At a recent faculty meeting, I shared my thoughts on the current moment we face with the flurry of executive orders, firings, and funding cuts that continue to impact our Wake Forest community. While we wait for guidance from federal agencies, lawmakers, and state officials, I can offer you the reassurance that our commitment to academic freedom remains steadfast.
The College and Graduate School are committed to protecting the fundamental right of our scholars to investigate, analyze, and discuss complex topics across all disciplines, recognizing that meaningful academic inquiry often emerges from perspectives that challenge existing narratives and conventions.
As academics, we view debate, discussion, and constructive dissent not as threats but as essential mechanisms for expanding human knowledge, testing hypotheses, and maintaining the intellectual rigor that distinguishes us here at Wake Forest.
Yes, potential pressures and polarizations are happening at a frequency that feels overwhelming. This is why I am heartened by our collective resolve across the University to maintain an environment where diverse scholarly perspectives can be expressed, examined, and respected.
By doing so, we not only protect individual faculty members’ intellectual autonomy and support our students but also uphold the broader societal value of free, independent research that drives innovation, understanding, and development across our society.
– Jackie Krasas, Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dean’s Office Announcements
AFFIRMING OUR INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENTS
In a message to the Wake Forest community on March 17, President Wente, Provost Gillespie, and Executive Vice President Jackie Travisano affirmed Wake Forest’s institutional commitment to our academic mission and community as higher education institutions continue to address the changes coming from the new administration in Washington, D.C.
REMINDER: FOLLOWING FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICY CHANGES
Wake Forest’s Government Affairs team and a strategic steering committee are following federal changes and possible impacts on University activities and decisions. Information is available on the Office of Government Affairs website, and information specific to research is provided on the Research at Wake Forest website by the Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry, and Creative Activity and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
UNIVERSITY-WIDE CROSS-SCHOOL TEACHING POLICY UPDATE
The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce a University-wide framework and process for cross-school teaching. The 1834 Teacher-Scholars program celebrates faculty who extend their expertise beyond their home departments to enrich interdisciplinary learning across the University. These distinguished educators — permanent, full-time faculty — voluntarily teach for-credit courses outside their primary academic unit (College or School) within an academic year.
If you would like to invite a faculty member from another school to teach one or more courses in your academic program, contact Associate Dean for Academic Planning Amanda Griffith, griffial@wfu.edu. All requests for faculty to teach in a program should be coordinated through central points of contact in each academic unit, and Amanda can assist with the new process. Additional questions can be sent to Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Stacie Petter, petters@wfu.edu.
BICENTENNIAL SPACE PLAN VIRTUAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Staff and faculty will have a virtual opportunity to share their thoughts on the Bicentennial Comprehensive Space Plan (BCCSP) from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26.
Participants will be asked to share their thoughts and ideas via an active survey tool about learning and residential/social spaces, infrastructure, arts/athletics, and Wake Forest locations outside the Reynolda campus. There will also be an opportunity to share ideas for what campus could look like in 10+ years.
DR. CHRISTIAN B. MILLER TO GIVE POTEAT LECTURE
Dr. Miller, A.C. Reid Professor of Philosophy, spoke with the Dean’s Office about his upcoming Poteat Lecture, “Honesty: Preserving our Most Treasured Virtue in an Increasingly Dishonest World,” which will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 4 p.m. in Pugh Auditorium. Read the Q&A on the College website. Register for the lecture online.
NEW DISCUSSION GUIDES AVAILABLE FOR CONVERSATIONS ON THE DRAFT STATEMENT
As the Wake Forest community engages with the Draft Statement on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, a new collection of discussion guides is now available to help facilitate meaningful conversations. This resource is designed to be approachable and flexible, providing everything you need for a quick discussion or a series of in-depth conversations.
SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2025 HONORS AND AWARDS CEREMONY
The Office of the Dean of the College is asking that departments and programs submit award information for a graduating senior. The information will be included in the ceremony’s digital program. Please visit the Honors & Awards Ceremony website for details, and complete the Google submission forms for the Main Award and Additional Awards before 3 p.m. on Monday, May 5.
The traditional Honors & Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall.
