W&L Announces Two New Professional Development Initiatives for Administrative Staff

W&L Human Resources
April 27, 2026

Washington and Lee University is making a significant investment in the success of its administrative and office professionals with the launch of two new programs: a first-of-its-kind internal conference and a new fund to support attendance at off-campus professional conferences.

The initiatives were developed by the Office of Human Resources to recognize and engage the administrative professionals who play a vital role in W&L's daily operations.

"W&L relies on the expertise and dedication of our administrative professionals," said Jodi Williams, executive director of Human Resources. "These new programs reflect our commitment to investing in the people who keep the university running smoothly every day."

AdminConnect: Learn, Grow, Thrive
"AdminConnect: Learn, Grow, Thrive," is a two-day locally based conference to be held Nov. 4-5, 2026, at the House Mountain Inn.

The conference will be free for all employees in administrative or executive assistant roles at W&L. It is designed to provide administrative professionals with a dedicated learning experience and opportunities to connect with one another without having to incur conference costs or travel outside the Lexington area. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.

Sessions will cover a range of practical and professional topics to support administrative professionals who want to develop their skills, optimize workflows and stay ahead of trends.

The conference schedule and session topics were shaped directly by survey responses from administrative professionals at W&L who identified the topics and timing that would be most valuable to them.

Administrative Professionals Conference Attendance Program
The second initiative, the Administrative Professionals Conference Attendance Program, will provide financial support for administrative professionals to attend conferences off campus. The fund is a direct investment in the long-term success of employees in these positions, giving them access to skill development, innovative practices and professional networks that benefit both the individual and W&L.

The fund will offer up to five awards of $2,000 each in its first year, with the number of awards in subsequent years adjusted based on funding and participation. The awards may be used toward conference registration, travel, lodging and meals in accordance with university policy.

"Given the challenges departments face in supporting conference travel, this centrally supported fund is designed to make meaningful professional development more accessible and to help bring fresh ideas and connections back to Lexington," said Williams.

To be eligible, employees must meet the following criteria:

• Must have completed at least two years of continuous service at Washington and Lee University.
• Must hold a position classified as administrative or office support staff.
• Must have satisfactory job performance.
• Previous award recipients may reapply every four years.

Interested employees must submit a proposal describing the conference they wish to attend and its anticipated value to the department and the university. Proposals are due by June 30 and should be sent to Kristy Crickenberger. A selection committee will review applications, and the award recipients will be notified at the beginning of September.