A very big news day here
This afternoon, a major announcement was made: President Hatch will retire at the end of this academic year (June 30, 2021):
Fifteen years ago, Julie and I accepted the call to join the special educational community of Wake Forest University. These years have been the opportunity of a lifetime – a great gift. We are thankful to work alongside such richly talented and committed faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni and parents. It has been a joy to deepen Wake Forest’s mission, expand its reach and enhance its reputation as a collegiate university.
With a grateful spirit for all that we have done together, I share that Julie and I intend to retire from Wake Forest University on June 30, 2021, or until it is appropriate for a new president to take office.
As Dr. Hatch describes in his email, this has been in the making for some time, then COVID interrupted the planned announcement. He has also recorded a video message, since we could not all be present in person.
Dr. Hatch and his wife Julie have lovingly served Wake Forest during their tenure. Being a president – or the first lady – is not an easy job, but they have given Wake everything they have. I’ve been fortunate to work with them on many occasions, and they have always been thoughtful leaders, gracious hosts, and unfailingly kind to me. I’m grateful for all the ways they have helped make my alma mater a better place.
There will no doubt be more coming about the presidential search in the coming days, and we’ll bring you the news as we have it.
Students received an email today from Residence Life and Housing about petitioning to stay on campus after the 11/24 departure date; read it here. Petitioning to stay is only for students with some sort of hardship; it is not for students who simply prefer to be in Winston-Salem. There will be more information about the end of this semester and details on the spring semester coming out in the next couple of weeks (we are working on those details right now).
Last up today, our Theatre faculty have found a creative way to bring art to our students in the time of COVID. Despite the in-person fall season being cancelled, they have worked on a series of Connected in the Deep podcasts that students can listen to (similar to the radio plays of oldentimes) instead. You can read the full story here, or visit the Theatre website for the podcasts.