For Faculty & Staff
CAMPUS RECREATION SURVEY RESPONSES NEEDED
All Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff have received a survey request from “WFU Campus Recreation” via email. The results of this national survey help make Campus Recreation the best it can be for the Wake Forest community. Please complete the survey by Sunday, March 30.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS: NEUROSCIENCE TEACHING CONFERENCE
The Neuroscience Teaching Conference welcomes proposals related to teaching for inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, encouraging our students to be lifelong learners.
This year, the conference will be held at Wake Forest University on July 24-26, with the theme of “Making Neuroscience Accessible.” Proposal submissions are due by Monday, March 31, and presenters will be notified of their acceptance by Tuesday, April 15. Use this form to submit a proposal.
Please reach out to conference directors Melissa Maffeo, masicaml@wfu.edu, Katy Lack, lackak@wfu.edu, or Christina Ragan, cragan8@gatech.edu, with any questions.
FIRST FIVE: ZSR EARLY CAREER FACULTY WORKSHOP SERIES
Please join ZSR Library for the final First Five workshop, “What to Know When You’re Publishing” on Tuesday, April 8, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in ZSR 665. Faculty will learn more about how the library can provide support during the publishing process. Lunch will be provided. Register online.
REMINDER: SUBMITTING ACADEMIC ALERTS
Do you have a student who isn’t showing up to class? Are you concerned about a student’s academic performance in your class? Submit an Academic Alert so the Office of Academic Advising can reach out.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ANNUAL DESK EVENT
DESK (Discovering Education through Student Knowledge) returns on Tuesday, April 1, with a rain date of April 8. This annual event brings together Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff to create personalized study spaces for local Title I elementary school children.
Faculty and staff are invited to participate during a special Pro Humanitate Days shift from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register online.
LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER: FUNDING FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
The Program for Leadership and Character is pleased to announce the opening of four opportunities for financial support, available to Wake Forest faculty and staff each spring. The deadline to apply (except for co-sponsorships) is Wednesday, April 2. Visit the Program for Leadership and Character website to access the application forms, key dates, and more information.
OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS: LEADERSHAPE INSTITUTE
This spring, LeaderShape and Wake Forest University partnered to host the inaugural LeaderShape Institute, a four-day immersive experience that brings together students and staff facilitators. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 9. The program runs from May 12-15 at Camp Caraway and is open to students who will be undergraduates in Fall 2025. Extended on-campus housing will be made available to all participants. Visit the Division of Campus Life website for more information. Please reach out to Deb Marke, marked@wfu.edu, with questions.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS AVAILABLE FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
Studio-quality headshots are available at no cost to Wake Forest faculty and staff on the second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at the University Corporate Center. Appointments are required.
CENTER FOR GLOBAL PROGRAMS AND STUDIES HOSTS FACULTY WORKSHOP SERIES
The Center for Global Programs and Studies is excited to host a series of interactive workshops designed to empower faculty in leading, developing, and enhancing study abroad programs. This comprehensive series includes seven workshops, each focusing on a specific component of study abroad programming. The three remaining workshops are listed below.
- Thursday, April 17: Identities Abroad, Intercultural Knowledge, and Integration (MyCQ)
- Tuesday, April 22: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (Faculty Panel)
- Wednesday, May 7: Health & Safety Overview
The workshops will be held in-person from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Visit Workday to view upcoming locations and the registration form.
APPLY TO THE ACE FELLOWS PROGRAM
Submit your application for the ACE Fellows Program by Thursday, May 15, and join a dynamic network of ACE faculty who receive $1,000 annually for two years to support community-engaged teaching and scholarship.
For more details, contact Director of Community Partnerships & Experiential Learning Allison Walker, walkea@wfu.edu.
Technology
TECH TIP: IMPROVE CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY IN CANVA
When you are creating content in Canvas pages or the other ‘Rich Content Editor’ areas, the Accessibility Checker provides an easy way for you to check the accessibility of your content, learn how to improve it, and make changes. ITG member Suzanne Thompson has created a blog post about the Canvas Accessibility Checker and how to learn more about accessibility at WFU. As always, feel free to reach out to Suzanne or any ITG for assistance with all of your technology needs.
