October has brought many meaningful opportunities for connection and growth to campus. Just this past week, the reimagined Major/Minor Fair kicked off with great success, as students explored every area of study the College offers. Whether they want to pursue art, philosophy, Arabic literature, or molecular biology, students found their way to tables of interest to speak with faculty and staff about the expansive liberal arts offerings, as well 4+1 pathways such as Documentary Film’s M.A. in Content Creation and Strategic Storytelling.
As we move into November, our faculty and students continue to conduct exciting research and participate in innovative workshops and lectures. In this edition, you’ll find updates on summer teaching, faculty and staff achievements — including the CBOV Leadership Awards — and upcoming events that enrich our academic community. We hope you find this month’s news helpful and informative as we look ahead to the close of the fall semester.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dean’s Office Announcements
PROVOST OFFICE OFFERS ACADEMIC FREEDOM RESOURCE FOR FACULTY
The Provost Office recently published FAQ on Academic Freedom in the Classroom, designed to help faculty foster open dialogue, manage classroom challenges, and understand how University policies support academic freedom.
SENIOR ORATIONS NOMINATIONS
Faculty can nominate graduating seniors to prepare and present orations for the 2026 Senior Colloquium competition, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Use this Google Form to nominate students by Wednesday, Nov. 5.
COLLEGE FACULTY MEETING
The next College Faculty Meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 10, at 3:30 p.m. with a hybrid format in Broyhill Auditorium and online via the Zoom link that will be sent prior.
2026 SUMMER IN THE FOREST
The Summer Session 2026 course schedule build is underway, with plans to publish the schedule for student view just before the Thanksgiving break. If you are interested in teaching during Summer Session, consult with your department chair. If you have questions about summer teaching, please reach out to Anna Henley, Associate Director of Academic Affairs, brownal@wfu.edu.
OLEC SUMMER ONLINE TEACHING UPDATE
Last September, the Committee on Online Education announced the updated process for long-term approvals of courses designed to be offered in a blended or online modality. We are continuing that process this summer. All instructors planning to offer a course in an online or blended format in Summer 2026 must submit an initial application by Oct. 31, 2025. All details regarding the approval process and links to the application forms can be found on the OLEC website. Reach out to OLEC chair Jarrod Atchison, atchisrj@wfu.edu, with any questions.
For Faculty & Staff
JOIN THE FIRST-GENERATION FACULTY AND STAFF DIRECTORY
Help the First in the Forest team build a strong community of first-generation students on campus by joining their Faculty and Staff Directory. The goal of the directory is to provide current first-generation students with an easy way to find and connect with on-campus professionals with similar backgrounds and experiences. Visit the First in the Forest website to view the directory and access the sign-up form. Contact Cat Novakovich, First in the Forest Advisor, novakoc@wfu.edu, for more information.
REMINDER: CLASS OFFICE TESTING CENTER SERVICES
Instructors who require CLASS Testing Center services should include all semester tests when completing the testing contract to help reduce the number of Testing Center approval requests.
Please remember that students must schedule their tests in the CLASS Testing Center at least 3 business days in advance. Due to the increase in requests, our limited capacity, and other scheduling restrictions, this is no longer a flexible policy. Except in rare situations, students will be asked to make alternative arrangements with their instructors if they submit a late request.
Please visit the CLASS website for more information.
UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS LAUNCHES NEW FACULTY TOOLKIT
University Marketing and Communications supports faculty in communicating academic expertise, research, and scholarship to various audiences, including the Wake Forest community, the media, and the public. A new Faculty Toolkit posted on the Wake Forest News website shares resources to help faculty promote their work. Topics covered include: preparing for media interviews; engaging with social media; writing for The Conversation; drafting an op-ed; and promoting a new book.
Research Funded
Dr. Jason Fanning, Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science, received funding from the NIH and WFU Health Sciences for “Wake Forest Claude D. Pepper OAIC.”
Dr. Isabel Farrell, Associate Professor of Counseling, received funding from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) for “PARCC research project.”
Dr. Ellen Kirkman, Professor of Mathematics, received funding from the NSF and Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences, Inc. for “A Study of Undergraduate Programs in the Mathematical and Statistical Sciences in the United States and the Dissemination of the Results.”
For more faculty funding, visit Inside WFU.
Technology
ENHANCE YOUR RESEARCH AND LEARNING WITH GOOGLE’S LEARN ABOUT
Google for Education consistently develops new technologies and tools to enhance learning environments. The Instructional Technology Group (ITG) is pleased to present information on one of Google’s newest innovations, Learn About — a powerful generative AI tool designed to optimize your research workflow. We encourage you to review this blog post on the ITG website, outlined by ITG member Jo Lowe, to learn more about the functionality and application of this resource.
As always, please feel free to contact Jo Lowe or any member of the ITG for dedicated support and assistance with your technology needs.
