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: 

As promised, we are providing an end-of-the-year update on the search for Wake Forest’s next president. 

First, thank you for answering our call for feedback. We are pleased to report that we heard from more than 2,000 Wake Foresters! There were 1,055 individuals who responded to the online survey, and more than 850 people participated in a listening session. Another 165 people suggested a candidate for consideration. 

Your feedback – which centered around describing the culture of Wake Forest, the desired attributes of the 15th president and the priorities that the president will need to engage – has helped the search firm and search committee develop the leadership profile outlining the role to potential candidates. Please take a look and see how your thoughts and ideas shaped the work we’ve done to this point. Your contributions have been invaluable. 

As we’ve been focused on identifying the attributes and qualifications that we are seeking in a president, our search firm partners have started the process of identifying potential candidates. They have shared with us that they are encouraged by the quality and number of potential candidates for the presidency. As we suspected, the interest in this leadership position is very strong. We know that Wake Forest holds an enviable position in higher education, and as many of you mentioned, there is much to look forward to in Wake Forest’s future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to bringing a new president into our community for the start of the next academic year.

As we get ready to welcome 2026 in the coming weeks, we are confident in our University because of the strength of our faculty and staff, the energy and creativity of our students, and the dedication and commitment of our alumni and friends. 

We will continue to update the community as the progress continues. In the meantime, we send our very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday season. 

With gratitude and appreciation, 

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