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
Peter Rodriguez has been a transformative leader for Rice Business and our university. Under his ambitious, steady guidance, the school significantly expanded its size and national and global reputation, launched innovative new programs, strengthened entrepreneurship and experiential learning opportunities, and created pathways for many more students to access a world-class business education. We are deeply grateful for Peter’s vision, energy and inspiring commitment to excellence, and while we will miss him at Rice, we know Wake Forest University will benefit tremendously from his leadership and wisdom.
Reginald DesRoches, President of Rice University
I am thrilled that Peter will become the 15th President of Wake Forest. His authentic relational leadership, his clear and compelling vision for the role of a university, his demonstrated track record of institutional leadership, his financial acumen, and his intellectual curiosity expressed through a wonderful combination of confidence and humility make him the President we need to lead Wake Forest into the future.
Don Flow (MBA ’83), University Trustee and member of the Search Committee
What excites me most about Wake Forest’s future under Peter’s stewardship is his rare ability to be both relatable and deeply inspiring. In an era shaped by platforms like TikTok and Instagram, younger generations are drawn to leaders who feel authentic and approachable, but who also offer substance and a sense of purpose. Peter embodies both qualities. Where our current culture often prioritizes short-term gratification, Peter offers lasting power, articulating a vision that is thoughtful, aspirational and enduring. He observes, listens carefully, and communicates in a common, accessible language without losing intellectual depth. As a former student leader, I know how important it is for university leaders not just to speak about community, but to actually demonstrate that they care. At every stage of this process, Peter proved that he leads with authenticity, humility, and heart.
He consistently demonstrated a rare combination of thoughtful reflection, intellectual rigor, and a deep reliance on data to inform his decisions. What impressed me most was not simply his vision for higher education but the genuine humility with which he spoke about the people who have shaped his journey. He specifically named mentors, colleagues, and even former Wake Forest students who influenced and strengthened his approach to teaching. Knowing some of those individuals personally, I was struck by how authentic those reflections were; it was clear this wasn’t a rehearsed talking point, but a core belief. Peter does not view leadership as a solitary endeavor, but as a deeply empathetic responsibility grounded in listening, learning and growing alongside others. I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead for Wake Forest under his leadership.
Jermyn Davis (’10), University Trustee and member of the Search Committee
As a professor in a humanities discipline, I am delighted by Peter’s clear appreciation for the arts and humanities. More broadly, he deeply values academics – he gets energized when talking about teaching and understands what makes the Wake Forest undergraduate experience special. As a faculty Senator, I am inspired by his genuine commitment to shared governance and to academic freedom.
Kendall Tarte, professor of French Studies and member of the Search Committee
Wake Forest has made a spectacular and inspired choice for its next president in Peter Rodriguez. Peter has been a transformative leader of Rice Business in every dimension – making Rice a leader in online business degrees, growing its programs, enrollment and faculty, initiating an undergraduate business major, and greatly expanding its facilities. He has engaged successfully with every part of the Rice community, and beyond that in the city of Houston, especially in areas of innovation and entrepreneurship. Not only Wake Forest University but also its home city of Winston-Salem will benefit from his leadership and engagement.
David W. Leebron, President Emeritus of Rice University; Chief Executive Officer, Texas 2036
The process of finding Peter and Peter himself share remarkably similar qualities: steadiness, transparency, curiosity, and a deeply relational spirit. Throughout the search, those characteristics consistently rose to the surface, revealing the kind of person Peter is — one whose presence, vision, and authenticity naturally bring people together. The committee is confident that the future of Wake Forest is bright under his guidance. A remarkable thinker with multifaceted strengths and versatility, he leads with humility, sincerity, warmth, and wisdom. With his affable nature and steadfast leadership, Wake is poised to flourish while deepening the sense of purpose and possibility that have always made this community extraordinary. Peter will take Wake toward where it was always meant to go.
Hannah Shue (‘13), University Trustee and member of the Search Committee
American higher education stands at a moment of consequence; Wake Forest, at one of extraordinary opportunity. After a deliberate national search, our committee was unanimous: Peter Rodriguez is the leader equal to both. He brings rare strategic vision, deep scholarly credibility, and an understanding that institutions like ours are defined – and elevated — in moments precisely like the one before us.
Mit Shah (’91, P ’25), University Trustee and member of the Search Committee
Peter Rodriguez, a brilliant scholar and insightful administrator, will undoubtedly be an outstanding president. His care for students, support for faculty and pragmatic problem-solving will add luster to Wake Forest’s outstanding reputation. But, more than anything, his commitment to humane values will inspire the best in those who meet and interact with him.
