Announcing New Hires
Until now, the Marketing & Communications Department has posted only new-hire announcements for cabinet-level staff or notable faculty members. This process is changing, allowing new-hire announcements to be posted on Inside WFU for any staff or faculty member. The following steps outline how to write an announcement and what details to include, along with a sample announcement template.
Who drafts the new hire announcement?
New hire announcements can be drafted by any department or faculty member.
What should I do before requesting a new hire announcement?
Work with the newly hired staff or faculty members or their supervisor to obtain all necessary information, as highlighted below.
Who approves the new hire announcement?
The new hire and their supervisor should review the announcement prior to posting for accuracy.
Questions? For more information, contact Communications.
Details to add: Beginning of announcement
- The title should clearly and simply state the person’s name and title
- Begin with “Wake Forest appoints” with the person’s title and name
- The first sentence should list their name and what they are known for
- Next, include how this new person will add value or benefit to the University
- Include the person’s start date
- Provide a headshot photo of the new hire
Details to add: Middle of announcement
- Include where the individual has worked in the past, with the number of years and what they did in each previous role
- If possible, use a quote from someone at the University about how the new hire is going to benefit the University and how the hire is advantageous for Wake Forest
- In a new paragraph, add what the new hire will do in their new role and how they will help the University
- Add a quote from the new hire about why they are excited to work at Wake Forest
Details to add: End of announcement
- Close the announcement with the new hire’s education, listing each degree and school
- If available, include a hyperlink to another news announcement or article on the new hire
- Mention, if applicable, if there was a specific search performed to find the new hire
Sample announcement
Wake Forest appoints vice president Jane Doe
Wake Forest University has named Jane Doe, a nationally recognized leader in higher education, as vice president, advancing the University’s strategy to accelerate academic advancement. She begins February 1, 2026.
Doe currently serves as vice president at American University, where she has worked for 20 years, and previously worked as director of advancement at Davidson College for 10 years.
“Jane Doe is an innovator in higher education with an impressive reputation for creating, enhancing, and expanding each department she works with,” said John Doe, executive vice president.
In her role at Wake Forest, Doe will lead the development and implementation of essential academic strategies and key programs across the campus, aligning her work with the University’s mission of academic advancement.
“I look forward to working with leaders in higher education and helping our department thrive and grow in the years to come,” Doe said. “My role will allow us to advance the University’s strategic vision and contribute to Wake Forest’s growth and ambition.”
At American University, she led a team of 25 educators …
At Davidson College, she was responsible for …
Doe holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Pace University. She earned a master’s degree in business management from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Colgate University.
Doe was appointed following a national search.