Religious Life

Chris Caplinger
Campus Staff Minister
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
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A graduate of West Virginia University with experience in grad/faculty, international student, and undergrad ministry, Chris began serving at Washington and Lee University in 2021.
In his role, Chris walks alongside students from diverse backgrounds as they wrestle with faith and life, equipping them to grow and lead in community. When not on campus, Chris enjoys playing guitar, hiking, backpacking, and fishing. Chris is married to Meredith and they have two boys, Russell and Owen.

Skyler Daniel
Baptist Campus Minister
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Skyler 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.

Mohamed Kamara
Campus Muslim Student Advisor
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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 Office of Inclusion and Engagement. Mohamed is married to Tida Dramé and has two children, Adama and Musa.

Sarah Parnell
Campus Minister with Young Life College
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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.

Willis Weatherford
Reformed University Fellowship Campus Minister
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Discover RUF at W&L.

Willis Weatherford came to Washington & Lee in 2022 to be a pastor to the campus as the RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) Campus Minister. After working in the field of outdoor education and recreation, Willis obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary, and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America. Willis enjoys helping students of all backgrounds and persuasions wrestle with God as he has revealed himself in the Bible. Willis enjoys active pursuits in the outdoors, athletics, good barbecue, and bluegrass music. Willis is married to Mary, and they love raising their children in Lexington.