Dr. Susan R. Wente
On July 1, 2021, Wake Forest welcomed its 14th president, Dr. Susan R. Wente. Like Wake Forest itself, Wente has a history of taking bold steps in education. She was selected not only for her exceptional reputation as an acclaimed academic and charismatic leader, but also for her vision of Wake Forest as a welcoming, inclusive community that will continue to make positive change in the world.
Wente is a renowned biomedical scientist who served as Vanderbilt’s provost and vice chancellor for seven years and interim chancellor for eleven months. She led Vanderbilt’s efforts to restructure the relationship between the university and its medical center, which affords her valuable insight into the recent partnership between Atrium Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health. Never far from the lab or classroom, Wente models Wake Forest’s distinctive teacher-scholar ideal and has continued to mentor and conduct research with undergraduates throughout her administrative career.
Strategic Framework
As a great university, Wake Forest is called to continually build upon our strong foundation and strive for excellence. As we look ahead to 2034 when Wake Forest University will celebrate its 200th anniversary, it is imperative that we develop a clear vision and direction to further support our mission.
From Wente’s Desk
- Universities as partners in the talent pipeline
- Announcing the Strategic Framework Process
- Reflecting Forward on the Academic Year
- Embracing Change
- Reflections on Inauguration Week
- What Will We Found Together?
- Many Voices, One Wake Forest: Using Feedback to Propel Us Forward
- A Great University
- Leading with Trust, Transparency and Teamwork
- Radical Collaboration
Engagement
Social: Follow or Mention
Talk with the President
- Students: Gold & Black Chats (with VP for Campus Life Shea Kidd Brown)
- Faculty & Staff: Wednesdays with Wente
Events
To request the President’s attendance at an event, please fill out this form.
Welcome back
President Wente offers thoughts on the start of the Fall 2022 semester. Read the message »
Inauguration
President Wente’s inauguration ceremony was held March 25, 2022. Learn more »
Presidential Address
On Nov. 19, 2021, Dr. Wente delivered her first presidential address. View or read the address »
“Great Universities”
Dr. Wente is engaging University stakeholders in discussions around: What is expected of a great university today? Share your input »
Find out more
- Wake Forest Magazine editor Maria Henson (’82) spoke with Dr. Wente after her selection as Wake Forest’s 14th president. Read the interview »
What They’re Saying
“Dr. Wente is committed to connecting with people, hearing their ideas, and building a shared vision. She invites all perspectives into the conversation.”
Melissa Shields Jenkins (’01), associate professor of English and member of the Search Committee
Revisit the announcement of Dr. Wente as Wake Forest’s new president, and find out what members of the Search Committee and national leaders are saying about her leadership. Read More »