President

Wake Forest University is the nation’s premier collegiate university, dedicated to educating the whole person and upholding the promise of its motto, Pro Humanitate – for humanity. As a collegiate university, Wake Forest is a distinctive institution, combining a rigorous academic liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. Ultimately, Wake Forest is a place where a vibrant and diverse learning community weds the pursuit of knowledge, the enjoyment of rich personal experiences, and a commitment to public service.

As it anticipates significant opportunities to build upon its compelling history and mission, Wake Forest seeks an innovative and visionary president.

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest is a lively academic community with more than 8,000 students; its undergraduate population of more than 5,000 hails from 49 states and more than 50 foreign countries. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Wake Forest as one of its "Top 30 National Universities" for 24 consecutive years. The University's membership in the NCAA Division I Power Five Atlantic Coast Conference is an important part of the institutional mission and adds to both the student experience and global reputation. Additionally, in the last decade, Wake Forest has become a national leader in using innovative approaches to help students think about their vocational choices and navigate the transition from college to career.

The president of Wake Forest University will be a leader of uncompromising integrity and impeccable character with a strong set of guiding values and principles. Further, the University's leader will be dedicated to developing those same traits in Wake Forest students. The new president will champion the concept of the collegiate university, in which a holistic undergraduate experience rooted in the intellectual vitality of the liberal arts is wed to outstanding graduate and professional programs. The University is dedicated to educating the whole person and supports scholarly activity of superior quality and importance.

The ideal candidate will possess an earned terminal degree and a successful career of leadership within the academy. A personal commitment in word and deed to diversity in all its forms, equity, and inclusion across the institution and society is essential. Outstanding financial and budgetary skills and experience are required; a working knowledge of the issues facing academic medicine is a distinct advantage. The president will appreciate intercollegiate athletics and understand its role at a NCAA Division I university. Superior communication and relationship-building skills and an enthusiasm for engaging productively with the University's host community are required.

Wake Forest seeks a leader among leaders who respects the strong liberal arts background of the University on the one hand and is energetically creative and entrepreneurial on the other, shaping the future by learning from the past.

WittKieffer is assisting Wake Forest University in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the responsibilities and requirements of the role. A detailed leadership profile is available at www.wittkieffer.com.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Dennis M. Barden, Robin G. Mamlet, Ryan Crawford, and Christine Pendleton
WakeForestPresident@wittkieffer.com

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.