AI CAFÉ: VIRTUAL SESSION IN NOVEMBER
Information Systems invites faculty and staff to join the next session of the AI Café series, a valuable monthly forum designed for cross-disciplinary exchange on artificial intelligence. Whether you’re an AI wiz or just curious to learn, join colleagues for this casual meetup.
The next AI Café will be held virtually on Friday, Nov. 21, from 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom. Please encourage your faculty and staff to save the date and join the conversation.
Visit the Information Systems website to learn about upcoming AI Café events.
SAVE THE DATE FOR AI FEST 2025
Mark your calendars for the return of AI Fest, a two-day event dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we work, teach, and collaborate across Wake Forest. The event will be held on Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16. in Farrell Hall.
Positioned at the end of the fall semester, the AI Fest is an opportunity for all staff and faculty to explore future capabilities in the AI domain and gather actionable takeaways for the spring semester.
CYBERSECURITY TRAINING REMINDER
The Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month Training is currently available and is a required task for all faculty and staff. If you have not finished the module, please access the KnowBe4 portal using the link from the official email you received. Your timely completion helps us ensure compliance and a secure campus environment.
CAT Resources
CONFIDENTIAL FEEDBACK ON TEACHING OPPORTUNITY FOR FACULTY
Are you interested in getting feedback on your teaching? CAT team members are available to arrange a confidential Teaching Observation. We’ll observe unobtrusively and then meet with you to provide feedback, either in narrative or quantitative formats.
Visit the Program & Services page on the CAT website for more information.
Publications
Article Published
Dr. Victor Hernandez Huerta, Assistant Professor of Politics & International Affairs. “Populist Attacks on Academic Freedom: How Populist Leadership Erodes Academic Freedom in Liberal and Electoral Democracies.” Cambridge University Press, 2025.
Book Published
Dr. Derek Lee, Assistant Professor of English. Parascientific Revolutions: The Science and Culture of the Paranormal. University of Minnesota Press, 2025.
In the News
2025 CBOV LEADERSHIP AWARDS: DR. CHRISTA COLYER AND ANNA HENLEY
Dr. Christa Colyer, Professor of Chemistry and the James and Courtenay Harton Faculty Fellow for Chemical Industry, has been awarded the CBOV Faculty Leadership Award for her decades of compassionate leadership in both her research and her teaching. Read the CBOV announcement on the College website.
Anna Henley, Associate Director of Academic Affairs in the Office of the Dean of the College, has been awarded the CBOV Staff Leadership Award for her significant contributions to the College and the Summer School program. Read the CBOV announcement on the College website.
DR. BEAVERS FEATURED IN WFU FACULTY EXPERT SERIES
The most recent video in the On Topic: WFU Faculty Experts series features Dr. Kristen Beavers, Associate Professor of Health & Exercise Science. Visit the Wake Forest News website to watch the video and learn more about weighted vests and weight loss.
DR. D’AGOSTINO MCGOWAN WINS EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Dr. Lucy D’Agostino McGowan, Associate Professor of Statistical Sciences, recently won the Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies (COPSS) Emerging Leader Award at the American Statistical Association’s Joint Statistical Meeting. This award is given to early-career statistical scientists who demonstrate promising leadership that will help shape and strengthen the field.
DR. HEPLER WINS WOMEN IN STATISTICS AWARD
Dr. Staci Hepler, Associate Professor of Statistical Sciences, won the Caucus for Women in Statistics’ Michael Woodroofe Award at the American Statistical Association’s Joint Statistical Meeting. This award honors women who have made significant contributions to solving real-world problems by applying novel or existing theories during their mid-career.
DR. LOTSPEICH WINS SOCIETAL IMPACT AWARD
Dr. Sarah Lotspeich, Assistant Professor of Statistical Sciences, won the Caucus for Women in Statistics’ Societal Impact Award at the American Statistical Association’s Joint Statistical Meeting. Dr. Lotspeich was recognized for her exceptional enthusiasm in engaging women in the statistical profession and unwavering commitment to training the next generation.
WFU UNIVERSITY PRESS TITLE FEATURED IN IRISH TIMES
A Wake Forest University Press title was recently featured in a two-part Irish-language book review in The Irish Times. Bone and Marrow/Cnámh agus Smior: An Anthology of Irish Poetry from Medieval to Modern is praised for its “joyful expression of the voice of Ireland over the past fifteen hundred years.” Read more on Inside WFU.
RESISTENCIA FILM FESTIVAL BUILDS COMMUNITY AND SPARKS CONVERSATION
Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Andrea Gómez Cervantes, Associate Professor of Spanish Dr. Samanta Ordóñez Robles, and Associate Teaching Professor and Director of the Documentary Film Program Chris Zaluski organized the Resistencia Film Festival, a community-wide event highlighting Latinx voices. Visit the College website to learn more about how the festival inspired meaningful conversation.
