As we navigate the dynamic landscape of higher education and the unique trajectory of Wake Forest, the Office of the Provost prioritizes consistent and timely communication and strives to keep our community informed and engaged with the latest messages, updates, and visionary directions from the Provost’s office. Delve into our recent announcements, thought leadership, and institutional strides, and stay connected with the heartbeat of our academic mission.
The Provost’s Latest Messages
- 2025 Provost’s AddressOn Wednesday, March 5, Provost Michele Gillespie delivered her third annual address at the invitation of the Faculty Senate. PDF of Provost Gillespie’s remarks. Annual Address of the Provost to the Faculty and Staff of Wake Forest University By Michele Gillespie, Provost and Presidential Endowed Chair of Southern History March 5, 2025 Normally in […]
- A Letter to Faculty: February 2025February 10, 2025 Dear Faculty Colleagues, Federal policy changes are on all our minds right now. Together, as a community, we must support each other through these challenging times. We must be unwavering in our commitment to our teaching, learning, and research missions. We must be steadfast in our support of all our students, faculty, […]
- A Letter to Faculty: January 2025January 23, 2025 Dear Faculty Colleagues, Congratulations! Your first week of spring semester classes is under your belt! Never forget that you play a transformative role in your studentsβ lives. Each and every day you help make our Wake Forest community stronger and better through your teaching, research and engagement. This monthβs letter highlights the […]
- Lauren Pressley named next Dean of Z. Smith Reynolds LibraryJanuary 9, 2025 Dear Colleagues, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Lauren Pressley as the next Dean of Z. Smith Reynolds Library, effective July 1, 2025. This exciting news has just been posted on Inside WFU, and I encourage you to read the full announcement here. Lauren will be returning to Wake […]
- A Letter to Faculty: December 2024December 12, 2024 Dear Faculty Colleagues, As this hectic fall semester comes to a close, and as you wrap up grading and prepare for a well deserved winter break, I write with updates on a number of academic fronts. Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression:Be on the lookout in early January for materials surrounding the […]
Remarks from Provost Gillespie
- 2025 Provost’s AddressOn Wednesday, March 5, Provost Michele Gillespie delivered her third annual address at the invitation of the Faculty Senate. PDF of Provost Gillespie’s remarks. Annual Address of the Provost to the Faculty and Staff of Wake Forest University By Michele Gillespie, Provost and Presidential Endowed Chair of Southern History March 5, 2025 Normally in […]
- Remarks: 2024 Provost’s AddressOn Wednesday, March 6, Provost Michele Gillespie delivered her 2nd annual address to the University at the invitation of the Faculty Senate.
- Remarks: Reece Collection/Of the Times Exhibition OpeningThank you for coming out on this cold, cold evening to celebrate this momentous occasion. For those of you who donβt know me, Iβm Michele Gillespie, Provost here at Wake Forest, and I would like to warmly welcome each of you. I am delighted to be with you as we open this new art exhibit […]
- Remarks: 100 Years of Student Government at Wake ForestRemarks given Monday, November 13, 2023 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wake Forest University’s Student Government Association I am delighted to be here with you today commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Wake Forest University Student Government. As we have heard already tonight, we are not only celebrating a centennial of leadership but also […]
- Remarks: Leadership & Character Scholar InductionRemarks given Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Program for Leadership & Character’s Scholar induction. I am so delighted to be here with all of you at this special Leadership and Character induction ceremony for our newest Scholars. My most heartfelt congratulations to each of you inductees. It is no small feat to have been […]
Congratulations to Wake Forestβs newest Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Dr. Kimberley McAllister and Dr. Abdou Lachgar! π
π¬ Kimberley McAllister, Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry and Creative Activity and Professor of Biology and Translational Neuroscience, is being honored for her groundbreaking research on cortical synapse formation and the effects of maternal infection on psychiatric illness risk in offspring.
β‘οΈ Abdou Lachgar, Professor of Chemistry and Bell Faculty Fellow, is recognized for his exceptional contributions to materials science, with a focus on developing innovative materials for renewable energy, environmental remediation, and green energy production.
These remarkable scholars exemplify Wake Forestβs teacher-scholar model by advancing knowledge while mentoring the next generation of scientists. Their work continues to drive discovery and innovation that can meaningfully improve lives.
π Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements! (See link in bio to read more)

