Malik Hardy ’26
Major: Business administration
Minor: Africana studies
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

I attended trade school before coming to college, so my path to Washington and Lee University looked different from many students’. Before enrolling at W&L, I studied at the Apprentice School, where workers help build nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy. After spending a year in the shipyard, I realized I wanted to pursue something broader, not just for myself, but for the people around me. I was motivated by the opportunity to explore paths that hadn’t always felt accessible to me and to make the most of them. W&L offered me the chance to do exactly that while receiving an education that would help me grow both academically and personally.

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

When I first arrived at Washington and Lee University, I planned to major in computer science, not business. But after taking a few classes in the business school, I realized they offered something I had always been looking for: the opportunity to work closely with people and solve real problems together. Through experiences in areas like budgeting and sales, I discovered how much I enjoy understanding people’s needs and finding ways to connect with them. I especially fell in love with sales because it combines strategy, communication and empathy in a powerful way.

Where is your “home” on campus?

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership has always felt like home to me. I naturally gravitated toward the people there because I’ve always cared about building community and supporting others. That space gave me the opportunity to do both, and it became a place where I truly felt connected and supported.

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

One of my most meaningful experiences has been helping reactivate a dormant fraternity chapter on campus (the Beta Beta Nu chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.) with a close friend, Alan Haigler ’26. I’ve served as vice president for the past two years and have watched the chapter grow to more than 20 members. Together, we’ve contributed over 500 service hours and raised thousands of dollars to support initiatives across Rockbridge County. Seeing something we rebuilt create real impact on campus and in the community has been incredibly rewarding.

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

While I wouldn’t point to one formal mentor, Dean T (Dean for Student Engagement and Leadership Tammy Futrell) has been an incredible source of support for me during my time here. She has consistently encouraged me academically and personally, and we bonded early on through our shared background. She’s someone who genuinely cares about my success and well-being, and I’m grateful to have had that kind of support throughout my college experience

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class has been my philosophy course with President Dudley. The structure of the class is highly discussion-based, which makes it different from a traditional lecture course. We regularly engage with one another’s ideas, challenge perspectives and explore questions without clear right answers. It created a space where everyone could think deeply and learn from each other’s viewpoints

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

I enjoy photography and working out. I spend several hours a day training, and photography has become a creative outlet where I’m always trying to improve my skills and learn new ways to capture meaningful moments.

Being at W&L has connected me with people from a wide range of backgrounds who have helped me grow both as a photographer and as an athlete. I’ve learned new techniques, gained feedback from others and found encouragement to keep developing both interests in ways I might not have explored otherwise.

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

Knowing that I will be a first-generation college graduate is my greatest accomplishment. It’s something that means a lot, not only to me but to my entire family. We’ve talked about this milestone for months, and seeing it become a reality has been incredibly meaningful. I hope the work I’m doing now helps shine a light for students like me who once weren’t sure whether college was even a real possibility.

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

I studied abroad in Paris, where I took a course on Black Writers and the Allure of Paris with the Hills (Provost Lena Hill and professor of Africana studies Michael Hill). Seeing Paris as a place where many found the freedom to develop their voices and their work, the trip gave me a deeper appreciation for their experiences and influence. I also had the chance to mountain bike in Marseille, which made the experience even more memorable.

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

W&L’s small class environment has strengthened my confidence in public speaking and storytelling. Being in discussion-based classrooms where participation is expected pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop communication skills I know I’ll carry with me after graduation.

Who or what inspires you?

My mother inspires me the most. Watching her work hard to raise and support my siblings and me instilled strong values in our family. Seeing her perseverance motivates me to keep pushing myself and make the most of every opportunity I have. She’s the person I look to through everything, and her support means the world to me!

What do you like about being a DIII athlete?

Being a Division III athlete has allowed me to continue playing the sport I love (football) while also focusing fully on my education. It’s still highly competitive, but it creates the balance I was looking for between athletics and academics.