Meet Reagan Reiferson ’26

Reagan Reiferson '26
Major: Business administration
Minors: Creative writing and data science
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

I had no intention of applying to W&L until the end of September my senior year of high school, when I visited my friend who was a freshman at the time. I instantly fell in love with the community and the town of Lexington. Everyone that I met was so welcoming and raved about their W&L experience. When I came home on Sunday, I told my parents that I wanted to apply Early Decision!

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn't expect to study when you first came to W&L?

I did not think that I would explore the creative writing department but was introduced to it by my English professors since I really enjoyed those classes. The creative writing classes are now always my favorite classes in my schedule.

Where is your "home" on campus?

I always feel at home when I am hanging out with any of the members of my sorority! I think it is very special to have such close friends with people from across grades, and my sorority has been a great avenue for that. I also find the Outing Club to be another home for me on campus. It is a very welcoming community that I know I can always count on with fun people always up for a new adventure.

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

Over the years, I think that App Adventure has been the most impactful experience for me. I was a participant as a freshman and a leader my sophomore and senior years. As a freshman, there was no other way that I would have rather kicked off my W&L experience. I had an incredible time hiking and came out of the trip with a group of friends and older students that I knew I could rely on. As a leader, it was an extremely rewarding and exciting experience. Both years I had wonderful co-leaders, who made leading so much fun. This past year, I lead with Charlie Runyon '26 and Paul Russell '27. They were incredible co-leaders, and we could not have asked for a better group of freshmen. They bought into the trip, and we definitely came out of it with lifelong friendships and memories that I will cherish forever and be some of my favorite moments from my time here at W&L.

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?

So many professors come to mind. Professor Kary Smout, one of my advisers, has always encouraged me to seek out adventure and to learn for the joy of it, not just to check boxes. Professor [Wythe] Whiting was another great influence; throughout my statistics class, he kept the class laughing and helped us stay positive, even when the material got tough. And Professor Emily King has been another great mentor; she's helped me grow as a writer and analytical thinker, and her engaging class constantly kept me motivated.

What was your favorite class and why?

While I've enjoyed many classes at W&L, my favorite has been Political Philosophy with Professor Stu Gray. He is one of the most engaging professors I've had. He creates an environment that encourages thoughtful discussion and sparks meaningful ideas, which made me genuinely look forward to class each day. Professor Gray also cares deeply about his students, ensuring that everyone's perspectives are heard and valued.

What are your hobbies/interests, and how has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?

I love being outside and hanging out with friends, so any time those two intersect I am happy! Often, this is walking around town with a friend or doing any sort of outdoor activity in the area. Lexington is a beautiful town, and there are so many activities from hiking House Mountain and biking on the Chessie to swimming in the Maury.

I think that W&L does a great job of taking advantage of Lexington, especially with the Outing Club. There are so many different trips that the Outing Club offers weekly that there are endless possibilities for adventures you could go on.

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

As a freshman, one of my goals was to become involved in the community as much as possible. Looking back, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to do so. One of the best parts of being at a small school is how easy it is to form connections across different areas of campus life. Being part of a variety of clubs and organizations has helped me meet so many wonderful people and given me a deeper sense of community. The relationships and experiences I've built along the way are what I'm most proud of and grateful for, and I know they'll stay with me long after my time in Lexington.

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

Yes! I studied in Florence, Italy, the fall semester of my junior year. It was an amazing experience and one that I miss every day! While it can be really hard to leave Lexington because there is so much fun to be had here, I think studying abroad was a great decision that pushed me out of my comfort zone and let me see so many different places and cultures.

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

I think W&L has done a great job of teaching me how to be flexible, driven and learn how to talk to anyone. The small classroom really encourages students to participate and speak up, giving me the courage to share my opinions and communicate them effectively with my peers.

Who or what inspires you?

There are so many alumni who inspired me during their time on campus and continue to do so today. Belle O'Keefe '23 and Townsend Dotterer '23, who both attended my high school, were seniors when I was a freshman and really took me under their wing, helping ease my transition into W&L. I also look up to Nell Covington '24, Shannon Timony '24 and Sydney Hunter '24, who similarly showed me how genuine and caring the W&L community is. Even though they've all graduated, they, and many others, continue to inspire me to be a better friend and to strengthen the connections I have within this community.