Selected Events
DR. NUAMAH TO SPEAK ON MASS SCHOOL CLOSURE AND THE CITIZENSHIP OF BLACK AMERICANS
Northwestern University Professor, advocate, writer, and filmmaker Dr. Sally Nuamah will present her latest book, Closed for Democracy: How Mass School Closure Undermines the Citizenship of Black Americans, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 4:30 p.m. in Pugh Auditorium. A complimentary copy of her book will be provided to the first 15 interested attendees.
Event sponsors include the Department of Politics & International Affairs; African American Studies program; Department of Anthropology; Department of Education; Department of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies; American Ethnic Studies minor; the Center for Literacy Education; and the Race Inequality and Policy Initiative.
Visit the Center for Literacy Education website for more information.
GLOBAL WAKE FOREST TO HOST NIGHT MARKET NOV. 5
In celebration of International Education Week (IEW), faculty, staff, and their families are invited to a Night Market on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Manchester Plaza. The event will feature an eclectic offering of food, games, make-and-take crafts, music, and vendors to create an atmosphere reminiscent of markets around the world.
WGSS DEPARTMENT TO HOST ARTS-BASED WORKSHOP
The Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is pleased to host Women’s Studies: A Radical Sketchbook Project Workshop, facilitated by Dr. Carla Wilson, Assistant Teaching Professor in Women’s and Gender Studies at Northern Arizona University, on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m., in Tribble Hall A304. Rooted in feminist, womanist, Indigenous, queer, and disability thought, this arts-based workshop invites participants to explore how sketchbook making can help challenge dominant narratives and imagine new possibilities for justice and healing. No prior experience is necessary, and supplies will be provided. Learn more about the workshop and RSVP online.
ITALY IN MUSIC: A JOURNEY THROUGH FOLK TALES AT THE PIANO
The Italian Studies program invites faculty, staff, and community members to the concert, “Italy in Music: A Journey Through Folk Tales at the Piano by Davide Bianchi” on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall. The recital features a selection of traditional folk tunes from regions across the country, each beautifully arranged for piano.
DR. WRIGHT TO SPEAK ON APPALACHIAN RESILIENCE
Dr. Alice Wright (BA ’07), Associate Professor of Anthropology at Appalachian State University, will present her lecture, “The Upper New Archaeological Project: Uncovering Deep Histories of Appalachian Resilience,” on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Lam Museum of Anthropology. Dr. Wright will discuss some of the Upper New Archaeological Project’s (UNAP) preliminary findings regarding the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene, highlighting patterns of continuity and resilience among the diverse Appalachian communities who have lived along the Upper New River over the last 10,000 years. Visit the Lam Museum website to learn more about the lecture.
PHILOSOPHY FORUM UPCOMING LECTURE
The Department of Philosophy will welcome Dr. Collis Tahzib, Associate Professor of Philosophy from USC, to present his talk, “What’s the Point of Moral Duty to Self?” on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. in Tribble Hall B316. A detailed abstract is available on the Department of Philosophy website, along with more information about the department’s Speaker Series.
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December 6, 2025Fall 2025 Academic Calendar: Important dates and deadlines for the Wake Forest College (Undergraduate College) and School of Business undergraduate programs. Please visit the RegistrarÕs Office website at registrar.wfu.edu/calendars/ for the most up-to-date academic calendar information and exam schedules. -
December 6, 2025
Kentner StadiumWake Forest University Track and Field hosts the Winston-Salem College Kickoff at Kentner Stadium. -
December 6, 2025
Boston, MAWake Forest University Track and Field at Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener Streaming Video: https://www.flotrack.org/signup?redirect=%2Flive%2F195016&utm_campaign=429056sharoncolyearda&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=participatingteams&utm_content=signup&contract_id=0063m00000ogik6aai&coverage_id=14478754 https://godeacs.com/calendar.aspx?game_id=14477&sport_id=12 -
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyDía de Muertos is a festive time when families remember their dead and honor the continuity of life. The celebration has roots in both ancient pre-Hispanic celebrations and medieval Spanish Catholic practices and has evolved to feature a blend of elements from both traditions. In its 30th … -
December 6, 2025 | 6:00pm
Charleston, W.Va.Wake Forest University Men’s Basketball vs West Virginia TV: ESPN2 Streaming Video: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/9be96d8a-688f-4da1-9348-34b294535de2 Streaming Audio: https://godeacs.com/showcase?Live=1324 Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/holiday-hoopfest-charleston-west-virginia-12-06-2025/event/160062EF96482531 https://godeacs.com/calendar.aspx?… -
December 6, 2025 | 6:30pm
Reynolda HallCelebrate the launch (and pick up a copy) of the Magnolia – the student run Arts & Culture Magazine, presented by the Old Gold & Black. With food, friends and a lot of cool people, it’s surely to be the event of the year. As you know – before it’s in Vogue, …
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