Wake Forest honors faculty and staff retirees

As Wake Forest prepares to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2023 on Monday, May 15, we also pause to recognize and honor the outstanding careers of faculty and staff members who have or will be retiring this academic year. 

Retiring colleagues were celebrated on April 26 at the Retiree Luncheon, an annual event jointly hosted by Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, and the Retiree Association Steering Committee. The event offers an opportunity for members of the retiree community to reunite and welcome new members. 

“Over the past two years, I have gained rich insight into the culture and people of our great University,” remarked President Wente during the event. “Wake Forest faculty and staff truly love this institution and always give their very best to allow this University to be its best, all in service to our academic and research missions and our motto, Pro Humanitate.” 

This year’s longest-serving retiree is William L. Poteat Professor of Psychology Debbie Best (‘70, MA ‘72) with 51 years of dedication and commitment to Wake Forest. A “Double Deac,” professor Best was the first woman to be named Dean of the College at Wake Forest.

This year’s distinguished group of leaders, colleagues, mentors and friends includes 34 retiring faculty and staff members. The complete list of 2022-23 retirees and photos from the Retiree Luncheon are available here. 

Please join us in thanking those faculty and staff who have given so much to Wake Forest University.