Big Big News
In this Issue: Wake Forest announces our 15th president, NAME
Today Wake Forest shared the name of our President-Elect, whose term will begin July 1st: Dr. Peter Rodriguez, currently dean of Rice University’s School of Business.
You can read the full news release, but here is a snippet:
“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.”
There is also a news story that includes additional information and testimonials from colleagues and search committee members. And here is a welcome video:
I had the good fortune to meet President-Elect Rodriguez briefly as part of a welcome meeting with our Staff Advisory Council Executive Committee. My first impression is that all those testimonials ring true. He talked about how at Rice, some of their stated values were to be attentive, responsive, and kind, and that feels like a great cultural parallel for Wake Forest
This will be the fifth president I have served at Wake, and I am really excited about what is to come. New presidents bring new energy, new ideas, and new vitality. I look forward to all that our community will be able to achieve together under his leadership.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the members of the Presidential Search Committee for their work. They made this a very collaborative process and made a point to gather extensive feedback and suggestions from faculty, staff, students, alumni and families. And of course we recognize and thank Dr. Wente for all she has accomplished during her tenure.
There will be much more to share about President-Elect Rodriguez closer to July 1. For now, we wish him and his wife Kathleen a smooth finish to their time in Houston and a very warm welcome to the Wake Forest family.