Elizabeth Branner Preparing to Retire

After 24 years of service to the law school, Elizabeth Outland Branner will step down from her position this summer into a part-time role as she prepares to retire from the University. She joined the Law School in 1999 as assistant director of Law School Relations, and took over the lead role in the Law Advancement office in 2008.

Fundraising and alumni relations have thrived under her leadership, as she oversaw significant growths in annual giving and the endowment. Beyond that, her reputation within the law alumni community contributed greatly to the success of the admissions and career offices. As Dean Wilson said in her message announcing Elizabeth’s decision, “She knows everyone, and they all love her.”

A national search is underway to fill the position of assistant dean of Law School Advancement. Elizabeth will stay on for a year to help the successful candidate acclimate to the job. After that, you will likely find her somewhere in Lexington or near the water in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. In the meantime, she shares below some thoughts about her tenure at W&L Law.

If you could convey one message to alumni, what would it be?

W&L Law is a wonderful institution, worthy of your support. We attract amazing students who want to

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1973

Wat Ellerson published “Don’t Read This Book!,” a collection of essays, poems, songs, jokes, and guides initially posted on the author’s blog, beginning in 2007. He encourages Law alumni to check out his essay on the “W&L Country Club” on page 19. You can find his book on Amazon.

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make a difference in the world. The faculty are committed to the students, both in and out of the classroom. The community is a collaborative, supportive one. It is amazing what this little law school in the Valley of Virginia accomplishes year in and year out. What will you miss most about W&L Law?

The people – alumni, faculty, and staff. Washington and Lee attracts a special kind of person. I have enjoyed the relationships I have formed with the people connected to W&L. They have inspired me with their generosity of spirit and resources.

Dan Beyer retired from Kerr Russell in Detroit, Michigan, at the end of 2022. His 43 years of practice at the firm included defense of physicians in medical malpractice actions and handling title insurance claims, and other miscellaneous matters.

Kevin Cosgrove joined Willcox Savage in Norfolk. His practice focuses on construction litigation, government contracts, and maritime matters.

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1984

On Feb.6, 2023, Kevin Rardin was sworn in as a judge magistrate in the Shelby County Juvenile Court of Memphis, Tennessee. He was an assistant district attorney in Memphis from 1984 to 2016. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps, retiring in 2010 with the rank of lieutenant colonel and earned a Bronze Star Medal