President Nathan Hatch is interviewed by junior Brandon Monteith about the Commencement speaker, the value of the liberal arts and his summer plans.

Some of the first changes to result from the Student Dining Commission’s work are beginning to be seen on campus.

On Monday, President Nathan Hatch helped open the Moe’s location in the Benson Center. He served junior Mo Earley, who was the first official customer.

“The construction of Moe’s is yet another wonderful change,” said Hamlin Wade, chair of the Student Dining Commission.

Other changes include more healthy options, different meal plans and later hours. Beginning with the fall 2012 semester, the Subway on the Quad will stay open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, a late-night burger or breakfast option will be available in either Shorty’s or the Pit from 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. The Pit will operate on a 24-hour schedule during the 10-day period surround spring and fall semester exams.

Read more about all the dining changes »

President Nathan Hatch was interviewed by senior Nilam Patel, the Student Government president, about new residence halls, being named chairman of NAICU and what he’s looking for when new provost Rogan Kersh arrives in June.

Fifteen Wake Forest students joined University President Nathan O. Hatch in the Reynolda Hall cafeteria, known on campus as “The Pit,” for an informal conversation on February 28. It is the president’s first official Pit sit. (On campus, a “Pit sit” is slang for a lengthy time chatting and socializing with friends in the Pit.)

Students talked with Dr. Hatch about campus construction, tuition and other Wake Forest community-related issues. In particular, students asked about the University’s master plan, which adds two North Campus residence halls to meet increased housing needs related to the three-year on-campus residency requirement. Hatch said, “College works better with more students on campus,” and expects the move to boost student morale.

“I thought the Pit sit was a great atmosphere to start a conversation,” said Nirali Vagadia, a first-year student. “We were able to express our concerns and vent some of our frustrations in an informal setting.”

“I think this is a nice forum, and that it’s really important for students to be heard,” said junior Bo Machayo. “I hope the event will continue and maybe become more frequent.”

While this may be Dr. Hatch’s first Pit sit with students, he is known for keeping his door open to student concerns. “I never turn down a student who makes an appointment to speak with me,” said Hatch.

– by Melissa McKeon (’12), Intern, Communications and External Relations

President Nathan Hatch was recently quoted in an article about NCAA governance rules written by Inside Higher Ed. Hatch is active with the NCAA, serving on the Division I Board of Trustees and the Bowl Licensing Task Force.

Hatch said he supported the current system of legislative overrides and indicated that a recent uptick in overrides (over issues such as expense allowances and multi-year grants) is not a sign of discontent but of the system at work.

Read the article »

“As President, I continually seek new ways to remain in touch with our University community. I am excited to announce the creation of a new video blog, which will allow me to address important University news and events and interact with the people who make Wake Forest a wonderful place. In this first installment of the blog, I welcome our students, faculty, and staff back to campus and discuss a number of exciting developments set to take place throughout the coming months.”

– Nathan Hatch

Dear faculty and staff,

As President, I enjoy the unique privilege of hearing firsthand what Wake Forest means to so many within our extended community. No two stories are identical, but all share a setting that summons only the fondest memories. As we spend the holidays with those we cherish most, I wanted to share with you these memories from the year. I hope they bring to you as much joy as they have to us.

Please click here to view the greeting.

Good tidings from the Wake Forest family to yours,

Nathan and Julie Hatch

The Wake Forest School of Medicine’s research center that focuses on brain tumors will be named in honor of the former Wake Forest president who helped direct funding to the cause both before and during his battle with the disease.

Hearn, the university’s president from 1983 to 2005, died of a brain tumor in August 2008.

The center will be known as the Thomas K. Hearn Jr. Brain Tumor Research Center. It is part of the nationally recognized and the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Read more on wakehealth.edu »
Read more from the Winston-Salem Journal »

President Nathan Hatch will be giving his annual State of the University Address, sponsored by the Faculty Senate, today at 4 p.m. in Wait Chapel. The Senate would like to invite you attend the address, if your schedule permits. The address offers an opportunity for the University community to come together to consider where we are and where we may be going. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
Michael L. Hughes
President, Faculty Senate