INTRODUCING DEACBOT: YOUR AFTER-HOURS TECH SUPPORT COMPANION
Information Systems is excited to announce the official launch of IS Deacbot, an AI-powered chatbot providing conversational support after hours. While Deacbot enhances our support services, it will not replace our human support teams. Find Deacbot on the IS website and AskDeac weekdays after 9 p.m. and all day on weekends.
IS YOUR ZOOM SECURE? DOUBLE CHECK!
Zoom’s security settings can be customized to enhance your user experience. You can easily schedule meetings, remove participants, set meeting passwords, and limit access through these customizable settings. For further information, please visit the Ask Deac Knowledge Article for more details on how to adjust these settings.
STREAMLINED TECH PURCHASING FOR DEPARTMENTS
As a reminder, departments can now purchase computers and tablets (including those outside the standard four-year refresh) through the IS Technology Internal Service Delivery Provider in Workday. This streamlined process covers new hires, secondary devices, and all other computing needs. Learn more through the Device Procurement job aid.
CAT Resources
FACULTY FORUM ON GRADING AT WAKE FOREST – NEW LOCATION!
The members of “Rethinking Grading at Wake Forest,” a 2024–2025 Faculty Learning Community sponsored by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and including participants from every division of the College as well as ZSR Library, invite all university faculty to an open forum on grading on Monday, April 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Kirby Manchester B02 (new location). We are seeking diverse perspectives, a wide variety of opinions, and productive disagreement and discussion.
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2025 TEACHER-SCHOLAR FORUM
Reserve your spot today for the inaugural Teacher-Scholar Forum featuring Notre Dame’s James Lang, author of more than 250 columns on teaching and learning for The Chronicle of Higher Education as well as six popular books on teaching.
The Forum will include a full day of sessions on Tuesday, April 29, and a half-day workshop on Wednesday, April 30. Tuesday’s sessions will begin with opening remarks from Provost Gillespie on the Teacher-Scholar ideal, followed by a series of sessions focused on Jim’s books and an “Ask Jim Anything” session facilitated by Assistant Provost and CAT Executive Director Betsy Barre. The final session of the day will be a keynote address by Jennifer Ruth as part of the Humanities Institute Spring Symposium, with a reception to follow.
Visit the CAT website for the detailed schedule. Register online.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE CAT COURSE DESIGN INSTITUTE
The CAT will host an in-person, intensive course design program from Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 16, for faculty interested in designing or redesigning a course. The institute will run a full five days and is designed to get you to a final (or near final) syllabus by the end of the week. Participants who successfully complete all institute requirements will receive a $1,500 stipend.
Please apply on the CAT website by Sunday, April 20, only if you can commit to attending all five days in person.
Research & Publication
Research Funded
Dr. Andrea Gomez Cervantes, Assistant Professor of Sociology, received funding from Arnold Ventures for “Communidad Confined Survey.”
Dr. Patricia Clayton, Associate Professor of Engineering, received an NSF/UT Austin award for “Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure: Experimental Facility with Large, Mobile Dynamic Shakers for Field Testing 2021-2025.”
Dr. Eranda Jayawickreme, Harold W. Tribble Professor of Psychology, received funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation/U of Glasgow for “Confessions.”
Dr. Dany Kim-Shapiro, Professor and Harbert Family Distinguished Chair of Physics, received four NIH/Northwestern University awards for projects including, “Far Red Light to Improve Functioning in PAD: The LIGHT PAD Trial.”
For more faculty funding, visit Inside WFU.
In the News
DR. AUSTIN WINS INAUGURAL PUBLIC HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY PRIZE
Dr. Emily Austin, Professor of Philosophy, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Public History of Philosophy Prize, a new biennial award established by the Journal of the History of Philosophy. The prize recognizes a book that brings the history of philosophy to a broader public audience. Austin was honored for her book, Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life. Read more on Inside WFU.
DR. BINKLEY WINS NCAA WRITING AND RESEARCH AWARD
Dr. Erin Binkley, Associate Professor of Counseling, has won the Professional Writing/Research Award at the North Carolina Counseling Association Conference held in February. The award recognizes a member who has contributed to the profession through significant writing and/or research.