Congratulations to Wake Forestβs newest Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Dr. Kimberley McAllister and Dr. Abdou Lachgar! π
π¬ Kimberley McAllister, Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry and Creative Activity and Professor of Biology and Translational Neuroscience, is being honored for her groundbreaking research on cortical synapse formation and the effects of maternal infection on psychiatric illness risk in offspring.
β‘οΈ Abdou Lachgar, Professor of Chemistry and Bell Faculty Fellow, is recognized for his exceptional contributions to materials science, with a focus on developing innovative materials for renewable energy, environmental remediation, and green energy production.
These remarkable scholars exemplify Wake Forestβs teacher-scholar model by advancing knowledge while mentoring the next generation of scientists. Their work continues to drive discovery and innovation that can meaningfully improve lives.
π Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements! (See link in bio to read more)
Freedom of expression isnβt just about speakingβitβs about listening, learning, and doing good. π‘ Hear from Wake Forest students on why these conversations matter. ποΈ #ProHumanitate #WakeForest #FreedomOfExpression

Freedom of expression isnβt just about speakingβitβs about listening, learning, and doing good. π‘ Hear from Wake Forest students on why these conversations matter. ποΈ #ProHumanitate #WakeForest #FreedomOfExpression
Academic freedom is at the heart of our mission at Wake Forest. This video explores how our community fosters open inquiry, protects the freedom to explore ideasβeven challenging onesβand encourages reflection on our own freedoms and those of others. Discover why this principle is essential to lifelong learning and academic excellence. Watch now! #academicfreedom #communityofinquiry #academicexcellence #ourmottomeansmore

Academic freedom is at the heart of our mission at Wake Forest. This video explores how our community fosters open inquiry, protects the freedom to explore ideasβeven challenging onesβand encourages reflection on our own freedoms and those of others. Discover why this principle is essential to lifelong learning and academic excellence. Watch now! #academicfreedom #communityofinquiry #academicexcellence #ourmottomeansmore
What does freedom of expression really mean? π€ In this video we break it down, exploring the nuances of free speech, its limitations, and why it matters on our campus. It`s not just about saying what you want; it`s about fostering open dialogue. Learn more at freeexpression.wfu.edu #FreeSpeech #AcademicExcellence #OurMottoMeansMore

What does freedom of expression really mean? π€ In this video we break it down, exploring the nuances of free speech, its limitations, and why it matters on our campus. It`s not just about saying what you want; it`s about fostering open dialogue. Learn more at freeexpression.wfu.edu #FreeSpeech #AcademicExcellence #OurMottoMeansMore
Happy FDOC! We can`t wait to see all the amazing things our students and faculty accomplish in and out of the classroom this semester! #academicexcellence

Happy FDOC! We can`t wait to see all the amazing things our students and faculty accomplish in and out of the classroom this semester! #academicexcellence
π Congratulations to @wfuniversity Creative Writing Professor Joanna Ruocco (pen name Joanna Lowell) for her latest novel "A Shore Thing" making the New York Times Best Romance Novels of 2024 list! π
Wake Forest is proud to call such a talented author, storyteller, and teacher-scholar one of our own. ππ
#WakeForestFaculty #CreativeWriting #AcademicExcellence #Bookstagram

π Congratulations to @wfuniversity Creative Writing Professor Joanna Ruocco (pen name Joanna Lowell) for her latest novel "A Shore Thing" making the New York Times Best Romance Novels of 2024 list! π
Wake Forest is proud to call such a talented author, storyteller, and teacher-scholar one of our own. ππ
#WakeForestFaculty #CreativeWriting #AcademicExcellence #Bookstagram
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Thank you to sophomore Genesis Mark who was assisting with the Community Day of Action Supply Drive donation collection this morning at the ZSR Library Circle! More volunteers are needed weekdays from 8am-2pm through Nov. 14. Please sign up at givepulse.com/event/520422 and #ShowHumanitate. To learn more about all our relief efforts, visit outreach.wfu.edu/helene.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Thank you to sophomore Genesis Mark who was assisting with the Community Day of Action Supply Drive donation collection this morning at the ZSR Library Circle! More volunteers are needed weekdays from 8am-2pm through Nov. 14. Please sign up at givepulse.com/event/520422 and #ShowHumanitate. To learn more about all our relief efforts, visit outreach.wfu.edu/helene.
Congratulations to Vice Provost for Global Affairs Dr. Kline Harrison for being recognized as IES Abroad`s 2024 Volunteer of the Year! This prestigious award celebrates Klineβs enduring impact on international education and his steadfast commitment to strengthening the mission of IES Abroad. We are so proud of him and all he does global education and @wfuniversity ! Read more at https://go.wfu.edu/jkh

Congratulations to Vice Provost for Global Affairs Dr. Kline Harrison for being recognized as IES Abroad`s 2024 Volunteer of the Year! This prestigious award celebrates Klineβs enduring impact on international education and his steadfast commitment to strengthening the mission of IES Abroad. We are so proud of him and all he does global education and @wfuniversity ! Read more at https://go.wfu.edu/jkh
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