President Hatch at Wake Forest Baptist Health
President Hatch helps lead the effort to merge Wake Forest University, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Atrium Health into one entity that will enhance medical education and healthcare in North Carolina.
Hatch meeting with students in Starbucks
President Hatch often spends time with students, engaging them in thoughtful conversation and rounds of coffee.
Longtime friends and colleagues, Mark Noll, Nathan Hatch and Grant Wacker, share a laugh during the 25th anniversary symposium of Hatch’s book. Mark Noll is the Francis A. McAnaney Professor Emeritus of History at Notre Dame and Grant Wacker is the Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Christian History at Duke Divinity School.
Always a scholar, President Hatch shares a laugh with his longtime friends and colleagues, retired professors Mark Noll (l) and Grant Wacker (r).
President Hatch congratulates a graduate during commencement
A leader who believes in educating the whole person, President Hatch enjoys congratulating each graduate on commencement day.
Dr. Hatch and Julie pose for a photo with their youngest grandchild, Grace.
President and Mrs. Hatch pose for a photo with their granddaughter, Grace.

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch

On July 1, 2005, Wake Forest welcomed its 13th president, Dr. Nathan O. Hatch. Dr. Hatch has spent his entire career in higher education – first as a professor and scholar, intriguing the minds of young thinkers; next as an administrator, learning and cherishing the value of teamwork; and now, as the president, providing steadfast vision to strengthening the community of Wake Forest.

“I am convinced that Wake Forest can claim a very special – even extraordinary – place in American higher education,” Dr. Hatch says. “I have learned in my time here that Wake Forest is a deeply personal place, dedicated to community and face-to-face interaction. We help students connect who they are with what they do, helping them to find meaning and purpose in their lives and work.”

Wake Forest President Nathan O. Hatch outside his office in Reynolda Hall

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch became Wake Forest’s 13th president on July 1, 2005. His presidency has been marked by a commitment to educating the whole person, developing leaders of character and honoring the mission of Pro Humanitate.

President Hatch to retire

After leading Wake Forest for 15 years, President Hatch announced that he intends to retire at the end of the current academic year. On Jan. 31, 2021, the Board of Trustees named Dr. Susan R. Wente as Hatch’s successor.

Welcoming a new president: Dr. Susan R. Wente »

NBA basketball player Chris Paul visits Wake Forest, which he attended for two years, to talk about leadership as part of the Leadership Project with President Nathan O. Hatch, in Wait Chapel on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

Memorable Moments

Since July 1, 2005, President Hatch has led and guided the community of Wake Forest University. That time has been marked by visionary leadership, a desire to strengthen the collegiate university, a commitment to educating the whole person, and a drive to continue to achieve excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.

Take a Look

President’s Speeches & Remarks

From the State of the University address to regular communication with students and the community, President Hatch offers his thoughts on a variety of topics. Read the latest speeches and writings from President Hatch.

The 2018-19 Wake Forest Fellows pose for a group portrait outside Reynolda Hall on Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

Wake Forest Fellows

The Wake Forest Fellows Program was created to provide recent graduates a chance to work in higher administration in a year-long position as full-time staff members of the university.

Wake Forest hosts a reception for new parents with President Nathan O. Hatch and hid wife, Julie, in the new Farrell Hall.

President’s Aides

President’s Aides are student leaders who serve as representatives of Wake Forest University and the student body, and participate in a variety of University events throughout the academic year.