Meet Elka Prechel ’26

Elka Prechel '26
Majors: Studio art and cognitive and behavioral science
Minor: Education
Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

I chose to come to W&L because of the combination between high-level academics and the culture of the basketball program.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn't expect to study when you first came to W&L? Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?

I never intended to study studio art when I came to campus. Eventually, I decided to minor in studio art, but after one class with Professor Beavers, she sat me down and demanded I switch to a double major instead. She has supported me every step of the way and pushed me to be constantly creating more work. Between Professor Beavers and Dr. Uffelman, I have been given so many opportunities to continue to pursue the arts through grants, summer experiences and countless recommendation letters.

Where is your "home" on campus?

I am at home with the basketball team; my teammates are fierce competitors in the sport we all love, but, more importantly, they are the most funny, kind and loving people that I have met on campus.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?

It's on my mind, given how recent it was, but there has been nothing equivalent to the entire community coming together to watch our women's basketball team play in the NCAA tournament this year. The atmosphere was absolutely electric - there were fans waiting for tickets before we had even started warming up. As I say goodbye to the sport and my time at W&L, there is simply no better way to go out than in that environment surrounded by all the people we have come to know these past four years.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was Portraiture and Figuration; it was the most beneficial to my art practice as we were able to learn the human form through live models and fast-paced studies.

What are your hobbies/interests?

Up to this point, I have spent most of my time split between painting and basketball. I enjoy most athletic activities (lifting, hiking, etc.), simply being outside and cooking.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?

My greatest accomplishment was last summer when I received an independent research grant to create a series of artwork. Through the grant, I was able to travel to Cordova, Alaska, and exhibit a show in the Copper River Gallery.

Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L? Where did you go, and how was your experience?

I have/will study abroad for three spring terms : Educating for Global Citizenship (Italy), Modern Art in Barcelona (Spain) and upcoming Sculpting Sustainability in Zimbabwe. I also completed an internship in collaboration with the W&L Education Department that took place in Paris and Tuscany. It was an incredible experience each time, and I have so much gratitude for the opportunities I have had to study abroad at W&L.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success?

The studio art faculty have spent countless hours working with me to prepare for pursuing the arts outside of W&L.

Who or what inspires you?

From an artistic standpoint, the work I look at the most comes from Jenny Saville and Francis Bacon. I am inspired by people who are unapologetically themselves.

If you are a student-athlete, what do you like about being a DIII athlete?

I enjoy being able to pursue other things as well as our sport.