From Wente's Desk Archive

Over the course of my more than 30 years in academia, the highlight of May for me has always been university commencement exercises. Seeing graduates cross the stage on Hearn Plaza and in Wait Chapel and receiving their degrees or their graduate hoods reminds me […]

In my role as President, no two days of the week are the same. Each day is like a puzzle, made up of unique pieces that include meetings; campus events; travel to meet with fellow leaders, alumni or parents; committee convenings … the list goes […]

During the relative quiet of spring break last week, many Wake Forest community members across the country and around the world reflected on the life and legacy of a wise and caring man, Dr. Edwin G. Wilson, professor of English and provost emeritus. Dr. […]

Earlier this month, I attended the annual undergraduate Senior Colloquium, a special tradition at Wake Forest that dates back to the earliest days of the College. Ten members of the Class of 2024 shared their unique, compelling, and poignant reflections on their life experiences […]

So much of my time is spent in conversations with the Wake Forest community both locally and around the country.  Each conversation is an opportunity to share our Wake Forest story – our accomplishments of today and our aspirations for tomorrow. These are also valuable […]

As the days get shorter, colder, and darker, our natural tendency as humans is to seek warmth, light, and comfort in the company of others.  Our impulse to gather and to light up the darkness is on full display during this festive season at Wake […]

At Wake Forest, our motto invites each of us to stand with and for humanity. Whether through research, teaching, community service, or institutional initiatives, how we respond to this call shows up in countless ways on campus — and makes me proud to lead this […]

(Updated Oct. 16, 2023)Whether in times of joy, trepidation, or sorrow, people – students, alumni, parents, community members, and others – look to trusted institutions like universities to demonstrate care, reason, ethical leadership, and a measure of stability when crises threaten to destabilize us. At […]

Last spring with commencement weekend on the horizon, I had lunch with a group of students that included graduating seniors. I asked the seniors to reflect on their time at Wake Forest and what they believed makes Wake Forest distinctive.  All of them paused and […]

Across time and around the globe, some of the world’s most influential thinkers and writers in history emphasize a timeless notion: being true to oneself.  Ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus is often credited with the phrase, “Know thyself,” which was found inscribed on the […]