On May 20, the Board of Trustees announced Peter Rodriguez will serve as the 15th president of Wake Forest University. Rodriguez is an economist who currently serves as the dean of Rice Business, which includes Jones Graduate School of Business and Virani Undergraduate Business School at Rice University. 

“The Presidential Search Committee unanimously agreed that Peter Rodriguez was the best choice to lead Wake Forest into its third century,” Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt, co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee and chair of the Board of Trustees, said. “During the search process, we came to know [Rodriguez] as a scholar and an intellectually capable, avid learner and researcher. He is a leader of principle, character and kindness who has the mind and temperament for the complexities of modern higher education. We are delighted he has agreed to join our community.”

Rodriguez received his Bachelor of Science in economics from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University. Along with his academic credentials, the board highlighted Rodriguez’s reputation as a campus leader. 

“[Rodriguez] is a trained economist who has an insatiable curiosity and strategic mind,” Curt Farmer, co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee and vice chair of the Board of Trustees, said. “We were impressed by his academic credentials, business acumen, steady leadership and reputation for strong relationships across his various campuses. He is an attentive and responsive leader who demonstrates excellence and humility.” 

President Susan R. Wente will conclude her five-year tenure on June 30, and Rodriguez will begin his presidency on July 1. 

“Wake Forest is an institution of high quality that makes a genuine difference in the world,” Rodriguez said in a press release on May 21. “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.”  

Students react 

For many students, the announcement of the 15th president sparked excitement and curiosity for the future direction of Wake Forest University. 

Junior Genesis Mark was a part of a group of students who met with Rodriguez on Tuesday. 

“It was a complete shock to me that we were meeting him,” Mark said. “My first impression was that he was really down to earth and I could tell that he genuinely wanted to talk to us and learn more about a sample of students from the WFU community.”

Mark said her conversations with Rodriguez were “inspiring.”

“I think his business background provides an interesting lens for the student body,” she said. “One of the things we discussed is how he is interested in showing students how entrepreneurship is possible for everyone…He described how many students graduate college and are unsure what their next steps are; however, entrepreneurship is always there.” 

Junior Camille Rogers agreed that Rodriguez is a strong candidate for the role. 

“One quality that stands out to me is that Dr. Peter Rodriguez seems to care deeply about both academics and improving the communities and spaces he is part of,” Rogers said. “[During] his time as Dean at Rice, he led initiatives that benefited students across the business school, which shows a commitment to growth and innovation.”

Rogers was also impressed by Rodriguez’s professional experience in academia.  

“He has also served in a variety of roles throughout higher education, from lecturer to professor to dean,” she said. “I think he understands the many moving parts of a university and how to support them in ways that create the best possible student experience.” 

Students share how they want Rodriguez to lead and represent the university

One of the many jobs of a university president  is representing the university and its student body. Students shared what they would like to see from Rodriguez as he steps into this role. 

“I would like to see [Rodriguez] represent Wake Forest in a way that reflects all of the people who make up the university—students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters,” Rogers said. “I hope he is accessible and willing to genuinely listen to students and work alongside them to continue improving the university. Having a president who values communication and student perspectives is really important.”

Rogers said she and other students hope Rodriguez’s leadership will positively affect Wake Forest’s rankings. From 2023 to 2025, the school dropped from 29th to 51st among national universities ranked in the U.S. News and World Report, following a methodology change. 

“I think many students, myself included, would love to see Wake Forest continue strengthening its national reputation and regain recognition as one of the country’s top institutions,” Rogers said. “While rankings are influenced by many factors and not controlled by one person, I hope Dr. Rodriguez’s leadership helps guide decisions and improvements that positively reflect the university’s strengths and student experience moving forward.” 

Mark said she would like to see more inclusion efforts on campus. 

“Given that the number of [people of color] who attend Wake Forest is steadily rising, I feel like there needs to be a shift in making those students feel at home and overall connected to campus,” Mark said.

Mark believes one of the most important roles of a university president is  connecting with students and truly responding to student needs. 

“I think students are most hoping for a president that is down to be within the community and really tries to connect with students,” she said. “Whether that be offering Coffee ‘Deac Chats’ or just being more present; I feel like presence will help to understand more of what the student body needs to help the Wake Forest community continue to thrive.”

Student Body President weighs in 

Student Government plans to maintain a strong relationship with the office of the president and the school administration. Student Body President Gray Lowder expressed excitement to introduce President Rodriguez to the Wake Forest community. 

“First impressions mean a lot,” Lowder said. “In our conversation, President Rodriguez showed himself to be a sincere, competent family guy with a calm demeanor. He listens first and makes clear that he knows what he doesn’t know. While he is new to our community, his consistency and thoughtfulness reflect the culture of Wake Forest.” 

In this time of transition, addressing housing and campus space concerns remains a top priority for Student Government. 

“Student Government has joined the new school administration Housing Advisory Committee and is deeply engaged in short-term adjustments to ease shortages,” Lowder said.“The Collins rebuild, Babcock renovation and construction of a new Student Center are exciting projects. However, we are concerned about effects on lounge space and additional housing options and are closely watching decisions that come down.” 

He continued: “We anticipate new policies on study abroad down the road. Currently, we are communicating with the Provost and Division of Campus Life as they deliberate.”  

Lowder also hopes the school administration will continue to work with Student Government in areas such as academic curriculum, dining expansion, parking management and support for student organizations.

As Rodriguez begins his first year on campus, Lowder expressed that the new president will need to build relationships with students and learn how the different areas of campus fit together. 

“President Rodriguez has an incredible opportunity to make genuine relationships with students,” he said. “This first year will be an adjustment, so my hope is that he continues getting to know our student body and traditions. I have no doubt that his calm disposition and good nature will endear our community to him.”