About Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University, founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. It was renamed Washington College in 1813 following a significant donation from George Washington, and later became Washington and Lee University in 1870 to honor Robert E. Lee, who served as its president after the Civil War. Located in the picturesque town of Lexington, Virginia, the university is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts education, emphasizing honor, integrity, and academic excellence. With a student body of around 2,200, it offers undergraduate programs through the College and the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, as well as a highly regarded School of Law. Key achievements include consistently high rankings in national liberal arts college lists, a strong alumni network featuring U.S. Supreme Court justices, senators, and business leaders, and a commitment to undergraduate research. The campus spans 430 acres in the Shenandoah Valley, blending historic architecture with modern facilities. For more details, visit the Washington and Lee University Website. Explore academic jobs in the region via Academic Jobs in United States and Academic Jobs in Virginia.
Washington and Lee University's mission centers on developing students' intellectual and moral capacities in a residential community. It boasts key departments such as Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Journalism, Law, and Politics, with emerging strengths in data science and environmental studies. Recent trends show increased focus on interdisciplinary programs, reflecting broader academic trends in 2025 toward sustainability and digital humanities. The university's honor system, one of the oldest in the nation, fosters a unique campus culture. Notable faculty include experts in constitutional law and international relations, contributing to its reputation for professor positions at Washington and Lee University. For those interested in higher education jobs at Washington and Lee University, the institution emphasizes small class sizes and close faculty-student collaboration, making it an ideal spot for academic careers at Washington and Lee University.
In terms of job trends, Washington and Lee University has seen growth in hiring for roles in STEM fields and liberal arts, aligning with 2025 academic trends emphasizing experiential learning and global engagement. The university invests heavily in faculty development, with resources for research and teaching innovation. Salary data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education indicate competitive compensation, with average faculty salaries around $110,000, varying by rank and department. This positions Washington and Lee University as a top choice for lecturer roles at Washington and Lee University and research jobs at Washington and Lee University. Students and professionals can rate professors at Washington and Lee University through platforms like Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, aiding in informed decisions about academic opportunities.
Washington and Lee University's location in Lexington offers a serene environment conducive to scholarly pursuits, with proximity to natural attractions and cultural sites. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion has led to initiatives enhancing campus equity, making it appealing for diverse faculty applicants. For more on academic careers at Washington and Lee University, explore resources on Higher Ed Jobs filtered by the university.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Washington and Lee University
Faculty job opportunities at Washington and Lee University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like law, business, journalism, and the sciences. As a liberal arts institution, the university frequently seeks candidates for assistant professor positions in departments such as Politics, Economics, and Biology, where interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged. Recent job trends for 2025 highlight a surge in roles focused on digital innovation and sustainability, reflecting broader higher education jobs at Washington and Lee University. For instance, professor positions at Washington and Lee University in the School of Law often emphasize constitutional studies, while the Williams School offers lecturer roles in finance and entrepreneurship. Research jobs at Washington and Lee University are supported by grants and collaborations, with opportunities in environmental science and data analytics. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data from sources like AAUP and Glassdoor, typically start at $70,000-$90,000 for assistant professors, rising to $120,000+ for full professors, influenced by experience and department. These figures make faculty jobs at Washington and Lee University competitive within Virginia's academic landscape. Explore current openings on AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs page, filtered for Washington and Lee University.
In addition to tenure-track roles, Washington and Lee University offers adjunct and visiting professor positions, ideal for those entering academic careers at Washington and Lee University. The university's emphasis on undergraduate teaching means lecturer roles at Washington and Lee University often involve close mentorship, with class sizes averaging 15-20 students. Job trends indicate growth in hybrid roles combining teaching and research, especially in emerging fields like AI ethics and global health. Salaries in Washington and Lee University academia are bolstered by benefits like housing assistance and professional development funds. For example, a research fellow in the sciences might earn $80,000-$100,000 annually, with opportunities for grant-funded projects. To find these positions, visit Research Jobs or Lecturer Jobs on AcademicJobs.com. The university's location in Virginia adds appeal, with access to regional networks for collaboration.
Washington and Lee University prioritizes diversity in hiring, seeking candidates who contribute to inclusive education. High-demand roles include those in journalism, where faculty lead award-winning programs, and in history, leveraging the university's rich archives. Average salary for associate professors is around $90,000-$120,000, with adjustments for cost of living in Lexington. Job seekers can rate professors at Washington and Lee University via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. For comprehensive listings, check Faculty Jobs tailored to Washington and Lee University.
Assistant Professor in Biology 💼
Focus on molecular biology research; salary $75,000-$85,000.
Lecturer in Journalism 🎓
Teach media ethics; salary $65,000-$80,000.
