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 are writing today to provide an update on the search for Wake Forest’s 15th president. We are grateful for your support of our committee members and of the search as a whole. We are especially grateful to Dr. Wente for her focus and commitment to our University community through this transition. It has been a joyful spring at Wake Forest with many celebrations and accomplishments.

The search has been a journey of discovery for us, and we are encouraged by the strength of the candidates we have encountered in the process. Nominations from people all over campus, as well as from higher education generally and even alumni and parents, helped build a pool of exciting and viable leaders. As we have shared the presidential profile that you helped us develop, we have seen candidates become enthralled with Wake Forest. Their recognition of what a special place we have has been affirming and enriching to us all. 

Throughout the past few months, the search committee has spent significant time with the candidates. Our committee understands the weight of the assignment and has brought thoughtful and compelling questions to bear. It has been heartening to see the level of engagement, intentionality and care with which the committee has approached the search. Committee members have been a joy to work with every step of the way. 

As the series of interviews unfolded, the search committee observed a pattern among the candidates. When it was time for them to ask questions of the search committee, the candidates’ first question was usually directed at the student representative; the second question was directed toward the faculty and staff members on the committee. That fact helped assure us that they understand that this is a community where every voice matters. We have repeatedly emphasized that our top priority is for the candidates to “get to know Wake Forest and get to love Wake Forest” – which you all know is important to leading this community if selected for the role.  

We are pleased to share that we are now looking at semi-finalists, and each is promising in a distinctive way. Currently, the committee anticipates making an announcement shortly following Commencement and expects the 15th president of Wake Forest to take office on July 1. 

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to Wake Forest. We are grateful to be part of this special community. 

With gratitude and appreciation, 

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