Selecting the next Wake Forest President
Equal parts daunting and invigorating, the process of identifying the 14th president of Wake Forest University demanded nothing less than the highest of expectations and most intensive criteria. Much is at stake, and the selection itself represents an exciting opportunity for current and future members of the Wake Forest family.
For this reason, we began this presidential search by first listening to the voices within our community.
More than 1,600 Wake Foresters participated through a combination of a presidential survey and 30 virtual Calls to Conversation. These exchanges included representation from more than 20 affinity groups and Deacons worldwide. The insights were abundant, and the impact of these discussions contributed to part of the criteria used in selecting the 14th president.
Upon the completion of the research process, several common themes emerged from the hopes, concerns and vision of our extended Wake Forest community. After reviewing all of the feedback, we learned that our community is seeking a leader that shares our core values. And we believe we have found her.
Uphold a tradition of rigorous academic standards
Our constituents expressed it is of great importance that the next president of Wake Forest deeply understands our commitment to the engaged liberal arts and its dependence upon an intimately challenging and academically diverse environment. Equally, this person must recognize that the environment itself is inspired by the leadership of faculty who fully embrace the teacher-scholar model, providing our students with a wealth of theory, new knowledge, personal interaction and experiential learning.
“Dr. Wente is a respected cell biologist whose work has impacted our understanding of human motor neuron diseases, such as ALS, proving her academic excellence for decades. Her receipt of the prestigious NIH MERIT award and other research accolades prove that. The fact that she continues to run a respected research program and mentors students shows that she has the curiosity of a scientist and a heart of an educator. I believe she has the expertise, energy and enthusiasm to lead Wake Forest and I am delighted to have her as our 14th President.”
Embrace the tension that precedes transformation progress
Wake Forest’s mission and power as an agent of positive transformation requires a passion for working through discord, controversy and convention. Expanding the footprint of our University without compromising the soul of a truly unique education. Improving our relationships with the communities of Winston-Salem and Charlotte. Maintaining our model within the rapidly evolving category of higher education and reconciling the aspirations of a university with financial realities. A willingness to wade into difficult waters to advance what Wake Forest can offer the world is a sought-after quality emphasized by our community.
“Dr. Wente has significant experience leading a private university with a medical center. Her vast network of relationships, hands-on expertise in medical and academic research, and extensive knowledge of the healthcare enterprise are a rare combination and are extremely valuable in a university president. I believe she will be a strong and invested partner in our community, and I look forward to welcoming her to Winston-Salem.”
Champion holistic diversity and inclusion
Addressed, and acknowledged, in almost every conversation was the vital nature of diversity and inclusion to the mission and future of Wake Forest. The moral obligations to uphold our stated values of Pro Humanitate, as well as the educational and developmental advantages of representation, cannot be ignored. We have much work to do on this front. Our next leader must understand that dedication to sustaining an environment that is welcoming to and representative of all will be a main priority for the 14th president.
“Dr. Wente’s warmth is simply infectious. When she walks into a room, she brings with her this sense of togetherness, resolve, and trust. You can tell that a deep desire to cultivate genuine connections and care for others informs her every conversation and act. I could not be happier to welcome her to the Wake Forest family as our next president.”
A commitment to transparency
The challenges we face amidst a pandemic, social unrest and a divisive political environment underscore a need for transparency from University leadership. Hand in hand with a dedication to diversity and inclusion, an open relationship between Wake Forest leaders and the extended community will be paramount to navigating complex issues. With many dynamic challenges, agreement is rarely universal, but what was expressed through the surveys and listening sessions was a clear desire for inclusion and insight into the thought process of key University decisions and policies.
“Dr. Wente is committed to connecting with people, hearing their ideas, and building a shared vision. She invites all perspectives into the conversation.”
Drive innovation and the integrity to honor our tradition
Innovation is the lifeblood of an educational model that prizes challenge and change, but it can never come at the cost of the core values and principles we hold dear. Wake Forest has a proud tradition of innovation in the name of bringing the mission of Pro Humanitate to our world. Evolving to meet the needs of future generations of Wake Foresters, while maintaining what makes Wake Forest unlike any other institution, is an essential responsibility and expectation of Wake Forest’s next president.
“I am excited that Dr. Wente is a devoted and talented scientist who greatly values innovation, collaboration, and discovery. She understands the importance of investing in research and interdisciplinary work across all sectors of the University, and she recognizes the significance of mentorship, which guides our students and future leaders to find solutions in service to our communities and greater humanity.”
After listening carefully to the perspectives of our community and the hopes for our next president, the Search Committee began a thorough identification and interview process, which included many outstanding candidates. We are confident that Dr. Susan R. Wente honors the goals of the committee, the voices of our many constituents and the values of Wake Forest University and Pro Humanitate.
“As a fellow Nashville resident, I have known of Susan Wente for a long time. She is regarded here as one of the most influential leaders in the region. She has accomplished so much and yet she carries those achievements with humility, always lifting up others to share in the success. She is a perfect fit for Wake Forest.”