Susan R. Wente, the 14th president of Wake Forest University, has announced she will step down from her position on June 30, 2026. The university confirmed the decision on Wednesday, noting that Wente will have completed a five-year term as leader of the institution.
Key Takeaways
- Susan R. Wente will conclude her presidency at Wake Forest University on June 30, 2026.
- Her tenure began in July 2021, and her departure will mark the end of her fifth year in the role.
- Under her leadership, the university saw a 70% increase in undergraduate applications over five years and achieved record philanthropic support in fiscal year 2025.
- After a sabbatical, Wente, a distinguished biologist and biochemist, plans to return to her scientific work.
Details of the Presidential Transition
In a message sent to the Wake Forest community, President Wente described her decision as a personal one made after significant reflection. Her planned departure provides the university with a lengthy period to conduct a search for its next leader.
Wente officially assumed the presidency in July 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the university's history. Her announcement sets a clear timeline for the conclusion of her leadership, allowing for a stable and organized transition process.
"With a sense of gratitude and optimism, I write today to share a personal decision," Wente stated in her message. "After considerable reflection, I have decided to conclude my presidency on June 30, 2026, at the end of my fifth year."
The university's Board of Trustees will be responsible for initiating the search for the 15th president of Wake Forest. No immediate details about the search committee or its timeline have been released.
A Review of Wente's Tenure
During her time as president, Wake Forest University has experienced significant growth and navigated complex challenges. Wente's leadership is credited with guiding the institution through the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic while advancing its strategic goals.
One of the most notable achievements during her term has been the substantial increase in student interest. The university reported a 70% rise in undergraduate applications over the last five years, indicating a growing national and international reputation.
By the Numbers: Wente's Presidency
- Start Date: July 2021
- Departure Date: June 30, 2026
- Application Growth: 70% increase in undergraduate applications over the past five years.
- Fundraising: Record-setting philanthropic support achieved in fiscal year 2025.
In addition to application growth, Wente’s administration focused on making the university more accessible. She oversaw the expansion of financial aid programs, aiming to reduce the financial barriers for prospective students. This focus on access and affordability was a central part of her vision for a student-centered research university.
Praise from University Leadership
The Wake Forest University Board of Trustees expressed its appreciation for Wente's contributions. Board Chair Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt highlighted her steady leadership during a period of widespread difficulty for higher education.
"Susan Wente is a gifted servant leader," said Bobbitt. "She is the president who led Wake Forest out of the pandemic, expanded access and financial aid programs, and she has brought new ideas and energy to our campuses and communities."
Bobbitt emphasized that Wente's efforts have positioned the university for continued success. She noted that Wente has earned the board's "deepest respect and gratitude" for leading through what she described as a "tumultuous time in higher education."
Wente's Academic Background
Beyond her administrative role, Susan R. Wente is a respected scientist. She holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Biology and Biochemistry. Her research has focused on molecular and cell biology, particularly the transport of materials between a cell's nucleus and its cytoplasm.
Future Plans and Return to Academia
Following the conclusion of her presidency in 2026, Wente plans to take a well-earned sabbatical. This break will precede her return to her academic career, where she will focus on her scientific research and teaching.
Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt confirmed this plan, stating, "when her presidency concludes, she will enjoy a well-earned sabbatical, followed by a return to her scientific roots."
This path from a university presidency back to a faculty and research role is not uncommon in academia. It allows former leaders to continue contributing to their fields of expertise and to the academic mission of the institution in a different capacity.
Wente's decision to provide a nearly two-year notice ensures that her departure will not disrupt the university's ongoing operations. The institution will continue to pursue its strategic initiatives while preparing for its next chapter of leadership.
