Wake Forest launches Charlotte Academic Planning Committee
Building on Wake Forest’s longstanding presence and strategic initiatives in Charlotte, the University has launched the Charlotte Academic Planning Committee to develop a plan for new academic programs in the region. This effort aligns with Wake Forest’s strategic framework and its commitment to strengthening community engagement and expanding learning opportunities in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country.
The committee, co-chaired by Kline Harrison (Vice Provost for Global Affairs) and Charles Iacovou (Vice Provost for Charlotte Programs), includes faculty and administrative representatives from across the University. Members will assess Charlotte’s educational landscape, engage stakeholders, explore strategic partnerships, and propose high-impact academic programs that align with both institutional strengths and regional workforce needs.
Committee membership includes:
Academic Planning Team
Kline Harrison, Vice Provost for Global Affairs (Co-Chair)
Charles Iacovou, Dean, School of Professional Studies and Vice Provost for Charlotte Programs (Co-Chair)
Saylor Breckenridge, President of Faculty Senate and Associate Professor of Sociology
Amber Brooks, Vice Dean, Strategic Initiatives and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine
Jon Duchac, Delmer P. Hylton Accounting Professor, School of Business
Liz Gandolfo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Earley Associate Professor of Catholic and Latin America Studies, School of Divinity
Amanda Griffith, Professor & Associate Dean of Academic Planning, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Shonda Jones, Assistant Dean of Academic Programs, School of Professional Studies
Tony Marsh, Senior Associate Dean, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Chris Martin, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Law
Norma Montague, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Programs, School of Business
Hu Womack, Librarian, Instruction & Outreach, Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Administrative Planning Team
Andy Chan, Vice President, Personal & Career Development
Mary Boyd Chenery, Assistant Vice President, Account Management & Planning, University Marketing and Communications
Mercy Eyadiel, Chief Corporate Engagement Officer, School of Business
Mike Haggas, Associate Vice President, Academic Fundraising, University Advancement
Karen Hart Huey, Associate Vice President of Planning, Real Estate, and Space Management
Beth Hoagland, Senior Assistant Provost, Budget & Administration, Office of the Provost
Isabelle White, Director of Philanthropy & Donor Engagement, University Advancement
Charlotte has been home to Wake Forest’s highly regarded MBA programs for over 30 years and boasts the University’s largest alumni base. With the expansion of the School of Professional Studies, the upcoming launch of Wake Forest’s second MD program, and emerging partnerships in the Pearl Innovation District, the University is poised to enhance its engagement and impact within Charlotte. A key component of this planning effort is the potential development of a university-wide academic center — similar to Wake Washington — to facilitate innovative, interdisciplinary academic offerings from the College and graduate/professional schools.
The committee will meet weekly throughout Spring 2025 to conduct research and gather input, with an initial draft of programmatic ideas expected by Summer 2025. A feasibility analysis of leading proposals will follow in 2025-26, with a final comprehensive plan anticipated by Spring 2026.