Research Fellow in Law 📚
Constitutional studies; salary $80,000-$95,000.
Associate Professor in Economics 📊
Focus on policy; salary $100,000-$115,000.
Why Work at Washington and Lee University
Working at Washington and Lee University offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers in a supportive, historic environment. The university's small size fosters meaningful collaborations, with faculty enjoying access to state-of-the-art facilities and generous research funding. Unique benefits include the honor system, which promotes trust and autonomy, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance in scenic Lexington. Career prospects are robust, with high tenure rates and paths to leadership roles. Researched advantages include competitive salaries in Washington and Lee University academia, professional development programs, and a vibrant community. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty appreciate the university's commitment to innovation, with interdisciplinary centers driving research in areas like sustainability and ethics. This makes it ideal for those seeking professor positions at Washington and Lee University with long-term growth.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Washington and Lee University
The salary guide for faculty at Washington and Lee University reflects its status as a top liberal arts college, with compensation influenced by rank, experience, department, and location in Virginia. Based on 2025 data from AAUP surveys and university reports, assistant professors earn $70,000-$90,000 annually, while associate professors range from $90,000-$120,000, and full professors can expect $120,000-$160,000 or more. Departments like Law and Business offer higher scales due to market demand, with averages 10-15% above humanities. Factors affecting pay include publication records, teaching evaluations, and grant acquisition. In Lexington's affordable living environment, these salaries provide strong purchasing power. Compared to national averages, Washington and Lee University faculty salaries are competitive, often exceeding those at similar institutions by 5-10%. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. Additional perks like health benefits and retirement contributions enhance total compensation.
Salaries in Washington and Lee University academia also vary by tenure status; non-tenure-track roles like lecturers start at $60,000-$75,000. Research-intensive positions may include stipends, boosting earnings. Trends for 2025 show slight increases due to inflation adjustments and retention efforts. For example, a mid-career professor in sciences might earn $110,000 base plus bonuses. Location in Lexington means lower costs, making these ranges more attractive. Job seekers can use University Salaries for benchmarks. Overall, faculty report high satisfaction with compensation tied to the university's supportive culture.
To maximize earnings, faculty are encouraged to pursue external funding and administrative roles. The university's endowment supports salary growth, ensuring competitiveness in higher education jobs at Washington and Lee University. For personalized insights, explore Professor Salaries.
| Rank | Salary Range 📊 | Department Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000 - $90,000 | Biology, History |
| Associate Professor | $90,000 - $120,000 | Economics, Journalism |
| Full Professor | $120,000 - $160,000+ | Law, Business |
| Lecturer | $60,000 - $75,000 | English, Politics |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Washington and Lee University
Discover top educators at Washington and Lee University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform allows students to rate professors based on teaching quality, clarity, and helpfulness, aiding in course selection and recognizing excellence in programs like law and sciences. Professor ratings at Washington and Lee University help highlight standout faculty who excel in mentorship and innovation.
Professor Robin LeBlanc (Politics) ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for engaging lectures on international relations.
Professor Mark Rush (Law) ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in constitutional law with practical insights.
Professor Lisa Greer (Geology) ⭐
Rating: 4.9/5 - Praised for hands-on environmental research guidance.
Professor Mohamed Rahmoun (Computer Science) ⭐
Rating: 4.6/5 - Innovative in AI and data science courses.
Professor Holly Pickett (English) ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Exceptional in literature and critical thinking.
Career Progression at Washington and Lee University
Career progression at Washington and Lee University follows a structured path, starting from assistant professor to full professor with tenure. Salaries increase with rank: assistants at $70k-$90k, associates at $90k-$120k, and full at $120k+. The university supports research funding and professional development through sabbaticals and grants. Strengths in liberal arts facilitate interdisciplinary advancement. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure-track positions emphasize teaching, research, and service, with high success rates due to mentorship programs.
Research and Innovation at Washington and Lee University
Research at Washington and Lee University focuses on liberal arts innovation, with trends in sustainability, digital humanities, and legal studies for 2025. Centers like the Environmental Studies Program drive collaborations. Funding from endowments supports undergraduate involvement. Explore via Research Jobs.
Major areas include climate change and ethical AI, with faculty publishing in top journals.
Resources for Washington and Lee University Academics
- Professional development workshops on teaching innovation 🎓
- Faculty unions and benefits including health and retirement 💼
- Research grants and sabbatical programs
- Access to libraries and digital resources 📚
Student Life and Perspectives at Washington and Lee University
Student life at Washington and Lee University features vibrant Greek life, athletics, and honor-based governance. Programs in law and business lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include career services and alumni networks for post-grad success.
