2. Two W&L Staff Members Awarded Paid Professional Leave

By Brian Laubscher
November 5, 2025

Two Washington and Lee University staff members have been selected to receive a 30-day leave, with full pay, to advance some aspect of their career and work at the university. The 2025-26 Professional Leave awards have been offered to Isra El-beshir, director of the art museum and galleries, and James Dick, director of outdoor education and recreation.

El-beshir expects to take her leave incrementally during slower periods this winter and spring. She will utilize the leave to pursue in-depth research on financial literacy and fiscal leadership in academic museums. As she prepares to assume the role of treasurer on the national board of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG), this project will strengthen her expertise and enhance her ability to lead the W&L Museums strategically.

During the leave, El-beshir plans to conduct a literature review, consult with leading museum professionals and participate in relevant courses to develop a foundation in financial management, endowment planning and capital project strategy.

"I am thankful for the acknowledgment of my tenure at W&L and grateful for this opportunity to step back and focus on expanding my financial literacy and leadership skills," El-beshir said. "The time away will only strengthen my capacity to serve our museum and university."

Dick will assume his leave in July 2026, participating in two week-long experiential learning sessions in Italy and France where he will focus on rock climbing and mountain guiding teaching techniques. One session will take place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy and will concentrate on guiding and rescue techniques. The other will be held in the outskirts of Chamonix, France and will focus on rock and alpine skill progression techniques.

Dick will tent camp in campgrounds for a majority of the 15-day excursion, cooking meals over a camp stove and taking the occasional day for resupply, rest and recovery. He expects to learn new teachable techniques and refine instructional methods in guiding, climbing and rescue that he can share with the W&L community. After completing the courses, he will be expected to complete an examination that will result in an industry standard certification.

"What a privilege it is to receive this award - I am super pumped about the genuine support from the university for professional development," Dick said. "I am looking forward to being a student again and getting outside my comfort zone in the outdoors. I am eagerly anticipating the personal challenge of learning these new alpine techniques and the sense of adventure I might feel being in new places and remembering what it is like having those bursts of fear, excitement, growth and hopefully afterwards, a feeling of accomplishment. When I return to campus, be ready for some renewed high-energy instruction and leadership!"

The Professional Leave Program supports W&L's strong commitment to lifelong learning and exploring new approaches and expertise in how the staff works. Eligible employees must have completed five continuous years of full-time exempt service.

Each June, eligible staff will receive an invitation to apply for the program by submitting a written proposal to the executive director of Human Resources. A maximum of three awards will be made each year. The award recipient has one year to use the professional leave. Recipients of the award will be eligible for support to enhance their project for up to $2,500.

Have additional questions about the Professional Leave Program? Attend a Winter Academy session on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 8:30-10 a.m. featuring a panel of former program participants. Attendees will gain practical tips, inspiration and a better understanding of how to design a meaningful leave proposal. Registration for the 2025 Winter Academy is now open.