Walk with Wente: Susan R. Wente with Stephanie Ruhle

More about Susan R. Wente:

Wake Forest University President

President Susan R. Wente is a world-renowned cell biologist who serves as the 14th president of Wake Forest University. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to “radical collaboration,” a philosophy that bridges disciplines to solve complex societal challenges. Before joining Wake Forest, she served as the first female provost and interim chancellor at Vanderbilt University, where she was instrumental in navigating the institution through the global pandemic while championing inclusive excellence.

In the lab, Wente is a pioneer in the study of nucleocytoplasmic transport—the critical process of how proteins and RNA move between a cell’s nucleus and cytoplasm. Her research focuses on nuclear pore complexes, and her discoveries have provided fundamental insights into how defects in these pathways can lead to human diseases, including cancer and motor neuron diseases. Her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health for more than 30 years, and she has mentored dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Beyond her scientific and administrative roles, Wente is a dedicated advocate for the liberal arts and the Pro Humanitate spirit. A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, she continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to lead lives of purpose and impact.