W&L Presidential Search Hub
TGR is committed to keeping alumni engaged throughout this consequential moment in Washington and Lee's history. This is your central hub for updates, official communications, and historical perspective.
ABOUT TGR’S ROLE
What We’re Doing
The selection of W&L's next president is one of the most consequential decisions the Board of Trustees will make in a generation. TGR is following the search closely, publishing analysis and commentary, amplifying alumni voices, and ensuring our community has access to both official university communications and independent perspective.
Coverage & Commentary
Original reporting, editorial perspective, and analysis on the candidates, process, and what matters most for the future of W&L.
Historical Context
W&L has been shaped by its forebearers. Our Leadership Library surfaces past presidents and the qualities that defined their tenures.
alumni action
Make Your Voice Heard
The official W&L Presidential Search Survey is open. Your input directly informs the attributes and priorities the search committee will use to evaluate candidates. We encourage all alumni, students, and parents to engage fully with university channels, and to also send their comments to The Generals Redoubt so we may highlight community opinion. Click the buttons below to meaningfully participate in the process.
From The Hill
University Communications
Official statements, updates, and materials from Washington and Lee University. We archive the latest here so you never miss a development.
Apr 16, 2026
Presidential Search Update
Presidential Profile announced after 2100+ community responses to survey; move into discovery phase, actively seeking nominations.
Feb 24, 2026
Share Your Input: Washington and Lee Presidential Search
Survey created for W&L Community; listening sessions and focus groups to be conducted in preparation for Presidential Profile.
Read More →
Jan 30, 2026
Presidential Search Update — Search Committee Announced
Rector Bacdayan wrote to the W&L community to announce the members of the Presidential Search Committee.
Read More →
Where Things Stand
Presidential Search Timeline
Completed
Prepare & Definition
Search firm hired; Presidential Search Committee formed. Input solicited from Washington and Lee community to develop the Presidential Profile.
current phase
Discovery (Phase 3)
Recruit, review, and evaluate candidate applications based on Presidential Profile. Conduct preliminary interviews and due diligence. Candidate nominations welcome.
coming next
Selection (Phase 4)
Identify finalists for consideration by the Board of Trustees. Convene the Board of Trustees to elect the next president, and ensure a smooth presidential transition.
our view
What We're Looking For
TGR believes W&L's next president must embody qualities that honor the institution's unique traditions and prepare it for the challenges ahead. Read more about our official position below.
Honor
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Institutional Loyalty
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Stewardship
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Courage
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Unity
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Tradition
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Academic Excellence
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Honor 〰️ Institutional Loyalty 〰️ Stewardship 〰️ Courage 〰️ Unity 〰️ Tradition 〰️ Academic Excellence 〰️
TGR Coverage
Latest Updates
The Redoubt represent thousands of alumni, parents, students, and friends of the university. Learn what we have to say about the future of Washington and Lee:
leadership library
Historical Perspective
Since its founding as Liberty Hall Academy in the fevered years preceding the American Revolution, Washington and Lee University has been animated by enduring principles: liberty rightly understood, personal integrity, rigorous education, and a distinctive sense of honor. Across more than two centuries, the institution has been shaped not only by these ideals, but by a succession of presidents whose leadership reflected them in practice. This section emphasizes some of these leaders and the wisdom they imparted on generations of Generals. The next president of Washington and Lee should emulate these men, drawing on the past to inform the future.
faq
Key Questions
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The Board of Trustees formed a Presidential Search Committee and engaged Isaacson, Miller, a leading executive search firm with deep higher education experience, to manage the process.
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The official W&L Presidential Search Survey is open to all community members. We also welcome alumni and friends to submit their thoughts, opinions, and concerns directly to us.
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You can recommend candidates directly through the Isaacson, Miller portal, which is linked at the top of this page.
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While this may not be an official requirement, we believe that an alumnus/a would have a greater appreciation for the traditions and history that make Washington and Lee unique.
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No formal timeline has been announced. Based on typical search processes of this kind, an announcement is expected before the start of the 2026-27 academic year, though TGR will update this as developments occur.
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No. TGR is an independent alumni organization. We cover official university matters and link to official sources, but all TGR editorial content represents our perspective, not the university's.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to TGR for ongoing coverage of the presidential search and all things Washington and Lee.
Upon hearing of Washington’s intent to donate his James River Company stock to a Virginian university, William Graham writes on behalf of Liberty Hall Academy.