W&L After Class, the Lifelong Learning Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Provost Lena Hill, whose vision and leadership maintain the best of the liberal arts education at Washington and Lee. For Hill, education is not only about mastery of a discipline but also about discovery, openness, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. She reflects on her own journey, from studying Renaissance art in Florence to becoming an internationally recognized scholar of Ralph Ellison, and how those formative experiences shape the way she thinks about curriculum, faculty, and students today. From the evolving role of general education to the transformative impact of study abroad, research, and mentoring, Hill shares how W&L empowers students to unlock their potential and pursue lives of meaning. Whether you’re an alum curious about the university’s future, a student navigating your own path, or a lifelong learner seeking inspiration, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that education is both an opportunity and a gift.

In this episode, we talk with Stu Gray, associate professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, whose winding journey from West Point to political theory is a story of risk, reflection and relentless curiosity. Gray shares how his fascination with both Western and Eastern traditions reshaped his understanding of identity, meaning and what it truly means to live a good life. We explore the philosophy behind his popular courses, including one inspired by “Black Mirror,” and how he invites students to unplug, look inward and critically examine the role technology plays in shaping modern identity. From the allure of “becoming” over “being” to the quiet power of awe, this conversation delves into questions that linger long after the classroom. Whether you're interested in politics, philosophy or simply navigating a digital world more mindfully, this episode will leave you thinking deeply and seeing differently.

In this episode, we talk with Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship at W&L. Margalus shares his unconventional path from law to software to academia, and why he believes embracing risk is essential, not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone seeking a meaningful life. We explore how he's helping students unlearn rigid, test-driven thinking and rediscover creativity through play, uncertainty, and real-world experimentation. From the philosophy behind W&L’s entrepreneurship programs to the hands-on work happening at the Connolly Center, this episode is packed with insight into what it means to take smart risks, build boldly, and avoid the quiet danger of regret. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, educator, or just rethinking your next move, this conversation will inspire you to take the leap.

In this episode, Matthew Loar, Director of Fellowships and Student Research at Washington and Lee University, shares his path from studying abroad in Rome to shaping the futures of current W&L students. He talks about how fellowships are transforming undergraduate experiences and why he is so passionate about the application process itself. We discuss Matthew’s work with programs such as Summer Research Scholars and Science, Society, and the Arts, and discuss how we at Lifelong Learning plan to introduce elements of these initiatives to our Lifelong Learning audience.

In this episode, Gene McCabe, head men’s lacrosse coach and assistant director of athletics for compliance, details how sports and childhood mentors launched his trajectory as an educator in athletics. He played both lacrosse and football at Bates College before a neck injury sidelined his football career but ultimately gave him his first taste to coaching at the collegiate level. As he heads into his 19th season as head coach, McCabe reflects on his most treasured memories with the lacrosse program, the challenges he witnesses student-athletes facing, the overall changing landscape of collegiate sports and the culture and values he works to cultivate on Wilson Field. We also discuss his efforts to marry sustainability with the athletic department, the pride he feels as a W&L alumna parent and the importance of holding onto those passions that feed the soul.

In this episode of W&L After Class, we sit down with Lisa Alty, the John T. Herwick, M.D. Professor of Chemistry at Washington and Lee. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Alty shares her inspiring journey from a poor high school experience to becoming a dedicated educator and mentor. She reflects on the significant changes she's witnessed at W&L, particularly the introduction of coeducation, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to teaching and guiding students towards careers in health sciences. From her passion for incorporating medical ethics into the pre-health curriculum to her work with Remote Area Medical, Professor Alty offers valuable insights and advice for young women in male-dominated fields, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of chemistry education and beyond.

Through a serendipitous happenstance, Mark Drumbl, Class of 1975 Alumni Professor of Law and director of the Transnational Law Institute, has dedicated his career to practicing, teaching and questioning international law. In this episode, we examine the function — and limitations — of law as Drumbl details his experiences as a defender for those accused of mass atrocities in Rwanda, his study into the marginalization of people and collective violence and his beliefs on how we need to reconceptualize evil.

Wythe Whiting, professor of cognitive and behavioral science, helps us explore the complex connections between mental health, sleep, physical activity and cognitive functioning. In this episode, we’ll discuss how modern technologies impact our ability to focus during daily tasks and potential harmful effects. And we’ll also navigate the vast social media landscape, examining its powerful influence on mental health, and shed light on the hidden dynamics that shape our online experiences.

In this episode, we chat with Kish Parella, Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Law, about her academic research in business and human rights, how her students influence her scholarship, and why working outside the classroom strengthens her role as a professor. We also explore the importance of corporate accountability and consumer education, including how contract clauses can have a major impact on an individual’s day-to-day life.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Rob Fure on his last day in the office as director of W&L’s Office of Lifelong Learning. We learn how Rob came to W&L in 1977 as an English professor and created programs that evolved into what is now the Office of Lifelong Learning. We’ll also hear from Rob about the experiences that have meant the most to him and what the one area of the world he recommends everyone visit.

In this episode, we’ll talk with Michael Hill, professor and chair of Washington and Lee’s Africana Studies program and also the inaugural director of W&L’s new DeLaney Center. We’ll explore how Michael’s background, family, and formative experiences not only shaped his path as a scholar, but how many of his experiences have prepared him for his work with the DeLaney Center.

“Sascha Goluboff, Washington and Lee’s director of community-based learning and professor of cultural anthropology, recounts her experiences of stepping into the unknown through ethnography research, working in local prisons and even improv.”