Wake Forest launches search for 15th President

This message was sent to the Wake Forest community on behalf of Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt and Curt Farmer, co-chairs of the Presidential Search Committee.

Dear Wake Forest community: 

Earlier this month, Dr. Susan Wente announced that she will step down as president at the end of June 2026. Since arriving in July 2021, Dr. Wente has guided Wake Forest University to think boldly about its place and opportunities in the rapidly changing landscape of higher education. The Board of Trustees deeply appreciates the president’s leadership and the many significant contributions she has made to Wake Forest during her tenure.

Even as we express our gratitude, we now turn our attention to the future. The Board of Trustees has formed a presidential search committee and engaged an executive search firm to lead the process of identifying and securing Wake Forest’s 15th president. This committee – composed of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and a student – will listen to the perspectives and aspirations of Wake Foresters as we envision the University’s next chapter. The committee will gather insight, conduct interviews and recommend the profile of the best leader for Wake Forest at this important moment.

Alongside the presidential search committee, a Trustee special advisory committee will support the board chair by recommending leadership attributes and defining the qualities essential for Wake Forest’s next president. These members will participate in stakeholder listening sessions and advise the board chair, search committee and Trustees on the views and priorities of our community.

The Board of Trustees remains committed to an open and engaging search process. Throughout the fall, we will invite the Wake Forest community to share its perspectives on what the University needs in its next president. We welcome your ideas about Wake Forest’s opportunities as we prepare to embrace new leadership. You can follow updates and offer your insights through the newly launched presidential search website. We approach this work with excitement for Wake Forest’s future and a deep sense of responsibility for the process ahead.

As we conduct the search, we remain profoundly grateful for the people who define the Wake Forest community. The dedication – and heart – of Wake Foresters continues to distinguish our University. We will draw on our shared values – our pursuit of excellence, our emphasis on relationships and conversation, our devotion to mission, and our optimism for the future – to guide us in selecting our next president. Together, we will continue to strengthen and cherish this place we call home.

Thank you for your commitment to Wake Forest and for everything you do to advance its success.

With gratitude, 

Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt (’79, MBA ’87)
Chair, Wake Forest University Board of Trustees
Co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee

Curt Farmer (’84, MBA ’91, P ’16, P ’17) 
Vice Chair, Wake Forest University Board of Trustees
Co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee