Strategic visioning for areas of academic distinction continues

A message shared on behalf of the Office of the Provost

Last spring, the Office of the Provost launched a visioning process for the five areas of academic distinction outlined in the Strategic Framework. Wake Forest faculty and staff have been working together over the past six months to help define a bold academic future rooted in rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to societal impact.

The first two visioning efforts which wrapped up this summer—Neuroscience & Society and Environment & Sustainability—brought together interdisciplinary task forces and members of the broader community to articulate ambitious, long-term aspirations. This work will be used to guide future investments, partnerships, and academic innovation.

Launching Fall 2025: Health, Medicine & Humanity and Emerging & Future Technologies

This fall, the visioning process continues with two more areas of distinction:

• Health, Medicine & Humanity explores how health and medicine can uplift individuals and strengthen communities when guided by humanity. This initiative considers not only how to prevent and treat disease, but also how to nurture dignity, equity, and hope and create a healthier and more just future for all.
• Emerging & Future Technologies focuses on how technological innovation transforms the way we live, work, and connect. It will explore the exciting possibilities of new technologies and materials while also addressing critical questions about privacy, equity, job displacement, environmental impact, and digital well-being.

Each visioning process follows a three-phase model: defining Wake Forest’s current strengths and opportunities, convening the community to shape a bold and distinctive future, and synthesizing that input into a final whitepaper. Faculty input is vital to this process, and cross-disciplinary participation is key. Faculty from all schools and disciplines are encouraged to contribute their expertise and imagination.

How You Can Get Involved

We need your ideas to make these visions innovative, inclusive, and uniquely Wake Forest.

In-Person Visioning Sessions (ZSR 403)

• Health, Medicine & Humanity:
  • Monday, October 6 from 3 – 5 p.m.

• Emerging & Future Technologies: Monday,
  • October 13, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Office Hours with Vice Provost Kim McAllister

Faculty are welcome to stop by anytime during office hours. To schedule a one-on-one Zoom session during office hours, email Jen Haggas (haggasji@wfu.edu).

• Health, Medicine & Humanity:
  • Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. (Reynolda Hall 304)
  • Friday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. (Provost’s Conference Room, Reynolda Hall 204)

• Emerging & Future Technologies:
  • Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. (Reynolda Hall 304)
  • Friday, Oct. 17, from 2 – 5 p.m. (Reynolda Hall 304)

Online Input

If you cannot attend in person, an online survey will be shared on October 14 for both initiatives.

Our aspirational vision will be stronger if everyone participates. Please come dream with us!

Questions? Find more information online or contact Jen Haggas (haggasji@wfu.edu) or Kim McAllister (mcallik@wfu.edu).