Happy New Year and Happy First Day of Classes!

To the Wake Forest Community:

Happy New Year and Happy First Day of Classes!

I hope your winter break was restful and full of joy. As we return to campus, I find myself filled with the familiar optimism and pride that the start of a new semester at Wake Forest brings. This semester, however, is special to me; and I know I’ll cherish all the spring excitement a little bit more. 

We begin 2026 with momentum that is defying national trends. As of January 2nd, undergraduate applications for the Class of 2030 are about 10% ahead of last year. This unofficial count suggests the largest application total in our history — our sixth consecutive year of growth and a nearly 94% increase over that timeframe. Students and families are excited about Wake Forest, and it is a testament to the unrivaled opportunities all of you create here each and every day.

Wake Forest continues to prove that academic excellence and real-world impact go hand in hand. Congratulations to our 2026 Duke’s Mayo Bowl Champions! It was especially gratifying to see ESPN highlight that excellence by featuring linebacker Quincy Bryant (’26) and his entrepreneurial success as co-founder of Final Whistle Wealth.

I am grateful for our faculty who make Wake Forest’s commitment to academic excellence impossible to ignore by writing and speaking about their work. Millions of readers have learned about the impact of Wake Forest faculty research by reading their articles in The Conversation. I take great joy in sharing the impact our teacher-scholars have in the classroom and in society through their research, as showcased in the Walk with Wente video series. I also recommend On Topic, a video and Q&A series featuring Wake Forest University professors sharing their expertise on timely and relevant topics. Psychology professor E.J. Masicampo discussed New Year’s resolutions with The New York Times for its Jan. 9 article, “How to Make, and Keep, New Year’s Financial Resolutions,” following the release of his recent video. There is something to learn for all of us as we start this new year!

As I shared with the community last week, the German Men’s National Soccer Team has selected The Graylyn Estate as its base camp and Wake Forest University as its official training site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They selected Wake Forest because of our state-of-the-art facilities and our reputation as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. This partnership will elevate the international profile of both our university and the city of Winston-Salem.

With so much exciting news, I often ask: How can we make the most of the time we have in a special place like Wake Forest? I believe we do so by being truly present—in our classrooms, in residence halls, in meetings, and at events. For the Class of 2026, this is your final spring semester before walking across the stage at Commencement. I encourage you to cherish these moments, bring your full selves to every challenge, and always continue to ask: What can I learn, and how can I help? By embracing discovery and practicing empathy, our time here together is made even more meaningful. 

The spring excitement starts today. I look forward to seeing you all on campus!

Warmly,

Susan R. Wente, Ph.D.
President