Washington and Lee University (W&L), situated in the charming town of Lexington, Virginia, stands as one of the nation's premier liberal arts institutions. Founded in 1749, it combines a rich history with a commitment to academic excellence, making it a desirable destination for jobs at Washington and Lee University. The university enrolls about 1,800 undergraduates and 400 law students, fostering small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships. Known for its rigorous academics and distinctive honor system, W&L emphasizes leadership, integrity, and community service. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, the campus offers a picturesque setting that enhances the appeal of academic careers at W&L.
The university comprises the College (undergraduate liberal arts), the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the School of Law—one of the oldest in the U.S. This structure creates diverse opportunities for faculty, staff, and administrators seeking meaningful roles in higher education.
The history of Washington and Lee University traces back to 1749 when it began as Augusta Academy, the first college west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1813, it was renamed Washington College in honor of a substantial endowment from George Washington. Robert E. Lee served as president from 1865 to 1870, transforming it into a model of post-Civil War reconciliation and education. Upon his death, it became Washington and Lee University. This legacy influences jobs at W&L, where the honor code—pledging students and faculty not to lie, cheat, or steal—defines campus culture and hiring values integrity highly.
Today, W&L maintains its traditions while evolving, with recent expansions in STEM facilities and global studies programs, opening new avenues for research-focused positions.
W&L's undergraduate College offers majors in 37 fields, from classics to computer science, with interdisciplinary options like environmental studies. The Williams School provides business education integrated with liberal arts, while the School of Law specializes in trial advocacy and business law. These programs drive demand for specialized faculty jobs at Washington and Lee University, particularly in humanities, sciences, law, and commerce.
Research centers, such as the Center for Global Learning and the Moot Court program, support faculty in cutting-edge work, attracting those passionate about teaching and scholarship.
Jobs at Washington and Lee University include tenure-track faculty roles, adjunct professors, research assistants, administrative positions in student affairs, and support staff in libraries and IT. Faculty positions often focus on teaching excellence alongside research. For a full breakdown, explore our university job types page.
To understand jobs at W&L, here are essential terms:
For faculty jobs at Washington and Lee University, a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., JD for law) in the relevant field is typically required. Research focus or expertise needed includes proven scholarship, such as peer-reviewed publications in journals like the Journal of American History or Virginia Law Review. Preferred experience encompasses postdoctoral work, grants from NSF or NEH, and teaching at selective institutions.
Administrative roles often require a master's or PhD plus 5+ years in higher ed. Skills and competencies include strong communication, data analysis for enrollment roles, and leadership for deanships.
Candidates for W&L jobs stand out with publications (average 3-5 for assistant professors), grant funding, and teaching portfolios showing innovative pedagogy. Skills like grant writing, mentoring diverse students, and interdisciplinary collaboration are prized. Competencies in digital tools for remote-hybrid teaching and commitment to the honor system are essential. Read research assistant tips adaptable to U.S. contexts or employer branding insights.
The application process for jobs at Washington and Lee University begins with monitoring their careers site and AcademicJobs.com listings. Submit a cover letter addressing fit with W&L's mission, CV, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos.
Aim for early applications; rolling deadlines common for staff.
Washington and Lee University prioritizes diversity through the Office of Inclusion and Equity, offering workshops and bias training. The Mock Trial Diversity Fellowship recruits underrepresented law students, extending to faculty hiring. Recent efforts include increasing women and minority faculty by 20% since 2015, with affinity groups and mentorship programs fostering belonging.
Work-life balance at W&L features generous vacation, parental leave, and sabbaticals. Faculty enjoy low teaching loads (2-2), ample research support, and wellness perks like gym access. Campus life in Lexington includes hiking in the Blue Ridge, cultural events at the university theater, and community traditions like Fancy Dress. The small size promotes collaboration, with family-friendly policies aiding retention.
Employees appreciate the supportive atmosphere, with 90% satisfaction in recent surveys.
Washington and Lee University offers rewarding jobs in a historic, vibrant setting. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or admin positions, leverage higher ed career advice and browse university jobs. Institutions like W&L seek dedicated professionals; post your profile or post a job to connect.
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