruno, on adventures.
Skylar Daniel
Baptist Campus Minister
SSkyler Daniel came to Lexington in 2022 after serving in college and youth ministry for seven years in Danville, Virginia, at Averett University and West Main Baptist Church. He now pastors Manly Memorial Baptist Church, just two blocks from campus, and retains a heart for college students. In 2023, he published a daily devotional for college students called "Life Wisdom from a Smooth Jesus and a Clumsy College Pastor," through Smith & Helwys Publishing. He is married to Ronella and has two awesome kids-Charlize (Charlie) and Amos. Skyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University, in Winston Salem, NC. He loves the mountains, banjo music, cycling, and being with family.