A Strategic Priority
Huntley Hall has been the flagship building for the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics at Washington and Lee University since 1980. As the disciplines and teaching and learning have evolved, it is important for the space to support the 21st century programs that exist today.
Crawford Family Dean of the Williams School and Professor of Business Administration Rob Straughan shares some insights on the project.
Thriving and Growing
Approximately 55% of W&L students choose to major in one of the Williams School's four disciplines in any given year, but even those who major in a discipline within the College will find themselves taking general education or elective classes in the Williams School.
The Vision
Improvements to Huntley Hall, combined with the construction of the new building, will facilitate hands-on learning, safeguard small class sizes, and increase flexibility and access to state-of-the-art technology.
Expanded and enhanced space also means more students will be able to benefit from classes within the program.
Computer Lab Expansion
"We've seen enormous growth in interest among students in data science and business analytics. We've staffed up and added to the curriculum in an effort to provide cutting-edge classes related to these topics, and we are seeing a need for higher-tech teaching spaces, where, for example, students can be writing code while their business analytics professor interacts with them and guides them."
—DeAN Robert D. sTRAUGHAN
Fostering Collaboration
Over the years, Williams School growth pressures have led to a loss of community spaces, driven by the need for more classrooms and faculty offices. An integral design feature will be a central hub to support the student-faculty interactions that have long been a defining aspect of the W&L experience.
Dean Straughan talks about reclaiming community spaces and the impact on the building's atmosphere.
Show Your Support
We invite you to contribute to this exciting, critical W&L priority. Huntley will continue to be the flagship building of the only internationally-accredited undergraduate business program among top liberal arts universities.
Your investment guarantees that our students have access to the 21st-century resources they need to take full advantage of an exceptional liberal arts education.