A Final Post, From Wente’s Desk 

When I wrote my first post for this blog – which became “From Wente’s Desk,” a monthly exploration of my reflections and experiences as your president – I reflected on the notion of what I called radical collaboration, and my belief that our greatest opportunities emerge when we bring together different perspectives, disciplines, experiences and ideas in pursuit of our shared mission. 

At the time, I was brand new to Wake Forest, still getting to know Mother So Dear. 

In the summer of 2021, I walked the campus, met many members of our community and started what would become countless conversations with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, community members, parents and friends. I remember being so genuinely excited and curious about this great university, and I sought to dive deeply into understanding what makes it so special. 

I also knew that leadership – good leadership – always begins with listening. I thought this blog might become one small way of reflecting back on all that I heard. 

Over the past five years, these posts have given me space to share my observations, ask big questions, celebrate milestones, reflect on challenging times, consider the state of higher education and occasionally think out loud with you about the many opportunities before us. More than anything, I hope that these essays have offered a glimpse into the values that have guided my presidency and my enduring belief in the transformative power of education for humanity. 

Now, as I write this final post from the President’s desk, I find that I am focused even more on all that I have learned. At my core, learning is what drives me – and being a university president is about the richest and most complex learning experiences one could ever have. 

With more than three decades in academia, and especially my years here, I have learned that universities are extraordinary places because they are fundamentally communities of people. 

• Faculty who devote themselves to learning and discovery, and to teaching the next generation. 
• Staff whose deep care, expertise and engagement sustain every aspect of academic and campus life. 
• Students who have inspired me every day of my presidency with their curiosity, compassion, and always intriguing answers to my first question: What have you discovered today? 
• Alumni whose affection for Wake Forest grows deeper with time. 
• Trustees, parents, donors, neighbors and community partners who invest their time and resources into an institution they believe matters and makes a meaningful difference for those we serve. 

Individually, each community member’s contribution may seem small. Together, they create something remarkable. 

Vincent van Gogh once wrote, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” 

This quote reminds us that meaningful progress is rarely the result of one individual. And, these words have increased in poignancy as my days grow short in the presidency. Meaningful, real progress is built patiently, and through thousands of acts of generosity, creativity, collaboration, and trust. 

This has been my experience at Wake Forest. 

The progress we have made together over my time here belongs to our entire community. My deepest gratitude to all who have been willing to imagine together, work together, and believe that this University could continue to evolve and grow, while remaining true to our deepest values. 

Academic life is always filled with transitions. Every spring, graduates become alumni. Faculty begin new research projects, start sabbaticals, and launch collaborations. Staff recruit and welcome new colleagues, and engage in new projects. New ideas are constantly taking root as familiar routines lead to new possibilities. Now, it is my turn to transition. 

As I prepare to begin my first sabbatical after 33 years of academic and administrative life, I do so with a full heart and an abiding optimism about Wake Forest’s momentum and our future. The presidency is a role one only holds for a season but I know the relationships will endure for a lifetime. I take great comfort in that as I look at these next steps. 

Last month, during our undergraduate commencement ceremony, I shared with the Class of 2026 a few reflections on our alma mater, and the phrase “Mother, so dear.” Over these years, and through repetition and experience, the words of our alma mater took on a new meaning for me. I came to understand that they speak less to a place than to its people. And to the sense of belonging that remains long after we leave the confines of our academic home. 

Wherever this next chapter leads, I will carry with me our many conversations, walks around the quad, events and celebrations from convocation to commencement and everything in between. And everything I have learned with you, and from you, will stay with me. 

Thank you for the privilege of learning alongside you. And thank you for reminding me that the greatest work is never accomplished alone, but through small things brought together in service to others, and to Pro Humanitate. 

With deep gratitude for you and for Mother So Dear, 

Susan R. Wente