The pictures above capture something truly worth celebrating and what our academic community does so brilliantly semester after semester: championing student research and creative work across disciplines and opening doors for students to share that work both on and off campus.
Among those pictured are students alongside Professor and Chair of Psychology Dr. Christy Buchanan at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference in Toronto; Professor of Psychology Wayne Pratt with students at the Society for Neuroscience Conference; and standout moments from the Meeting of the Minds Conference at Florida State University. These early-April conferences gave our students the chance to shine — sharing their findings, connecting with peers, and making meaningful contributions to broader academic conversations in their fields.
As we close out the final edition of the Dean’s Office Digest before our special Honors and Awards Edition in May, we’re also looking ahead to an exciting season of recognition and celebration. This issue includes important details and reminders about Commencement activities, Honors and Awards submission guidelines, and an introduction to our new Task Force on Academic Integrity in Online Courses.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dean’s Office Announcements
COLLEGE OFFERS EXTENDED BUILDING ACCESS HOURS DURING FINALS WEEK
During finals week (April 30 – May 8), the College will offer extended building access hours to provide students with additional study space. Visit the Wake Study Space website for the complete list of buildings with extended hours, and please remind students that private or group study space can be booked via DeaconSpace or the ZSR Library website.
2026 HONORS AND AWARDS CEREMONY
All Award Submissions for inclusion into the the Honors and Awards Ceremony program are due on Monday, May 4, by 3 p.m.
- For inclusion into the “Main Awards” section of the program, the Office of the Dean of the College is asking that departments and programs submit only ONE award to a graduating senior.
- For inclusion in the “Additional Awards” section, departments and programs may submit the names of students who won other departmental awards and the name of that award.
Please follow instructions on the submission forms.
COLLEGE FACULTY MEETING
The next College Faculty Meeting will be on Monday, May 11, at 3:30 p.m. with a hybrid format in Broyhill Auditorium and online via the Zoom link that will be sent prior.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: CBOV LEADERSHIP AWARDS FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
The College Board of Visitors sponsors an annual award to recognize outstanding academic leadership by faculty and staff.
Each year, this award recognizes one faculty member and one staff member who are committed to our institutional vision, which includes a dedication to academic and inclusive excellence, workplace innovation, and educating the whole student. Learn more about the nomination guidelines on the College website.
Nominations for both awards are due to Sandy Kokkonos by Friday, May 29, 2026.
PROJECT WAKE 2026: SEEKING DISCUSSION LEADERS
As we welcome the Class of 2030, the Office of the Dean of the College and the Office of Academic Advising are seeking discussion leaders for Project Wake 2026. This year’s theme is: Identity & Community. Please visit this form to learn more about this project and how you can participate. Project Wake is part of New Deac Week, the orientation for new and transfer students. This event is a great way to connect with the incoming class, and an ideal time to highlight your department, program, office, or discipline. Contact Nikki Elston, , with questions.
COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
As Commencement 2026 approaches, the Office of the Provost shares key details and logistics about the weekend events and encourages your attendance to celebrate our graduates and the Wake Forest community. Please visit the Commencement website for details regarding the Baccalaureate service, Commencement, and the Faculty Registration and Academic Regalia Ceremonies. Faculty, please confirm your attendance for one or both ceremonies using the Faculty Registration Form.
Academic regalia is required to participate in Baccalaureate and/or Commencement. If you require regalia, black academic gowns and mortarboards with tassels (no hoods or tams) are available for temporary use. Please indicate your need on the registration form no later than Monday, May 11, 2026 to reserve regalia.
For more details, please refer to the email from the Office of the Provost sent on April 8.
ANNOUNCING TASK FORCE ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY IN ONLINE COURSES
The Dean of the College is establishing a Task Force on Academic Integrity in Online Courses to help the College navigate the ever evolving landscape of online education. This Task Force will be asked to investigate potential threats to maintaining academic integrity in undergraduate online courses offered by College faculty, review potential technology for adoption, and consider what other resources and/or outcomes may be needed to best support College faculty teaching online courses. The Task Force will meet this spring and during the Fall of 2026.
