![Annual course loads for the 2023-2024 academic year at peer liberal arts schools. Graphic by Shauna Muckle, ‘24](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Teaching-load-graphic.png)
Class sizes will increase as faculty teach fewer courses next year
The change came abruptly after years of professors’ discontent with teaching requirements
![Professors’ newest publications are always available to purchase in the University Store. Photo by Emma Malinak, ’25](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1000009768-1200x900.jpg)
University’s emphasis on teaching over research still strains some professors
Professors share their experiences with balancing publishing and teaching at a liberal arts university
![New assistant strength and conditioning coach Cat Rossi. Photo courtesy of Cat Ross](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0574-805x1200.jpg)
A new female face in the weight room: Meet strength coach Cat Rossi
Coach Cat Rossi fell in love with strength training after injury ended her
gymnastics career
![Walters worked in journalism for 15 years before entering academia in 2014.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pwalters.jpg.png)
New faculty profile: Patrick Walters
The Washington and Lee University Journalism Department has a new professor this year
![Burns reads a Veterans Day prayer at the annual Veterans Day event on campus. Photo courtesy of The Columns.](https://ringtumphi.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/paul-berns-900x600.jpg)
“A very cheerful, uplifting person with a heart of gold:” Paul Burns dies at 72
Burns, a longtime W&L Facilities staff member and Army veteran, died from COVID-19.