Plans for proposed School of Professional Studies

The following message was shared with the campus community from Provost Rogan Kersh.

Dear Wake Forest Community:

Wake Forest’s Board of Trustees has approved plans to establish a School of Professional Studies in Charlotte. Pending completion of a full market analysis and business plan, the proposed school will house innovative degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, for working professionals.

Charles Iacovou, Dean of the School of Business, will transition from his current role and begin serving as Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Vice Provost for Charlotte Programs on Jan. 4, 2021.

Dean Iacovou has a demonstrated talent for developing new, vibrant academic initiatives and is distinctively qualified to lead the development of the proposed School of Professional Studies.

The School of Business has flourished under his leadership, with enrollment across undergraduate and graduate programs at an all-time high. During his tenure, Dean Iacovou established a master’s program in business analytics, launched new online degree programs for working professionals, and initiated numerous non-degree and executive education programs.

Dean Iacovou will focus on developing accessible and market-relevant programs that build upon the University’s current areas of strength and deliver future professional development that is essential to the growing economy of Charlotte.

Michelle Roehm, who currently serves as the School of Business Vice Dean, Peter C. Brockway Chair of Strategic Management, and Professor of Marketing, has been appointed interim Dean of the School of Business.

Our business programs have never been stronger, combining superb, much-in-demand masters degrees in four areas of business education along with the nationally recognized program in undergraduate business. We are superbly positioned to continue this momentum with Professor Roehm taking the reins as interim dean.

I am genuinely excited about this new University initiative and Dean Iacovou’s role in leading it. The news release has additional details.

Sincerely,

Rogan Kersh
Provost