Wake Forest University facts for kids
 |
|
|
Former names
|
Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute (1834–1839) Wake Forest College (1839–1967) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Pro Humanitate (Latin) |
|
Motto in English
|
"For Humanity" |
| Type | Private research university |
| Established | February 3, 1834 |
| Founder | Baptist State Convention of North Carolina |
| Accreditation | SACS |
|
Religious affiliation
|
Nonsectarian Baptist (historically until 1986) |
|
Academic affiliations
|
|
| Endowment | $1.86 billion (2021) |
| President | Susan Wente |
| Provost | Michele Gillespie |
|
Academic staff
|
6,667 (includes full- time faculty and staff) |
| Students | 8,963 (Fall 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 5,447 (Fall 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 3,516 (Fall 2022) |
| Location |
,
,
United States
36°08′02″N 80°16′34″W / 36.134°N 80.276°W |
| Campus | Midsize City,, 340 acres (140 ha) |
| Newspaper | Old Gold & Black |
| Other campuses | |
| Colors | Old gold and black |
| Nickname | Demon Deacons |
|
Sporting affiliations
|
NCAA Division I FBS – ACC |
| Mascot | The Demon Deacon |
 |
|
Wake Forest University (WFU) is a private research university. It is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the United States. The university started in 1834. It got its name from its first home in Wake Forest. This town is north of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Today, the main campus is called Reynolda Campus. It moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. Wake Forest has many schools for different studies. These include law, business, medicine, and divinity. Students can join over 250 clubs. They can also play sports or work at the student newspaper. The university is known for its high research activities.
Wake Forest University's sports teams are called the Demon Deacons. They play in sixteen different college sports. Wake Forest helped start the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Contents
- University History
- University Campuses
- Academics
- Student Life
- Student Organizations
- Athletics
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Alumni
- Movies Filmed at the University
University History
In 1833, a group called the North Carolina Baptist State Convention decided to open a school. They bought a large piece of land. It was 615 acres in an area called the "Forest of Wake." The school opened on February 3, 1834. It was first named the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute. Students and staff had to work half of each day on the land. This helped them learn and pay for their education. Samuel Wait, a Baptist minister, became the first leader.
Becoming Wake Forest College
In 1838, the school changed its name to Wake Forest College. They also stopped the manual labor system. A town grew around the college, also called Wake Forest. The college closed for a short time in 1862. This was during the American Civil War. Many students and teachers left to join the army.
The college reopened in 1866. It grew a lot over the next 40 years. In 1894, a law school was added. A medical school followed in 1902. In 1911, Louise Heims Beck became the first librarian. She later became a famous performer.
Moving to Winston-Salem
The School of Medicine moved to Winston-Salem in 1941. This city was North Carolina's second-largest at the time. It became the Bowman Gray School of Medicine. In 1942, Wake Forest welcomed its first female undergraduate students. This happened because World War II meant fewer male students were available.
In 1946, the whole college decided to move to Winston-Salem. This was possible because of big gifts from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The move was finished in 1956. Charles and Mary Reynolds Babcock gave the college about 330 acres of land. This land was part of their estate, "Reynolda." Fourteen new buildings were built on the new campus. They were made in the Georgian style. The old campus was sold to start a new seminary.
Ending Segregation
On April 27, 1962, Wake Forest made a big decision. Its leaders voted to accept Edward Reynolds. He was from Ghana and became the first black full-time undergraduate student. This made Wake Forest the first major private university in the South to end racial segregation. Reynolds transferred from another university. He graduated in 1964 with a history degree. He later became a history professor.
Recent Times
In 1961, the university started graduate studies. In 1967, it officially became Wake Forest University. New schools and centers opened over the years. In 1979, Wake Forest began to change its ties with the Baptist State Convention. This was to gain more academic freedom. By 1986, the school became independent from the Convention.
In 2021, Susan Rae Wente became the university's fourteenth president. She is the first woman to hold this position. In 2015, Wake Forest planned to offer classes downtown. This new campus, Wake Downtown, opened in 2017. It is in a former tobacco plant.
In 2020, Wake Forest apologized for its past involvement with slavery.
Presidential Visits
Wake Forest has hosted important events. On March 17, 1978, President Jimmy Carter gave a speech in Wait Chapel. The school has also hosted presidential debates. These happened in 1988 and 2000, also in Wait Chapel.
University Campuses
Reynolda Campus
The Reynolda Campus is the main campus for Wake Forest University. It has the undergraduate colleges and most graduate schools. The campus has two main areas. These are the North and South Campus. They are separated by Reynolda Hall, a main building.