Thank you to all who have agreed to be a part of this important and timely discussion:
Amanda Griffith – Associate Dean for Academic Planning, Professor of Economics (Chair)
David Geary – Assistant Professor of Music
Megan Manassah – Assistant Teaching Professor of Economics
Frank Moore – Professor of Mathematics, incoming Department Chair
Leann Pace – Associate Teaching Professor of Study of Religions
Jessica Richard – Associate Professor of English
Fred Salsbury – Professor of Physics
Erica Still – HEC Co-Chair, Associate Professor of English
Betsy Barre – Assistant Provost and Executive Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching
Nate Ivers – Academic Director of the Office of Online Education, Professor of Counseling
Hannah Sloan – Executive Director of Academic Technology
Suzanne Thompson – Instructional Technology Specialist
For Faculty & Staff
CAREER DEVELOPMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The William T. Grant Scholars Program supports career development for promising early-career (within 7 years of doctoral degree) researchers who examine ways to reduce inequality in youth (ages 5 – 25) outcomes. Applications for internal nominations are now open, with a deadline of Friday, May 15, 2026. The review committee will notify nominees by May 22, 2026. The final application submission deadline is Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Visit this Google Form for the submission guidelines and application.
The Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation provides support for early-career biomedical scientists (first to fourth year tenure track) to establish their research projects to a point where they can secure NIH R01 or other independent funding. Applications for internal nominations are now open, with a deadline of Friday, May 22, 2026. The review committee will notify nominees by Friday, May 29, 2026. The final application submission deadline is Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Visit this Google Form for the submission guidelines and application.
CULTIVATE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications for the 2026-2027 CULTIVATE program are now open. CULTIVATE provides structured, tailored support for the scholar component of the teacher-scholar ideal as faculty develop external funding proposals to further their research and scholarship. Programming includes one-on-one consultations, support for proposal development, and discipline-specific quality circles. Apply online.
Applications submitted by Friday, May 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Please contact Erin Henslee, Associate Professor of Engineering, or Mary Muchane, Assistant Provost for Scholarly Development, with questions.
CALL FOR PROGRAMS: FAMILY WEEKEND 2026
Departments are invited to engage with families during Family Weekend 2026, from Friday, October 2, to Monday, October 4. Departments are encouraged to host behind-the-scenes tours, guest lectures, interactive workshops, or open houses. While Friday, October 2, remains the primary day for academic and departmental programming, the event team welcomes unique opportunities throughout the entire weekend.
Please submit your program proposal by Friday, June 12. The team will follow up with all submissions shortly after the deadline to discuss next steps and final scheduling.
UPDATES FROM CLASS FOR SPRING FINALS
Supporting Student Success
If you have students who would like to improve upon their academic performance, now is a great time to schedule with a peer tutor or meet with an academic coach. The last day of the regular tutoring schedule ends on Wednesday, April 29. Limited tutoring is available during finals. Academic coaching is available through finals. Please refer to the CLASS website for how to sign up for a peer tutor or academic coaching.
Test Proctoring Updates
Faculty who have exhausted all in-department options may schedule testing with the CLASS Testing Center in ZSR 231, which has a limited number of seats. Exams proctored by CLASS must be scheduled by the student 3 business days before the exam. Faculty will need to bring paper copies of exams to the CLASS office no later than two days prior to the scheduled exam for any confirmed tests scheduled with the Testing Center. The Testing Center will not accept email copies of the exam.
*A special note about Final Exams: Final exams proctored by CLASS must be scheduled by the student by Thursday, April 30. This is the last day final exam requests will be accepted. Questions regarding the testing center can be directed to . Updated test proctoring procedures can be found on the CLASS website.
Technology
USING ADOBE EXPRESS
Adobe Express offers a quick way to edit photos, create flyers and graphics, and even make videos. Adobe Express is powerful enough to handle almost anything you can throw at it, yet is it very user friendly! Check out ITG Don Shegog’s Tech Tip for details, links, and steps you can copy and modify for your class. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to Suzanne or any ITG for all of your technology needs.
ADVANCES IN AGENT AI AND AGENTIC AI
Advances in Agent Artificial Intelligence and Agentic Artificial Intelligence have resulted in the development of sophisticated AI agents — such as Einstein, Open Claw, and Comet — capable of completing multi-step tasks. If provided access to a student’s Canvas credentials and course site, they could be capable of completing the Canvas assignments and assessments on behalf of the student, with little to no input from the student themselves. Current technology severely limits the ability to detect when students are using this type of software in their classes. If you use Canvas for assessment in your classes, you are encouraged to learn more about these emerging technologies and how students may be able to use them. Your ITG can help provide guidance and support.
