Notable Alumni of Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University (W&L) in Lexington, Virginia, has produced numerous accomplished individuals across various fields. Founded in 1749, W&L boasts a rich history and a strong tradition of academic excellence, fostering an environment that cultivates leaders and innovators. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions to society.

Academics and Research

W&L has a tradition of producing prominent academics and researchers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Henry L. Roediger III (Class of 1969): A renowned cognitive psychologist and researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, Roediger has made significant contributions to the understanding of human memory.

Arts and Literature

The university has fostered the talents of individuals who have excelled in arts and literature.

Tom Wolfe (Class of 1951): A best-selling author and journalist, Wolfe was a pioneer of the "New Journalism" movement. His satirical works often focused on the counterculture of the 1960s and issues related to class and social status.
Terry Brooks: A famous author.
Rebecca Makkai: An American novelist and short story writer. She is best known for writing The Great Believers (2018) and I Have Some Questions for You (2023), which have been positively received by critics and won awards such as the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction, the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and the Libby Book Award.

Business and Entrepreneurship

W&L alumni have made their mark in the business world, demonstrating leadership and innovation.

Drew Baur (Class of 1966): A businessman and owner of St.
Ted Bauer (Class of 1974): A businessman and restaurateur. He created the concept for, owned, and operated the historic Mt. Washington Tavern, and developed The Oregon Grille and The Valley Inn.

Government and Politics

Many W&L graduates have pursued careers in public service, holding prominent positions in government and politics.

Read also: Notable Graduates of WSU

John William Davis: An American politician, diplomat, and lawyer. He served as the Solicitor General of the United States and the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Woodrow Wilson. He was also the Democratic nominee for president in 1924.
Lewis Franklin Powell, Jr. (Class of 1931): Served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1972 to 1987.
John Otho Marsh, Jr. (Class of 1951): Served as the Secretary of the Army from 1981 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan.
Newton D. Baker: Served as United States Congressman.
Charles L. Terry, Jr. (Class of 1924): Served as Governor of Delaware (1961-1965) and Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court (1963-1964).
Homer A. Holt (Class of 1923): Served as Governor of West Virginia (1937 to 1941).
William M. Tuck: Served as Congressman from Arkansas (1885-1903).
Henry M. Mathews (Class of 1857): Served as Governor of West Virginia (1877-1891).
James L. Kemper: An American lawyer, a Confederate general in the American Civil War, and the 37th Governor of Virginia.
Paul S. Trible, Jr.: A politician.
Matt Bevin: An American businessman and politician who served as the 62nd governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019.
Abner Linwood Holton, Jr: An American politician and attorney. He served as the 61st governor of Virginia, from 1970 to 1974, and was the first elected Republican governor of Virginia of the 20th century, as well as the first Republican governor since the Reconstruction era.
Austin Peay: An American politician who served as the 35th governor of Tennessee from 1923 to 1927.
Ruby Laffoon: An American attorney and politician who served as the 43rd Governor of Kentucky from 1931 to 1935.
Henry S. Foote: A United States Senator from Mississippi and the chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 1847 to 1852. He was the Unionist Governor of Mississippi from 1852 to 1854.
Mark Short: An American political advisor who served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence.

Law and Judiciary

W&L's School of Law has produced numerous distinguished legal professionals, including judges, attorneys, and legal scholars.

Robert J. Grey, Jr. (Class of 1976L): Served as the 128th president of the American Bar Association in 2004.
Linda Klein (Class of 1983L): Served as president of the American Bar Association in 2016.
J. Michael Luttig: A former United States Circuit Court of Appeals judge.
Robert E. Payne: Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (1991-present).
Henry St. George Tucker III: A W&L professor of law, dean of the Law School, and acting president.
H. Emory Widener, Jr.: Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1969-2007).
Duncan Lawrence Groner: Judge.
Mark Steven Davis: Judge.
John Ashton MacKenzie: Judge.
Robert H. Smith: Attorney; federal district judge for United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia; chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C.

Media and Journalism

W&L alumni have also excelled in media and journalism, shaping public discourse and informing the world around them.

Roger Mudd: An American broadcast journalist who was a correspondent and anchor for CBS News and NBC News.
Michael Allen: An American political journalist and the co-founder and executive editor of Axios.
Philippe Labro: A French author, journalist, and film director.

Religion

Pat Robertson: An American media mogul, televangelist, political commentator, presidential candidate, and charismatic minister.

Sports

Ted Bauer: A three-time first-team All-American in lacrosse and a member of Team USA, which won the 1974 World Games of Lacrosse in Melbourne, Australia.
Walt Michaels: An American professional football player and coach who was best remembered for his six-year tenure as head coach of the National Football League (NFL)'s New York Jets from 1977 to 1982.

Other Notable Alumni

Joe Wilson: U.S. representative for South Carolina's 2nd congressional district since 2001.
Robert Mosbacher: Served as Secretary of Commerce from 1989 to 1992.
Sarah Feinberg: Served as the Interim President of the New York City Transit Authority from 2020 to 2021, and a former Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
Gilbert Shelton: An American cartoonist and a key member of the underground comix movement. He is the creator of the iconic underground characters The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Fat Freddy's Cat, and Wonder Wart-Hog.
Rob Ashford: An American stage director and choreographer. He is a Tony Award, Olivier Award, Emmy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner.
Jesse Evans: An American outlaw and gunman of the Old West, and the leader of the Jesse Evans Gang.
Michael Norell: An American screenwriter, actor, and executive producer who starred as Captain Henry "Hank" Stanley on the television series Emergency!, produced by Jack Webb from 1972 to 1978.

Read also: Notable Alumni of EWU

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