North Campus has Hearn Plaza, also called "the quad." Here you find student housing and Wait Chapel. Wait Chapel is used for prayers, ceremonies, and concerts. South Campus has freshman housing and many classrooms. It also has the Benson Center and the Z. Smith Reynolds Library.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Reynolda House Museum of American Art is a special part of the Reynolda Estate. The university's main campus is named after this estate. The house was built in 1917 by Katharine Smith Reynolds and her husband, Richard Joshua Reynolds. He founded the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. In 1967, it became an art museum. It has been connected with Wake Forest University since 2002.
Reynolda House shows American art from different time periods. It includes works by famous artists. Wake Forest students can work or volunteer here. Admission to the museum is free for students.
Reynolda Gardens
Reynolda Gardens covers 129 acres. It was once part of the Reynolds family estate. It has a lake, golf course, and beautiful gardens. Today, it is a learning center. Students and teachers do research here. The public can also take classes and attend events.
Reynolda Village
Reynolda Village is next to the Wake Forest campus. It has shops, restaurants, and offices. Wake Forest University now owns it. The buildings were once part of the R.J. Reynolds family estate. They looked like an English village. Today, it offers many shops and services.
Graylyn International Conference Center
Wake Forest University also owns Graylyn. It is a large meeting place. Bowman Gray, Sr. built it as his family home in 1932. It was later given to the university.
Other Winston-Salem Campuses
The Bowman Gray Campus is near downtown Winston-Salem. It is home to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. This includes the Wake Forest School of Medicine. This Medical Center is the largest employer in the area. Wake Downtown is in the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter. Some graduate programs are also in downtown Winston-Salem.
Wake Forest bought the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in 2013. This is where the men's and women's basketball teams play.
Wake Forest Innovation Quarter
The Wake Forest Innovation Quarter is in downtown Winston-Salem. It opened Wake Forest Biotech Place in 2012. This is a large research center. It houses School of Medicine departments and private companies.
Wake Forest Innovations helps turn new ideas into products. Undergraduate classes also started at Wake Downtown in 2017.
University Corporate Center
This large building was once the world headquarters for Reynolds Tobacco Company. It was given to Wake Forest University in 1987. Now called the University Corporate Center, it holds many university offices.
Charlotte Campus
The School of Business opened a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1995. It moved to a new building in 2001. This campus offers MBA programs for working adults. It also has other business courses and events.
Washington, D.C. Campus
The university has a campus in Washington, D.C.. It offers undergraduate and law classes. The Wake Washington Center also hosts events for alumni.
Overseas Campuses
The university owns properties in Italy, Austria, England, and Nicaragua. These are used for study abroad programs.
Venice
In 1974, Wake Forest bought a building in Venice. It is called Casa Artom. It faces the Grand Canal. Each semester, students and a professor live and study here.
Vienna
In 1998, Wake Forest bought a villa in Vienna. It is called Flow House. It was once a U.S. Consulate office. Students and a professor live and study here each semester.
London
In 1977, Wake Forest got a large house in Hampstead for its London program. It is called Worrell House. Students and a professor live and study here. Law students also spend a summer session here.
Nicaragua
In 2008, Wake Forest bought Casa Dingledine in Nicaragua. It is a conference center with a view of Lake Managua. It helps Wake Forest work with Nicaraguans. It also gives students and teachers new experiences.
Academics
| School founding | |
|---|---|
| School | Year founded |
| Wake Forest School of Law | 1894 |
| Wake Forest School of Medicine | 1902 |
| Wake Forest University School of Business | 1948 |
| Wake Forest Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | 1961 |
| Wake Forest University School of Divinity | 1999 |
Undergraduate Admissions
Wake Forest is a very selective university for undergraduate students. For the class of 2021, about 13,000 students applied. Only about 25 percent of those who applied were accepted. Many students choose to apply early.
Test-Optional Policy
In 2008, Wake Forest became the first top-ranked national university to make college entrance exams optional. This means students do not have to send their SAT or ACT scores. They can choose if they want their scores to be considered.
Undergraduate Studies
Wake Forest offers 40 main subjects (majors) and 57 smaller subjects (minors). Students usually choose their major in their second year.
To graduate, students need 120 hours of credit. This includes core classes, classes for their major, and electives. Core classes cover writing, health, and foreign languages. They also include subjects like humanities, social sciences, and science.
Wake Forest also has an "Open Curriculum" option. A small number of students can design their own study plan. This plan must follow a liberal arts style.
The School of Business offers special programs. Students can earn a bachelor's and master's degree in accountancy. This helps them prepare for the CPA exam.
Faculty Members
The university has nearly 2,000 faculty members. Most of them work full-time. About 93 percent of undergraduate teachers have high degrees in their field. Wake Forest is known for its excellent teaching. It has a small class size, with about 11 students for every teacher.
