Update on presidential search

This message is sent on behalf of Curt Farmer and Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt, co-chairs of the Presidential Search Committee. 

Dear Wake Forest community: 

We write today to offer a brief update on the search for Wake Forest’s 15th president. The appointment of a new leader affects the entire community, and we want to continue sharing as much as we can even as we respect the high level of confidentiality that must surround a search process such as this.  

Throughout the last month, most volunteer boards and councils have engaged in listening sessions to offer their feedback; additional sessions are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. At the end of October, the Board of Trustees held its typical fall meeting. During a portion of the Trustee meeting, the Board and Presidential Search Committee were able to engage in conversation with our executive search firm partners. It was a wonderful way to begin to introduce these critical partners to the Wake Forest community and culture. 

While the search firm was on campus at the end of October and in early November, they met with several groups that represent Wake Forest constituencies – students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, community partners and administrative leaders – and conducted listening sessions to ascertain the priorities of the University, the attractiveness of the presidential role, and the type of leader that would best fit Wake Forest at this time in our story. 

It is important to the search process that we hear from the whole Wake Forest community. The search firm uses this information to engage prospective candidates in the outreach and recruiting process. Because we will rely on this feedback to help shape key elements of the search process, we ask you to make the time to participate in the online survey. Responses to the survey are anonymous and go to the search firm. Thank you for participating and encouraging those you know to lend their insights about Wake Forest to our search.

Despite the challenging environment for higher education nationally, we at Wake Forest look forward with confidence and great hope for the Wake Forest community – not the “sunny disposition” kind of hope, but hope that is deep and pervasive. President Wente has placed us in a strong position, and we are moving toward a positive and encouraging outcome that will carry forth the mission and vision that have guided us for nearly two centuries.

The future is filled with great possibilities for this University and the community – thanks to our current strength and the Wake Forest nation. We are grateful for all you do on behalf of Wake Forest each and every day. 

With gratitude and appreciation, 

Curt Farmer and Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt
Co-chairs of the Presidential Search Committe