DR. CLARK WINS 2024 AATSEEL BEST BOOK IN PEDAGOGY AWARD
Dr. Elena Pedigo Clark, Associate Professor of Russian, has won the 2024 American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages (AATSEEL) award for Best Book in Pedagogy. Her monograph Trauma and Truth: Teaching Russian Literature on the Chechen Wars is recognized for its important contributions to the fields of Slavic Studies, trauma theory, and cultural pedagogy.
GILBERT REFLECTS ON ‘HOOP DREAMS’ 30 YEARS LATER
Thirty years ago, “Hoop Dreams” changed documentary storytelling forever. Peter Gilbert, Professor of the Practice in Documentary Film, and who brought the film to life as its producer and cinematographer, reflects on its legacy and the realities of chasing a dream in this Wake Forest News video.
DR. GRYBUSH WINS ASSOCIATION FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT COUNSELING AWARD
Dr. Amy Grybush, Assistant Professor of Counseling and President of the N.C. Association for Child and Adolescent Counselors Division of the N.C. Counseling Association, has won the Most Effective Membership Drive/Recruitment Award. This award recognizes divisions that have increased or maintained their membership through creative, effective membership recruitment plans.
DR. IVERS WINS NCCA ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Nate Ivers, Professor of Counseling, has won the Administrator of the Year award at the North Carolina Counseling Association Conference in February. The Administrator of the Year Award is designed to recognize an administrator — defined as anyone employed in a supervisory or administrative position in an educational or service rendering agency — who has advanced or given support to the philosophy and objectives of one or more of the helping professions.
DR. JURCHESCU NAMED 2025 FELLOW OF THE MATERIALS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Dr. Oana Jurchescu, Baker Family Professor of Physics, has been elected a 2025 Fellow of the Materials Research Society (MRS), a prestigious honor recognizing the most accomplished members of the global materials research community. This distinction, awarded to only approximately 0.2% of MRS members annually, highlights Jurchescu’s significant and sustained contributions to the field of organic electronic materials.
DR. LENTON’S ARTICLES FEATURED IN THE CONVERSATION
Dr. Adam Lenton, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Affairs, published two articles in The Conversation. His latest article, “As the Kremlin eyes a thaw with the White House, Russia’s pro-war hawks aren’t too happy,” was published in February.
DR. MASON TALKS AMS-SIMONS RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT GRANT
Dr. Sarah Mason, Professor of Mathematics, discusses the benefits of her time in the first cohort of the AMS-Simons Research Enhancement Grants for PUI Faculty program. The program offers an opportunity to foster and support research collaboration by full-time mid-career mathematicians at U.S. institutions that do not offer a mathematics doctoral degree. Read more on the AMS website.
STUDENT RESEARCHERS EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES AT CONFERENCES WITH STARR TRAVEL GRANTS
Thirty Student researchers at Wake Forest had the unique opportunity to attend and present their work at academic conferences through support by the Starr Travel Grants awarded through the URECA Center. Read about some of this year’s recipients on the College website.
Selected Events
SECREST ARTIST SERIES FINAL CONCERT: THOMAS DUNFORD
Frenchman Thomas Dunford is a rising star of the European early music movement, and a dynamic and charismatic performer of Renaissance, Baroque, and modern music on the lute. Dunford will perform on Wednesday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall. Register for a free ticket on the Secrest Artist Series website.
WGS SPRING COLLOQUIUM WITH DR. STEPHANIE Y. EVANS
The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department invites students, faculty, and staff to join us virtually for our 2025 Spring Colloquium, featuring Dr. Stephanie Y. Evans on Wednesday, March 26, at noon via Zoom. Register online.
AAS BOOK TALK AND CONVERSATION WITH DANIEL BLACK
The Program in African American Studies is pleased to host Dr. Daniel Black, on Wednesday, March 26, at 4 p.m. in Pugh Auditorium. Dean Corey D. B. Walker will be in conversation with Dr. Black on his latest book, Isaac’s Song. A book signing and reception will follow. All are invited to attend.