Many famous people have taught at Wake Forest. These include:
- Anthony Atala, who grows organs for medicine.
- David Carroll, who researches tiny materials for cancer and green energy.
- Melissa Harris-Perry, a politics professor and TV host.
- Nathan O. Hatch, a former president and religious historian.
- Maya Angelou, a famous author and civil rights activist. She taught here until 2014.
Study Abroad Programs
Wake Forest is a leader in study abroad programs. Many students get credit for studying in other countries. They can go for a few weeks, a summer, or a full year.
Wake Forest offers over 400 programs. These are in 200 cities and over 70 countries. The university owns houses in Venice, Italy; Vienna, Austria; and London, England. Students can live and study in these houses with a professor.
Graduate and Professional Schools
Wake Forest University has a Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. It also has four professional schools.
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
This school offers 25 graduate programs. These include PhDs in sciences and master's degrees in arts and sciences. It also has joint degree programs with other schools.
School of Business
The Wake Forest University School of Business started in 1969. It has programs for both graduate and undergraduate students. It also has a campus in Charlotte for working professionals. The school offers master's degrees in business and accountancy. Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
School of Divinity
The Wake Forest University School of Divinity offers a Master of Divinity degree. It also has programs in bioethics, counseling, and law. The school focuses on Christian traditions and an open outlook.
School of Law
.jpg)
The Wake Forest University School of Law started in 1894. It is a highly ranked law school. It offers different law degrees. Class sizes are kept small to help students learn.
School of Medicine
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine has two campuses in Winston-Salem. It teaches about 1,800 students each year. These include future doctors and scientists. It works closely with Wake Forest Baptist Health. The school is known for its research. It gets a lot of funding for its studies.
University Rankings
Wake Forest is highly ranked among national universities. U.S. News & World Report ranked it tied for 47th overall in the U.S. It is also known for its excellent undergraduate teaching.
The School of Business is also highly rated. Its accountancy program often has the best pass rate on the CPA exam.
University Press
Wake Forest is home to Wake Forest University Press. It started in 1976. It is known for publishing Irish poetry in North America.
WFDD Radio Station
WFDD is a radio station connected with NPR. It started in 1946. It broadcasts to many counties in North Carolina and Virginia.
Technology at Wake Forest
Wake Forest is praised for its technology. It gives new laptop computers to all undergraduate students and teachers. High-speed internet is available everywhere on campus. The university uses many online tools for learning and working together.
Student Life
| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 69% |
|
|
| Foreign national | 9% |
|
|
| Hispanic | 8% |
|
|
| Black | 6% |
|
|
| Other | 4% |
|
|
| Asian | 4% |
|
|
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income | 9% |
|
|
| Affluent | 91% |
|
|
Fraternities and Sororities
About 45 percent of undergraduate students join a fraternity and sorority. Students usually join in their second semester. Most groups have special lounges in dorms. One fraternity has a house off campus.
All fraternities and sororities belong to one of three councils. These councils help guide the groups.
Athletic Activities
Wake Forest offers many fitness classes. These include yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. Students can also join 36 club sports teams. Over half of the students play intramural sports. The university's gym, Reynolds Gym, was updated in 2018. It is now called the Wake Forest Wellbeing Center.
Dining Options
Students living on campus must have a meal plan. There are several dining halls and food courts. There is also a Starbucks and convenience stores.
Student Housing
Students are guaranteed housing for four years. As of 2010, students had to live on campus for their first three years. There are different dorms for first-year students and upperclassmen.
Personal and Career Development
Wake Forest helps students prepare for their future careers. The university has a special department for this. It offers courses and events to help students find jobs.
Arts at Wake Forest
Every student takes at least one art class. These include art history, theater, dance, and music. Many students perform in shows on campus. Winston-Salem is known as the "City of Arts & Innovation."
Students can also visit art collections on campus. These include the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. The Theatre Department puts on many plays. The student-run Reynolda Film Festival shows movies and hosts workshops. The Secrest Artists Series offers free concerts.
Student Organizations
There are over 225 student organizations. These include sports clubs and academic groups. The Model United Nations team is popular. There are also religious groups. Both the College Republicans and College Democrats have active chapters. Students can also join performing groups.
The Office of Student Engagement helps manage all student groups. It also organizes leadership activities.
Student Union
The Student Union plans events for students. These include Homecoming and concerts. Their most famous event is "Shag on the Mag." Students dance to live music on the quad.
Student Government
Wake Forest Student Government (SG) started in 1923. Students elect four main leaders each spring. These leaders work with committees to help students. The Senate has about 60 student senators. They work on different student needs.
Student Media
- WAKE Radio is an online radio station. It broadcasts shows about politics, sports, and music.
