Wake Forest University

Welcome to Wake Forest

Our motto means more.

Pro Humanitate (for humanity) invites us to use our ideas, knowledge, talents and compassion on behalf of humanity in all its difference and diversity.

See how we live our motto »

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.

News

WFU receives $30M to advance entrepreneurship education

Wake Forest University has received a $30 million gift to expand the University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and enhance access and opportunities for undergraduate students in the academic program. The anonymous gift is one of the most significant in the University’s history. The investment will enable Wake Forest to increase the number of experienced entrepreneurship faculty, develop innovative new courses, and fund the construction of state-of-the-art space for the growing program.

Graduate student Kate Thompson works in the WFU walk-in growth room. Credit: Olutosin Samuel Olusola, WFU biology doctoral student.

News

Study: How viruses shape microbe interactions

By looking at the ocean's tiniest microbes, researchers are gaining insights about the marine food web that may help improve climate change predictions. A study co-authored by Assistant Professor of Biology Sheri Floge brings together viral ecologists, chemists and physicists to find out more about marine microbes and what happens when viruses infect them.

Wake Forest Magazine

Embracing change

Betsy Rives (’08) uses what she learned as a studio art major to innovate at Google.

Around Campus

wfuniversity

Wake Forest students recently participated in an engaging discussion with acclaimed author Jesmyn Ward, hosted by the University’s Program for Leadership and Character.

Ward, a two-time National Book Award winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, launched the “Educating Character Across Differences: Cultivating Communities of Character” conference. She also participated in a moderated discussion with Executive Director of Leadership and Character in the Professional Schools Kenneth Townsend as part of Wake Forest University’s Face to Face Speaker Forum.

Students prepared for the event by participating in reading groups focused on Ward’s works, including Men We Reaped, which explores grief, resilience, and systemic challenges.

During the Q&A, Ward shared insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of portraying vivid and empathetic characters rooted in her experiences growing up in rural Mississippi. She explained how her writing seeks to illuminate struggles shared by marginalized communities and to encourage readers to see humanity beyond surface-level impressions.

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Dec 13

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Wake Forest students recently participated in an engaging discussion with acclaimed author Jesmyn Ward, hosted by the University’s Program for Leadership and Character.

Ward, a two-time National Book Award winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, launched the “Educating Character Across Differences: Cultivating Communities of Character” conference. She also participated in a moderated discussion with Executive Director of Leadership and Character in the Professional Schools Kenneth Townsend as part of Wake Forest University’s Face to Face Speaker Forum.

Students prepared for the event by participating in reading groups focused on Ward’s works, including Men We Reaped, which explores grief, resilience, and systemic challenges.

During the Q&A, Ward shared insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of portraying vivid and empathetic characters rooted in her experiences growing up in rural Mississippi. She explained how her writing seeks to illuminate struggles shared by marginalized communities and to encourage readers to see humanity beyond surface-level impressions.

wfuniversity

This year’s Wake Forest Lovefeast brought our community together in the spirit of #ProHumanitate.

Moravian buns and sweetened coffee were shared, hymns filled Wait Chapel and beeswax candles were lit as we marked 60 years of this cherished community gathering.

Thank you to dieners, musicians and all who helped who made this event possible. 🕯️ #WFULovefeast

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Dec 11

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This year’s Wake Forest Lovefeast brought our community together in the spirit of #ProHumanitate.

Moravian buns and sweetened coffee were shared, hymns filled Wait Chapel and beeswax candles were lit as we marked 60 years of this cherished community gathering.

Thank you to dieners, musicians and all who helped who made this event possible. 🕯️ #WFULovefeast

wfuniversity

Wake Forest University has received a transformational $30 million gift to expand the University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and enhance access and opportunities for undergraduate students in the academic program.

The anonymous gift is one of the most significant in the University’s history. The investment will enable Wake Forest to increase the number of experienced entrepreneurship faculty, develop innovative new courses, and fund the construction of state-of-the-art space for the growing program.

Read the full story at the link in our profile.

#ProHumanitate

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Dec 10

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wfuniversity

The 60th Annual Wake Forest Lovefeast 🕯️🍞☕️

We hope the radiance of this night becomes the light within the darkness of the world.

#ProHumanitate

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Dec 9

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The 60th Annual Wake Forest Lovefeast 🕯️🍞☕️

We hope the radiance of this night becomes the light within the darkness of the world.

#ProHumanitate

wfuniversity

Once a year, on the last day of classes, we celebrate our hometown hero, NBA legend, Wake Forest great and The Point God himself: Chris Paul, aka @CP3. 🏀🎩

Thank you, @wfu_tradco, for the hoops, hot chocolate and “Chris P” Kreme doughnuts! #GoDeacs

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Dec 7

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Once a year, on the last day of classes, we celebrate our hometown hero, NBA legend, Wake Forest great and The Point God himself: Chris Paul, aka @CP3. 🏀🎩

Thank you, @wfu_tradco, for the hoops, hot chocolate and “Chris P” Kreme doughnuts! #GoDeacs

wfuniversity

Late Night Breakfast was served up with a smile by Wake Forest administrators, staff and faculty. A delicious way to kick off exam season. 🍳🥓☕️

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Dec 5

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Late Night Breakfast was served up with a smile by Wake Forest administrators, staff and faculty. A delicious way to kick off exam season. 🍳🥓☕️

wfuniversity

✨Lighting of the Quad 2024 ✨

Thank you to @wfusu and @wfustudentengagement for a magical night!

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Dec 4

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✨Lighting of the Quad 2024 ✨

Thank you to @wfusu and @wfustudentengagement for a magical night!

wfuniversity

Just a dusting, but we’ll take it! ❄️ #MotherSnowDear

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Dec 3

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Just a dusting, but we’ll take it! ❄️ #MotherSnowDear

wfuniversity

Last night, the Wake Forest community came together for the beloved Lighting of the Quad tradition.

The evening was filled with good friends, music, candlelight and holiday cheer.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in making Hearn Plaza shine bright! 🕯️✨

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Dec 3

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Last night, the Wake Forest community came together for the beloved Lighting of the Quad tradition.

The evening was filled with good friends, music, candlelight and holiday cheer.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in making Hearn Plaza shine bright! 🕯️✨

wfuniversity

Join Hailey Auster (`27) as she tries her hand an Archery Club practice. Beginners are welcome. Find out more at @wakearchery.

With 200+ clubs and organizations to choose from, there’s a niche for everyone.

Check out the full list at thelink.wfu.edu/organizations or at the link in our profile.

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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!

Explore Student Life »

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.

Explore Academics »

72+%

of undergraduates have an academic study-abroad experience, many of them in our academic-residential houses in London, Vienna and Venice.

Explore Study Abroad »