Wake Forest University Welcomes New Leadership
In a significant leadership transition, Wake Forest University has named Peter Rodriguez as its 15th president. Rodriguez, an accomplished academic economist, is currently the dean at Rice University’s School of Business in Texas.
Before his tenure at Rice University, Rodriguez built a noteworthy career in academia, having served as a professor at the University of Virginia and an assistant professor at Texas A&M. His academic journey also includes roles as a lecturer and research assistant at Princeton University. He holds both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University and completed his bachelor’s degree in economics at Texas A&M.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Rodriguez stated, “Wake Forest is an institution of high quality that makes a genuine difference in the world. It is the honor of my career to join the Wake Forest community as its next president. I look forward to getting to know the people who make up this special place and working together to advance the aspirations and ambitions of the University.”
The selection of Rodriguez followed an extensive national search process conducted by Wake Forest’s Board of Trustees. The Presidential Search Committee highlighted Rodriguez’s “academic credentials, business acumen, steady leadership, appetite for innovation, and a reputation for strong relationships across his various campuses” as key factors in their decision.
Rodriguez is set to succeed Susan Wente, who made history as the first woman to serve as president of Wake Forest University, beginning her term in 2021. Wente announced her departure in October to return to her academic roots, focusing on mentoring and advancing science. Rodriguez will officially begin his presidency on July 1.
