Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University (W&L) stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution in Lexington, Virginia, with a rich heritage dating back to 1749. Nestled on a picturesque 430-acre campus in the Shenandoah Valley, W&L provides a unique educational experience that seamlessly blends a foundational liberal arts curriculum with specialized studies in commerce and law. Known for its deeply ingrained Honor System and commitment to student self-governance, W&L cultivates an environment designed for comprehensive intellectual and personal growth.

The university's storied past began as Augusta Academy, evolving through various names including Liberty Hall. Its trajectory was profoundly shaped by a significant $20,000 endowment from George Washington in 1796, leading to its renaming as Washington Academy and later Washington College. Following the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee assumed its presidency, a period during which he dramatically expanded the curriculum to include engineering, journalism, and law, emphasizing their intrinsic connection to the liberal arts. His vision and legacy ultimately led to the institution's renaming to Washington and Lee University, honoring both its revolutionary patron and its post-war leader.

Academically, W&L is structured into three robust units: The College, the esteemed Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the School of Law, catering to a diverse student body of over 2,200. Beyond its strong academics, campus life thrives with 24 NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams and cherished traditions like the Fancy Dress Ball and Mock Convention. The university has also progressed significantly, welcoming its first women to the School of Law in 1972 and to the undergraduate program in 1985, demonstrating a continuous evolution while maintaining its core values and an impressive $2.19 billion endowment.