- The Student is a website run by students. It shares news about campus events.
- The Old Gold & Black (OGB) is the weekly school newspaper. It started in 1916.
- Wake Forest Review is a student newspaper with a conservative viewpoint.
- Wake TV is the university television channel. It has news and entertainment shows.
- The Howler is the annual yearbook.
- 3 to 4 Ounces is the campus literary magazine. It publishes student writing and art.
Debate Team
The Wake Forest Debate team is very successful. They have won national championships in 1997 and 2008. They also share their arguments online. This helps other debate teams.
Volunteer Service Corps
The Volunteer Service Corps (VSC) is a popular student group. It organizes volunteering locally and internationally. They have trips to places like Russia and Latin America.
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Wake Forest University has an Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AROTC) program. This program trains students to become Army officers. In 2006, it was named the best medium-sized ROTC group in the nation. Students in the program can receive full scholarships.
Athletics
Wake Forest's sports teams are called the "Demon Deacons." This name came from a newspaper reporter in 1923. He said the team "fought like Demons."
Wake Forest teams have won ten national championships. These include field hockey, golf, soccer, baseball, and tennis. Wake Forest is part of "Tobacco Road." This refers to the four North Carolina schools that compete fiercely.
The Demon Deacons play in the NCAA Division I. They are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, golf, and soccer. Women's sports include basketball, field hockey, golf, soccer, and volleyball.
Football
Wake Forest Demon Deacons football plays home games at Truist Field. They have won two ACC Football Championships. Many players have also received top awards.
Men's Basketball
Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball is a strong program. They often play in the NCAA tournament. They reached the Final Four once in 1962.
Famous basketball alumni include:
- Billy Packer, a player who became a broadcaster.
- Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player in the NBA.
- Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors.
- Tim Duncan, a two-time league MVP and five-time NBA Champion.
Women's Basketball
Wake Forest Demon Deacons women's basketball has had successful coaches. Jen Hoover, a former star player, became coach in 2012. The team has played in the NCAA tournament and the Women's NIT.
Women's Field Hockey
The women's field hockey team has won three national championships. They won in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Golf
Wake Forest has had many successful golf teams. They won national championships in 1974, 1975, and 1986. Many famous golfers played for Wake Forest. These include Arnold Palmer, Lanny Wadkins, and Webb Simpson.
Soccer
Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's soccer is a national title contender. Many players have gone on to play professionally. They won the 2007 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.
Baseball
Wake Forest Demon Deacons baseball won the 1955 College World Series. In 2017, eight players were chosen in the MLB Draft. This was a record for the team.
Tennis
_(29235540794).jpg)
Noah Rubin played for Wake Forest. He won the 2014 Wimbledon boys singles championship. In 2018, the Wake Forest Men's Tennis team won its first NCAA National Championship. They won on their home courts.
Screamin' Demons
Students love to attend Wake Forest Football and Basketball games. This is partly due to the "Screamin' Demons" program. Students pay a small fee to get the best seats. They also get special shirts. If they miss too many games, they lose their spot.
Diversity and Inclusion
On April 27, 1962, Wake Forest voted to end racial segregation. It became the first major private university in the South to do so. In the fall of 1962, Edward Reynolds became the first black undergraduate student. In 2012–2013, Wake Forest celebrated this event.
About 25 percent of undergraduate students are minorities. The university has a strong commitment to diversity.
Other important moments for diversity:
- Konsukie Akiyama became the first Asian graduate in 1909.
- Women undergraduates were first admitted in 1942.
- James G. Jones became the first American Indian graduate in 1958.
- In 1960, Wake Forest students joined a sit-in. This helped end segregation in Winston-Salem restaurants.
- Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Wake Forest in 1962.
- Herman Eure and Dolly McPherson became the first black tenured professors in 1974.
- In 1982, Maya Angelou was hired as a professor.
- In 2002, Wake Forest added a cultural diversity requirement for students.
- The university added Muslim and Jewish chaplains.
Recognition for Diversity
Wake Forest has been recognized for its diversity efforts. It received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award in 2012.
Alumni
Wake Forest has over 72,000 living alumni. Many live in North Carolina. Others live in 97 different countries. Alumni have won many awards. These include Rhodes Scholars and Fulbright recipients.
Famous alumni include:
- Muggsy Bogues, NBA player
- Richard Burr, U.S. Senator
- David Chase, creator of The Sopranos
- Tim Duncan, NBA player
- Melissa Harris-Perry, journalist
- Arnold Palmer, professional golfer
- Chris Paul, NBA player
- Ed Reynolds, the first black graduate
Movies Filmed at the University
Several movies have been filmed at Wake Forest University. These include:
- A Union In Wait
- The 5th Quarter
- The Longest Ride
|
