From Wente’s Desk

As we navigate these early weeks of the fall semester, I cannot help but recall my own experience as a first-year student at the University of Iowa. Having come from a small town with only a few thousand people, I remember navigating those early weeks, […]

Last week, I hosted our newest cohort of Wake Forest Fellows for lunch. This group of bright, talented recent graduates have taken up fellowship roles in offices across our campuses. We were together to have a conversation about career pathways and leadership, but admittedly, […]

Moments of reflection often come to me through reading. Though many might view me as shaped solely by my scientific training, I have always been drawn to poetry. Recently, I enjoyed an early summer morning in the company of the late Dr. Ed Wilson, by […]

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 […]