Ruth J. Simmons, President’s Distinguished Fellow and Board Member at Rice University; professor, author, and president emerita of Prairie View A&M, Brown University, and Smith College; and former chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Houston
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
Peter impressed us with the way he combines deep intelligence and practical leadership experience with authenticity, humility, and humanity. A dedicated teacher-scholar, he is deeply committed to the transformative power of a Wake Forest education to empower undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students to become leaders of character who serve humanity. His selection as Wake Forest’s 15th president gives me great hope and confidence in the future of our university.
Michael Lamb, senior executive director of the Program for Leadership and Character, the F. M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character, associate professor of interdisciplinary humanities, and member of the Search Committee
Wake Forest has made an inspired choice in selecting Peter Rodriguez as its next president. Peter is a visionary leader, a respected scholar, and a person of unwavering integrity whose experienced leadership in community building and academic excellence is perfect for this moment and for Wake Forest. As a friend and former colleague, I am confident Wake Forest’s future will be strengthened under his presidency.
Erika James, Dean and Professor, Department of Management, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
Peter’s distinguished academic career reflects not only a deep commitment to intellectual excellence but also a remarkable ability to lead with insight and vision. Beyond his impressive accomplishments, Peter brings a rare combination of rigor, curiosity, and an inclusive spirit that inspires those around him. I am confident that his leadership will strengthen Wake Forest’s tradition of excellence while leading the university boldly into the future.
Lynn Baranski (’88, P ’27), University Trustee and member of the Search Committee
In seeking the next president, it was clear that Wake Forest needed someone who embraced the liberal arts and Pro Humanitate, embodied leadership and character, exhibited intellectual curiosity, and could provide a strong vision for the future of higher education. We found these attributes in Peter, and I am thrilled to welcome him to our Wake Forest family.
Lauren Lowman, Associate Professor, Department of Engineering, and member of the Search Committee
Peter is an extremely thoughtful person and leader, and he has a strong network of mentors and peers who have helped shape him and are vested in his success. He is a quick study with a huge interest in learning, dating back to his childhood. He absorbed all the information we shared with him throughout the process and offered thoughtful insights and unique ideas for achieving our strategic goals. He has a clear understanding of the competitive environment facing higher education and is prepared to tackle the issues he will likely face as our President.
Peter is a growth-oriented leader responsible for the majority of Rice’s recent growth through the creation of an undergraduate business school. He brings that growth-oriented mindset to Wake Forest, where he will help us create a shared strategic vision for our academic programs. While Peter believes growth is essential to our future, he also shared that we must preserve what makes us unique and adapt our growth strategy to the moment.
Peter and his wife, Kathleen, will be terrific ambassadors and stewards of Wake Forest. Our community will enjoy getting to know both of them. could not be more excited about introducing both of them to the Wake Forest community.
Eric Eubank (’86, P’15), University Trustee and member of the Search Committee
Under Dean Rodriguez’s leadership at our Business School, much has been accomplished. Peter has elevated our reputation and rankings across multiple disciplines. He has led growth, while being innovative, in our degree programs, and we have experienced a significant increase in the size of our faculty. All of this while working well with our seven other schools and Athletics. Peter is highly respected both on and off our campus. He has an engaging personality, is kind and is a wonderful public speaker. All of these qualities make him an ideal choice to lead Wake Forest University.
Robert T. Ladd, Chair, Rice University Board of Trustees; Managing Partner, Stellus Capital Management; and Chairman and CEO, Stellus Capital Investment Corporation
Peter Rodriguez is a transformational leader, a community builder and a very perceptive observer of changes in higher education. Wake Forest is fortunate in recruiting a president of his quality to guide the institution forward.
Robert F. Bruner, University Emeritus Professor; Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Business Administration; and Dean Emeritus of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia
Peter Rodriguez has been a wonderful decanal colleague over the past several years, and both Rice and Houston will miss him greatly. During his time at Rice Business, he helped launch new degrees and programs, strengthened the school’s national reputation, and oversaw the development of an impressive new home for the school. Just as important, Peter has been a collaborative and thoughtful university leader whose impact has extended well beyond Rice Business. I am excited to see all he will accomplish as president of Wake Forest University and know he will continue to make an important contribution to higher education.
Robert Bruce, Dean of Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, Rice University
Peter has been a transformational leader at Rice. He has the rare capacity to both dream big and execute with precision. He is respected equally by the business community, Rice alumni, faculty, and students. I am confident the same will be true at Wake Forest.
Robert “Bobby” Tudor, Former Board Chair, Rice University; founder and CEO of Artemis Energy Partners
