"Charles Iacovou" Archive

Wake Forest forms search committee for Dean of the School of Business

Wake Forest University has formed a search committee for its next Dean of the School of Business, succeeding Charles Iacovou, who was named Dean of the School of Professional Studies last December; Michelle Roehm has served as Interim Dean since January 2021.

The search committee, chaired by Provost Rogan Kersh, will have its inaugural meeting next week. “This signal transition in a vital Wake Forest institution comes at a time of historic change across our University and is, therefore, all the more pivotal,” said Kersh. “As we see ever-closer collaboration among our deans and other academic leaders, all of Wake Forest will be enhanced by this search committee’s meticulous work.” Read more

Categories: Inside WFU

Former students and colleagues remember Professor Beatty and reflect on his enduring legacy

Wake Forest University announced on August 10 that beloved educator Bernard Lee “Bern” Beatty, retired associate professor of management in the business school, passed away on August 4, at the age of 92. Former students, mentees, colleagues and friends have shared stories and reflections about Beatty’s profound impact on their lives. Alumni have also honored his legacy with gifts in his name, which will continue to benefit Wake Forest students for years to come. Photo of Professor Bern Beatty sitting at a table outside of Farrell Hall with Bern Beatty Scholars Lori Bremer (MBA '07) anad Karl Burns (MBA '08)

Beatty is remembered for his kindness, mentorship, generosity and the way he inspired his students to grow professionally and personally to make a difference in the world. He taught accounting, management and case writing at Wake Forest for 42 years, from 1974 to 2016. Beatty was recognized as a Babcock Educator of the Year six times between 1975 and 2003.

“Professor Beatty’s impact on the lives of so many Demon Deacons is truly unmatched,” said Charles Iacovou, former dean of the School of Business. Iacovou is now dean of the School of Professional Studies and vice provost for Charlotte Programs. “The engaging courses and international experiences he led over the years provided impactful learning opportunities to his students and helped them stretch their managerial acumen, critical thinking and global mindset. Professor Beatty always sought to tackle big ideas with all of his academic endeavors and invited the students to be his equal partners in those intellectual explorations,” Iacovou said.

“Alumni, and particularly our MBA alumni, frequently ask about Dr. Beatty,” said Michelle Roehm, interim dean of the School of Business. “They are quick to say how grateful they are for the special role he played in their development as business leaders and as citizens of the world. I was honored to serve alongside him as a colleague. He will be greatly missed.”

Read more

Categories: Faculty NewsInside WFU

Shonda Jones to lead academic programs at the School of Professional Studies

After 10 years with the School of Divinity, Dr. Shonda Jones has accepted a new role as executive director of academic programs at the School of Professional Studies. Dr. Jones will develop and oversee a compelling portfolio of flexible, affordable and relevant academic programs for the new school. Her work will produce a collection of high-demand degree and non-degree offerings to meet the evolving needs of working professionals in the Charlotte community and beyond. Headshot of Shonda Jones, executive director of academic programs at the WFU School of Professional Studies

“This is an exciting time for the University and a pivotal time in higher education. We must be able to respond not only to the current marketplace but anticipate what innovations and untapped opportunities exist before us,” Jones said.

“Dr. Jones’s strategic leadership and innate ability to decipher what students, as well as her colleagues, need to foster strong relational ties and successful academic experiences will greatly benefit the School of Professional Studies,” said Jonathan Lee Walton, dean of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Read more

Plans for proposed School of Professional Studies

The following message was shared with the campus community from Provost Rogan Kersh.

Dear Wake Forest Community:

Wake Forest’s Board of Trustees has approved plans to establish a School of Professional Studies in Charlotte. Pending completion of a full market analysis and business plan, the proposed school will house innovative degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, for working professionals.

Charles Iacovou, Dean of the School of Business, will transition from his current role and begin serving as Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Vice Provost for Charlotte Programs on Jan. 4, 2021. Read more

Response to malicious emails

The following message was emailed to students, faculty and staff on September 19, 2019

Last week, an unknown individual or individuals with malicious intent sought to spread a message of bigotry, division and fear among members of our campus community through emails sent to seven members of our faculty and staff and five offices on campus. Our faculty and staff have worked to protect everyone on our campus while striving to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

We hear the questions posed by some of our students: can you see us, can you hear us, do you understand our lived experiences? Yes, we see you. Yes, we hear you. And, no, we cannot fully understand what some of you are enduring.

The emails, steeped in the vitriol of white supremacy and nationalism, were sent to individual and office inboxes associated with the Department of Sociology, the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the LGBTQ+ Center, and the Intercultural Center. These emails have hurt, scared, threatened, angered, and confused many on our campus in different ways. This cuts at the core of who we are at Wake Forest and impacts us all.

While none of the emails contained actionable threats or detailed a specific attack on our campus, they still managed to elicit the fear the sender intended. Wake Forest consulted with law enforcement and national threat assessment experts — including the FBI’s leading experts on domestic terrorism, white nationalism, and hate crimes — before deciding to continue classes and normal University operations. The increased police presence on campus and enhanced security measures will continue while the investigation proceeds.

Our decision to continue classes does not diminish the real emotions and concern some in our community still feel. We pledge to stand by all our students, staff and faculty when they experience hate and discrimination of any kind. We will revise protocols where necessary and improve on the processes that we know are effective. We must remember who we are as a caring and supportive community and move forward in the spirit of those values.

There are many sources of support for those of you who are affected by these hateful emails. The University Counseling Center (336-758-5273), the Chaplain’s Office (336-758-5210) and the Employee Assistance Program (336-716-5493) are invaluable resources, as are our friendships and circles of personal support. Please continue to look out for each other.

Sincerely,

Nathan Hatch, President
Rogan Kersh, Provost
Jane Aiken, Dean of the School of Law
Michele Gillespie, Dean of the College
Charles Iacovou, Dean of the School of Business
Penny Rue, Vice President for Campus Life
José Villalba, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Jonathan Walton, Dean of the School of Divinity

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