Welcome Dr. Peter Rodriguez
Dear members of the Wake Forest community:
After conducting a national search, the Presidential Search Committee unanimously recommended to the Board of Trustees, and the Board approved, the appointment of Dr. Peter Rodriguez as the 15th president of Wake Forest University. A distinguished economist and transformative academic leader, Dr. Rodriguez currently serves as the dean of Rice University’s School of Business, which includes the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. He will begin his presidency at Wake Forest on July 1, 2026.
The search committee conducted a rigorous process that attracted high-quality candidates and accomplished leaders in higher education. Each candidate who was interviewed offered unique strengths and achievements. Ultimately, we were impressed by Dr. Rodriguez’s academic credentials, business acumen, steady leadership, appetite for innovation, and a reputation for strong relationships across his various campuses.
What They’re Saying:
Peter brings significant experience across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, all while reflecting his core leadership values of attentiveness, responsiveness, and kindness. His broad range of service, from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Houston Board of Directors to a respect for the arts, reflects his multi-dimensional leadership style. His work with student belonging and engagement at UVA and Rice demonstrates a commitment to inclusive excellence. He is the right person to advance Wake’s teacher-scholar ideal and embody our Pro Humanitate motto. As a professor, alum, and parent, I am excited for Wake Forest’s future.
Christine Coughlin (JD ’90, P ’20, P ’27), professor of law and member of the Search Committee
