Inclusion and Engagement
Inclusion and Engagement
W&L students are engaged citizens of a global and diverse community.
Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment and retention of students, faculty and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue.
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement supports the university's mission by striving to foster a culture in which all members of the community feel fully welcome and able to participate in everything Washington and Lee has to offer. Toward this end, OIE develops programs that explore, promote and celebrate the increasingly diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty and staff.
Resources & Support
Multicultural Students
W&L supports students from racially underrepresented groups and provides cross-cultural learning opportunities for the entire campus community. We focus on advocacy, leadership development, global literacy and civic engagement, and we aim to foster a campus climate that recognizes, appreciates and shares a mutual understanding and respect for all cultures.
First Generation Students
W&L is committed to ensuring the success of students who are first in their family to attend college. We are here to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding the application process, financial aid, academics and social life.
LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ Resource Center supports students through peer counseling, programming, education and advocacy. Students participate in several LGBTQ+ campus organizations that also offer support and education.
Theme Housing
Students reside in theme houses for the purpose of bonding around a common theme and sharing their enthusiasm with the campus community. Each house, its theme and amenities are unique.
Disability Accommodations
W&L is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for students with physical or mental disabilities, as well as reasonable accommodations for employees with physical or mental disabilities, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Diversity Recruitment
In an effort to build a diverse student body, W&L partners with QuestBridge, provides an immersive look at W&L through the Diversity and Inclusion Visit Experience (DIVE) program, and offers significant financial support to qualified applicants.
International Applicants
Our undergraduate students hold citizenships representing more than 50 nationalities. W&L values the experiences and perspectives our international students bring to our campus community.
Global and Diverse
What, after all, does one study at a liberal arts college, but difference? The point is to engage difference and learn through that experience.
The campus community will promote sustainability and environmental advocacy with various events throughout the month of April.
Laura Murambadoro ’26 brings varied interests, a collaborative leadership style and a passion for community engagement to W&L’s campus.
W&L Students Host Lunar New Year Celebration
The Feb. 10 event will include performances and a dinner.
W&L Hosts Fifth Annual Black Future Leaders Experience Conference on Feb. 3
This year’s Black FLEX conference theme is “Around the Clock.”
Washington and Lee students are making a dynamic impact in the community through National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.
W&L Hosts Statewide National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show Competition
The Oct. 29 event celebrates the history and culture of NPHC organizations.
W&L Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The Comunidad Latina Estudiantil student group has planned and organized numerous events in collaboration with the Office of Inclusion and Engagement.
Meet a Colleague: Heidi Bustos
Heidi Bustos serves as the assistant director of inclusion and engagement.
The campus community will promote sustainability and environmental advocacy with various events throughout the month of April.
W&L Hosts Statewide National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show Competition
The Feb. 11 event celebrates the history and culture of NPHC organizations.
Kyle Bass is the Next Speaker in the Mudd Center’s CareLab Event Series
The playwright will host a screening of his play “Citizen James” and a playwriting workshop Feb. 14-15.
W&L Celebrates National First-Generation Student Day
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement organized and hosted events to mark the occasion in collaboration with the Office of Alumni and Career Services and the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning.
Campus Contacts
Office of Inclusion and Engagement Staff
Tammy Futrell
Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement
- P: 540-458-8766
- E: tfutrell@wlu.edu
Tammy is responsible for providing leadership and vision for student diversity and inclusion programming, services and initiatives within the division of Students Affairs.
Heidi Bustos
Assistant Director of Inclusion and Engagement
- P: 540-458-8251
- E: hbustos@wlu.edu
Heidi is responsible for supporting First-Generation students and developing programming that enhances their experiences. She also serves as the advisor for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations and supports theme houses and cultural student organizations to create more visibility, programming and student engagement.
Jake Reeves
Assistant Director of Inclusion and Engagement
- P: 540-458-8354
- E: jreeves@wlu.edu
Jake is responsible for advising and supporting LGBTQIA+ students and developing programming that enhances the LGBTQIA+ student experience.
Fiorela (Fio) Giraldo Prado de Lewis
Senior Program Coordinator for the Office of Inclusion and Engagement
Fio is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations for the Office of Inclusion and Engagement. She is also responsible for the planning and execution of OIE events, programing, and scheduling.
Mohamed Kamara
Department Chair and Professor of Romance Languages; Campus Muslim Student Advisor
- P: 540-458-8475
- E: kamaram@wlu.edu
Professor Kamara holds degrees in French, English and Secondary Education. He teaches French courses in the Department of Romance Languages and also teaches in the university’s Africana Studies Program. As faculty advisor to campus Muslim students and the W&L African Society, he is a member of the Religious Staff in the Office of Inclusion and Engagement.