SUMMER COMPUTER EXCHANGE STICKER STASH
New laptops are arriving this summer for Information System’s faculty and staff Computer Exchange. During this summer’s exchange sessions at the WakerSpace, Information Systems will bring back the popular “sticker stash” for those eager to start their new collection. IS welcomes campus offices to bring stickers to The Bridge IT service desk (in ZSR) between now and Friday, June 5. The sticker box is ready for your contributions!
CAT Resources
CAT THANK-A-COLLEAGUE PROGRAM
As we near the end of the semester, the Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) invites you to participate in their Thank-a-Colleague program as a way to recognize your colleagues’ efforts. You fill out a short online form and the CAT compiles and forwards the responses along to recipients at the end of the semester. Please submit your notes of gratitude by Saturday, May 9 (end of final exam period).
FINAL CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE TEACHER-SCHOLAR FORUM
Recharge your teaching this May! Join the Office of the Provost and the Center for the Advancement of Teaching on Friday, May 1, for Wake Forest’s 2nd Annual Teacher-Scholar Forum, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Farrell Hall. This event will be a great opportunity to step away from end-of-semester to-do lists and reconnect with colleagues on the craft of teaching and this year’s topic: experiential learning. Start your day with Georgetown’s Randy Bass as he gives the opening plenary, then dive into Wake’s new framework for experiential learning: Deacs Do. Enjoy a complimentary lunch followed by a series of discipline-specific panels and workshops, and wrap up the day with Randy again for a guided reflection, followed by a reception. Register online.
THE LANGUAGE EXCHANGE: A SHARING SESSION ON ASSESSMENT DESIGN
Following the momentum of CAT’s recent AI discussions, please join faculty from across the World Language programs for a collaborative sharing session on Wednesday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to noon in the ZSR Faculty Commons, Classroom 665. As we wrap up the semester, the CAT invites you to a roundtable discussion to share new assessment designs developed as part of the Spanish Department’s curriculum review and lessons learned from our recent classes.
This is a space to celebrate our collective expertise, exchange innovative ideas, and kickstart a new tradition of cross-language collaboration at Wake Forest. We look forward to seeing the diverse ways our programs are evolving! This session will be facilitated by Daniel Jung, Lauren Miller, and Rebekah Morris. Register on the CAT website.
Research Funded
Dr. Ken Kishida, Professor of Biology and Boswell Presidential Chair in Neuroscience and Society, received an NIH award for “Computationally Assisted Multi-Neurotransmitter Detection for Intracranial Research.”
Publications
Dr. Jefferson Holdridge, Professor of English and Director of Wake Forest University Press, and Dr. Derek Lee, Assistant Professor of English, recently spoke with the Dean’s Office about their publications. Visit the College website to read Dr. Holdridge’s and Dr. Lee’s Q&As and learn more about their work.
In the News
DR. CLAYTON ACCEPTED INTO ELATES PROGRAM
Dr. Tricia Clayton, Associate Professor of Engineering, was accepted into the ELATES at Drexel program for the 2026-2027 fellowship year. The national program is designed to promote senior faculty in leadership for academic engineering, computer science, and other STEM fields into effective institutional leadership roles.
DR. PARKER WINS 2026 ACCESSIBILITY CHAMPION AWARD
Delta Alpha Pi, the honor society for students with disabilities sponsored by CLASS, recently awarded the 2026 Accessibility Champion Award to Dr. Anna Parker, Assistant Teaching Professor in Biology. This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing the rights of people with disabilities and advocates for students both inside and outside the classroom.
DR. RALLINGS AWARDED 2026 SEATJ TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Dr. Yasuko Rallings, Professor of the Practice in Japanese in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, received the 2026 Teacher of the Year Award from the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese (SEATJ). SEATJ is a regional organization of scholars and teachers of Japanese language, with members from eight southeastern states. This award recognizes a Japanese educator who has strong evidence of impact on student learning, dedication to teaching, and contribution to the field.
