Message to the Community
Dr. Rodriguez addressed the Wake Forest community upon the announcement of his selection as the University’s 15th President.
Welcoming Dr. Peter Rodriguez
Dear members of the Wake Forest community:
After conducting a national search, the Presidential Search Committee unanimously recommended to the Board of Trustees, and the Board approved, the appointment of Dr. Peter Rodriguez as the 15th president of Wake Forest University. A distinguished economist and transformative academic leader, Dr. Rodriguez currently serves as the dean of Rice University’s School of Business, which includes the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. He will begin his presidency at Wake Forest on July 1, 2026.
The search committee conducted a rigorous process that attracted high-quality candidates and accomplished leaders in higher education. Each candidate who was interviewed offered unique strengths and achievements. Ultimately, we were impressed by Dr. Rodriguez’s academic credentials, business acumen, steady leadership, appetite for innovation, and a reputation for strong relationships across his various campuses.
First Day on the Job
President Rodriguez shares a few items that are important to him on his first day, including getting to know the WFU community and helping the community get to know him and his family.
What They’re Saying
Peter brings significant experience across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, all while reflecting his core leadership values of attentiveness, responsiveness, and kindness. His broad range of service, from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Houston Board of Directors to a respect for the arts, reflects his multi-dimensional leadership style. His work with student belonging and engagement at UVA and Rice demonstrates a commitment to inclusive excellence. He is the right person to advance Wake’s teacher-scholar ideal and embody our Pro Humanitate motto. As a professor, alum, and parent, I am excited for Wake Forest’s future.
Christine Coughlin (JD ’90, P ’20, P ’27), professor of law and member of the Search Committee
Revisit the announcement of Dr. Rodriguez as Wake Forest’s new president, and find out what members of the Search Committee and national leaders are saying about his leadership.