Selecting the next president of Wake Forest University
The announcement of Dr. Peter Rodriguez as Wake Forest’s 15th president marks a defining moment in the University’s history. This appointment is the culmination of a rigorous, collaborative, and thoughtful search designed to find a visionary leader for Wake Forest’s next chapter.
Thanks to the tireless dedication of the Presidential Search Committee, we welcome a leader whose strategic vision, deep empathy, and alignment with our Pro Humanitate motto will inspire the Wake Forest community to reach new heights of excellence.
Community Engagement and Leadership Profile Development
Before evaluating any candidates, the committee prioritized the voices of the Wake Forest community. A widespread engagement initiative ensured our collective aspirations shaped the search. More than 2,000 Wake Foresters shared their feedback. This included 1,055 online survey responses and over 850 listening session participants across faculty, staff, students, alumni, and families. The community’s insights directly formed the official Leadership Profile, establishing the benchmark for the ideal candidate’s qualifications and strategic priorities. In addition, 165 members of the community actively suggested viable leaders for consideration.
Candidate Recruitment and Initial Screening
Armed with the community-guided Leadership Profile, the search committee partnered with an executive search firm to launch a comprehensive national campaign. The search attracted more than 165 highly qualified applicants, including sitting presidents, provosts, deans, and non-traditional leaders nationwide. The committee vetted each applicant, whittling the pool down to a select group of top-tier candidates who closely aligned with Wake Forest’s unique mission and values.
Interviews and Selection
The final phase of the search subjected the top candidates to a multi-layered, intensive evaluation process to test their strategic vision and cultural fit. Candidates participated in multiple interview rounds, tackling complex higher education challenges and specific strategic scenarios vital to Wake Forest’s future. Following background and reference checks, the committee unanimously recommended the finalist to the Board of Trustees. The Board enthusiastically approved the recommendation, naming Peter Rodriguez as our 15th president.
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, the committee was 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:
Our process began within, as we reminded ourselves who we are at Wake Forest, and who we are becoming. The search committee endeavored not just to find candidates, but to know them. We listened to each other and weighed the leadership opportunity ahead of Wake Forest. This deliberate, thoughtful, and mission-driven process led us to know deeply the candidate who would best lead Wake Forest toward who we can become. That person is Peter Rodriguez, and I am brimming with excitement about the future of Mother So Dear under his steady hand. Peter has a vibrant intellect and strategic approach that has produced excellence in all facets of university life over lengthy tenures across academia. He values how students, faculty, and staff come together to discern and magnify an institution’s distinctiveness. He cares about the faculty and staff who create a dynamic and invigorating learning community where students thrive.
Matt Clifford, associate vice president for Campus Life, dean of students, and member of the Search Committee
