The Board of Trustees announced the launch of a national search for Wake Forest University’s 15th president.
The Search for Wake Forest’s
15th President
The Wake Forest University Board of Trustees has formed a presidential search committee and engaged an executive search firm to lead the process of identifying and securing Wake Forest’s 15th president. This committee – composed of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and a student – will listen to the perspectives and aspirations of Wake Foresters as we envision the University’s next chapter. The committee will gather insight, conduct interviews and recommend the best leader for Wake Forest at this important moment.
Alongside the presidential search committee, a Trustee special advisory committee will support the board chair by recommending leadership attributes and defining the qualities essential for Wake Forest’s next president. These members will participate in stakeholder listening sessions and advise the board chair, search committee and Trustees on the views and priorities of our community.
The Board of Trustees remains committed to an open and engaging search process. Throughout the fall, we will invite the Wake Forest community to share its perspectives on what the University needs in its next president. We welcome your ideas about Wake Forest’s opportunities as we prepare to embrace new leadership. We approach this work with excitement for Wake Forest’s future and a deep sense of responsibility for the process ahead.
As we conduct the search, we remain profoundly grateful for the people who define the Wake Forest community. The dedication – and heart – of Wake Foresters continues to distinguish our University. We will draw on our shared values – our pursuit of excellence, our emphasis on relationships and conversation, our devotion to mission, and our optimism for the future – to guide us in selecting our next president. Together, we will continue to strengthen and cherish this place we call home.
— Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt (’79, MBA ’87) and
Curt Farmer (’84, MBA ’91, P ’16, P ’17)
Co-chairs of the Presidential Search Committee
Get Involved
We welcome insight and feedback from the Wake Forest community as we search for the next president. Join us in the work ahead.
Search Details
Wake Forest University seeks a dynamic leader to advance its mission as the institution approaches its third century. Meet the people leading the search and discover what to expect throughout the process.
Seeking Our Next President
The Wake Forest University community seeks a leader of rare caliber—someone who embodies uncompromising integrity, impeccable character and a strong set of guiding values and principles. This description outlines what we seek in our next president and the many opportunities that await Wake Forest.
Updates
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Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente to step down in June 2026
Dr. Susan R. Wente announced today that she will step down as Wake Forest University’s president on June 30, 2026. She has served as Wake Forest’s 14th president and a Distinguished University Professor of Biology and Biochemistry since July 2021.