FINAL DAYS TO SEE YOUNG GIFTED AND BLACK EXHIBITION
“Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art” highlights artists of African descent whose work explores identity, politics and art history. The exhibition closes on Saturday, March 29. Visit the Hanes Art Gallery website for more information.
UPCOMING ALBRITTON LECTURE: NEW LOCATION
The second lecture of the Albritton Lecture Series will be on Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m. in the Lower Auditorium of the Divinity/Religious Studies Building and will feature Dr. Sarah Emanuel, who will be presenting her acclaimed work on the Book of Revelation in a lecture titled, “Roasting Rome: Jewish Identity, Humor, and the Book of Revelation.”
WAKEVILLE III: ARTS & SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL
Wakeville is a student-led, interdisciplinary arts festival at Wake Forest with a focus on sustainability. On Saturday, April 5, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Scales Fine Arts Center and Davis Field, Wakeville will shine a spotlight on our vibrant campus arts community and showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of our creative and committed students.
PUBLIC LECTURE: “LANGUAGING AS AN ACT OF ABOLITION, LIBERATION, AND JOY”
The Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures and campus partners invite Dr. L.J. Randolph Jr. to give a public lecture titled “Languaging as an Act of Abolition, Liberation, and Joy” on Thursday, April 10, at 4 p.m. in Annenberg Forum, Carswell Hall. Co-sponsors include the Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Center for Literacy Education, Program for Leadership & Character, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, as well as the Departments of Education, French, German & Russian, and Spanish. The event is free and open to the public.
“CELEBRATE EAST ASIA” OPEN HOUSE
Join the Lam Museum to celebrate the cultures of China, Japan, and Korea through music, dance, food, crafts, and activities for all ages on Saturday, April 12, beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is free. This event is co-sponsored by the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the East Asian Studies Minor.
WE PLAY TOGETHER: MUSIC + GAMING
We Play Together: Music & Gaming at Wake Forest University blends music, gaming, and academic exploration in an unforgettable three-day event. Events will run from Wednesday, April 16, to Saturday, April 19. Visit the Wake the Arts website for the full schedule.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ANNUAL HUMANITIES INSTITUTE SPRING SYMPOSIUM
Mark your calendars now for the Annual Humanities Institute Spring Symposium. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, April 29, beginning at 1 p.m. This year’s keynote lecture will be given by Dr. Jennifer Ruth in ZSR Auditorium. A closing reception will follow the keynote in ZSR 403. Visit the Humanities Institute website to view the full schedule.
Use this form to register.
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April 3, 2025 | 8:00am
Reynolda CampusThe Office of Sustainability facilitates Wake Forest's annual Earth Month celebration each spring. Join them in celebrating Earth Day and highlighting Wake Forest's sustainability strides through engaging events, experiences, and a renewed sense of community along the way. Signature annual events hosted by the Office of Sustainability include … -
April 3, 2025 | 8:00am
Wake Forest Charlotte CenterTo stay relevant, teams and organizations must continuously change and adapt to their ever evolving internal and external environments. This makes it imperative leaders understand and possess the skills to effectively lead change. Furthermore, it is also important that leaders know how to shape a learning culture to facilitate … -
April 3, 2025 | 9:00am
Worrell Professional CenterAll 1Ls are invited to join the Deans for breakfast! During the breakfast, you will be able to provide us with feedback on how your 1L year has gone so far and what can be improved for future classes! Please RSVP on the Link. Schedule Monday, March 31st, 9-10am: … -
April 3, 2025 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyGender includes the way we think about ourselves, how we present ourselves to others, the roles we take on, and more. Gender matters for our health, our work, or relationships with others, and for many of us, nearly every aspect of our lives. In the summer of 2022, a research team … -
April 3, 2025 | 10:00am
Z. Smith Reynolds LibraryTobacco has played a significant role in shaping North Carolina’s cultural, economic, and social identity, even before the state’s official establishment. Early depictions of Native American communities along the coast at the end of the 16th century show cultivation and use of the plant. During the 19… -
April 3, 2025 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyHome explores the many ways in which the concept of "home" is constructed across cultures. Curated by Wake Forest students in a First-Year Seminar, the exhibition showcases artifacts from the collection that reflect the physical and conceptual diversity of homes around the world. In addition to these global …
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