MIT SHAH VISITS CAMPUS FOR INAUGURAL ECONOMICS LECTURE SERIES
On Monday, April 6, Mit Shah (’91), former Wake Forest Economics major and CEO of Noble Investment Group, spoke on “The Economics of the Hospitality Industry: A CEO’s Perspective” at the Inaugural Friends of Economics Lecture Series. The public lecture was a great success, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members for a discussion with Mr. Shah and Dr. Mark Curtis, Department Chair and Reynolds Professor of Economics. (ADD IMAGE COLLAGE)
2026 DISABILITY CHAMPION AWARDS
The Disability Champion awards recognize WF members who have made exceptional efforts to raise awareness or provide support for the disability community. Through their actions, they demonstrate a sincere commitment to pro humanitate.
The recipients for 2026 are: Carol Cramer, Anna Hawryluk, Paul Whitener, Lynne Yengulalp, WFU School of Business, and Center for Learning, Access, & Student Success (CLASS) staff. The Wake Forest Disability Support Group extends heartfelt thanks & congratulations to our awardees, Elena Pedigo Clark (faculty chair) & Eudora Struble (staff chair), Disability Support Group.
Read the announcement on Inside WFU.
EXONEREE BENJAMINE SPENCER AND AUTHOR BARBARA HAGERTY TALK JUSTICE AND WRONGFUL CONVICTION
In 1988, Benjamine Spencer—newly married and expecting his first son—was convicted for a murder he did not commit. Barbara Hagerty’s 2024 book, Bringing Ben Home, profiles Spencer’s resilience, his commitment to the truth, and the 34-year legal battle that ultimately secured his exoneration.
On April 2, Spencer and Hagerty came to campus to meet with students and discuss law and the (at times, fraught) pursuit of justice. Over 100 students, faculty, staff, and community members attended the program, listening intently as Spencer and Hagerty discussed Spencer’s case with Professor Mark Rabil, Professor of Law, and engaging the panel with insightful questions of their own.
STUDENTS PRESENT RESEARCH AT MEETING OF THE MINDS CONFERENCE
From April 10-12, Dr. Wayne Pratt, Professor of Pychology, and four Wake Forest Seniors, Chase Clark, Eli Leadham, Lydia Grace Logan, and Amaya Williams, (left to right) traveled to Florida State University for the 2026 ACC Meeting of the Minds Undergraduate Research Conference. Students presented their research and connected with peers from other institutions.
PRINCIPLED JOURNALISM: WAKE WASHINGTON PANEL
In March, Wake Washington and several University partners presented a panel of prominent journalists – including Shane Harris (’98) and Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic, and Margaret Brennan from CBS “Face the Nation” – whose work underscores the necessity of maintaining character and high professional standards to lead the way forward. The panel was moderated by Professor of the Practice Justin Catanoso, who is currently serving as the Resident Professor for the Wake Washington program this semester. It was a night of powerful thought, conversation, a few laughs, and plenty of new memories at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C. For those unable to attend, the video recording is now available to view online (use the password Deacs1834!).
Selected Events
8th ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE ENSLAEVD
This year marks the eighth Commemoration of the Enslaved at Wake Forest. The observance is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, from 4:30 to 5 p.m. As in years past, the Commemoration will take place on the steps of Wait Chapel. In the event of rain, the event will move inside Wait Chapel. Read more about the event and the Slavery, Race, and Memory Project on the Wake Forest University website.
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May 4, 2026Wake Forest University Men's Tennis: NCAA Tournament. -
May 4, 2026Spring 2026 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. -
May 4, 2026 | 2:00pm
Z. Smith Reynolds LibraryRelax, recharge, and make something fun! Swing by the ZSR atrium for snacks and craft kits to make or take for later, while supplies last. May 4: DIY Study Buddies. -
May 5, 2026 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyThis exhibition highlights the global significance of archery, focusing on its traditional uses across cultures. From hunting tools and weapons of war to ceremonial objects and artistic works, the bow and arrow occupy many roles in cultures around the world. The objects on display reveal how materials, environments, and values … -
May 5, 2026 | 10:00am
Lam Museum of AnthropologyMany objects in museum collections around the world were taken unethically from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. Though some objects have been returned in order to address colonial histories and honor cultural practices today, neither museums nor indigenous communities are able to repatriate everything–nor do … -
May 5, 2026 | 3:00pmJoin us to learn about NotebookLM, which is an AI-powered tool that helps us interact with our documents, notes, slides, websites, videos, and more. This cutting-edge tool offers intelligent summarization, in-depth explanations, and instant answers. Discover how NotebookLM can supercharge your productivity and elevate your understanding of complex topics. Whether …
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