Welcome to Wake Forest
Wake Up to what’s possible.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, Wake Forest students and faculty generate meaningful impact that reaches far beyond our campus. Our commitment to academic excellence establishes Wake Forest as a global leader in developing solutions that benefit society.
News
Ballet dancer Misty Copeland to deliver 2026 Commencement address
Ballet dancer and author Misty Copeland will deliver Wake Forest's commencement address on May 18. Copeland made history as the first Black woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, will be the Baccalaureate speaker.
School of Medicine researchers honored
Dr. Louis Argenta and Dr. Michael Morykwas, both professors emeriti of plastic and reconstructive surgery, will be honored in the 2026 class of National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. The two co-invented Vacuum Assisted Closure, a medical device that has helped millions of patients worldwide by treating a wide range of difficult-to-heal wounds.
A week at Wake Forest
See a week at Wake Forest during the bustling fall semester, captured through a series of photographs and videos.
Our motto means more.
Pro Humanitate(for humanity) invites us to use our ideas, knowledge, talents and compassion on behalf of all humanity.
Professor Shannon Brady’s research shows that even a small increase in students’ sense of belonging in their first year is linked to a higher likelihood of graduating four years later.
Belonging is not just a feeling. It fuels engagement, builds resilience and predicts graduation.
It is not given. It is built.
Copeland began her ballet studies at the late age of 13. At 15, she won first place in the Music Center Spotlight Awards. In September 2000, Copeland joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) as a member of the corps de ballet. In 2015, she was promoted to principal dancer, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position in the company’s 75-year history. Copeland retired from the ABT in 2025.
Author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, “Life in Motion,” Copeland recently released “Letters to Misty,” which shares her advice to young dancers, inspired by the letters she has received over the years. Copeland’s book series for young children, “Bunheads” and ”Bunheads 2,” was inspired by her early experiences in ballet.
“Misty Copeland’s trailblazing career is a masterclass in purposeful excellence,” said Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente. “Not only did she ascend to the pinnacle of her field, she widened the path for everyone behind her. By refusing to rest on her exceptional talent, Misty has made the world of dance stronger, more inclusive, and infinitely more beautiful for the next generation of performers.”
Also joining Wake Forest for the commencement weekend will be baccalaureate speaker Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, a nationwide Christian advocacy organization that educates on hunger and equips people to advocate for policies to end it in the U.S. and around the world.
#WFUGrad #ProHumanitate
Dr. Jackie Krasas leads the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, bringing experience in academic leadership, faculty development and interdisciplinary education. She focuses on supporting faculty, strengthening programs and advancing the University’s broader goals.
Be careful out there, Deacs!
#MotherSnowDear
Events
Colleges & Schools
Why Wake Forest?
Affordability
Wake Forest is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, work-study, and subsidized loans.
Our Hometown
Within driving distance of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic Coast, Winston-Salem offers the amenities of a larger city with the vibrant culture of an engaged community.
Facts & Figures
Get to know Wake Forest better by browsing a collection of quick facts, figures and rankings.
By the Numbers
250+
is the number of student organizations that you can explore (or we’ll help you find a match) in order to discover your passion. Don’t find it? Apply to charter one!
11:1
is our student-to-faculty ratio. More than half of our undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. Only 1% have more than 50 students.
72+%
of undergraduates have an academic study-abroad experience, many of them in our academic-residential houses in London, Vienna and Venice.
97+%
of 2024 graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate programs. WFU students consistently land spots in top organizations and prestigious graduate schools.
Our Winston-Salem, N.C., campus houses an academic community of almost 9,000 students, with more studying at Wake Forest locations in Charlotte, Washington, D.C., and around the world. Our undergraduate liberal arts curriculum inspires a holistic approach to preparing graduate and professional school students. We graduate leaders with integrity and courage who use their success to make an impact on society.