Dean Reinemund Leaving Wake Forest - A Few Thoughts

Photo: Walmart

I just opened my email to find out that Steve Reinemund is leaving his post as Dean of the Wake Forest Schools of Business at the end of this academic year. His last day at the university will be June 30.

It is quite an abrupt departure for the man who spearheaded a $55 million capital campaign that led to the construction of Ferrell Hall. Fortunately, Reinemund will remain involved with the university as an "executive in residence," though it will be interesting to see if he is courted by any other entities - whether corporate or nonprofit.

Wake Forest said it will conduct a national search for his successor; more information is expected shortly.

The timing of the announcement is a bit odd. Organizers are in the middle of raising more than $110 million for the Schools of Business as part of the massive Wake Will campaign, including another $33 million for Farrell Hall. And the university recently capped off a social media contest tied to Farrell Hall with a grand prize that features breakfast with Dean Reinemund sometime next fall. Then again, Reinemund, 65, may have decided to move on after completing five years of service to the university.

I enjoyed my time working with Dean Reinemund. He was willing to take a shot on a journalist who wanted funding to attend school in exchange for building a social media platform. Far from a social media junkie himself, Reinemund was still quick to note that his children were very keen on it. He enthusiastically allowed me to roll my sleeves up and overhaul how the business school communicates with prospects, students and alumni.

Reinemund has that type of vision and confidence in people who have good ideas. He will also be remembered for encouraging students to find their passion and, in turn, discover their purpose. And he will also be known around campus for the annual basketball tournaments held at his home and the Thursday morning runs branded, appropriately, as "Dawn with the Dean."

I'm sure most students have a good memory or thought to share about our outgoing Dean. It is rare for business schools to pull a corporate leader to fill the dean's position. Perhaps Reinemund will prove to be a trailblazer there as well.

Here is the letter that Reinemund sent out today announcing his plans to step aside. Let's hope Wake Forest can find a successor with his energy, determination and passion.



Dear WFUSB Alumni,

It has been an honor to serve as the Wake Forest Dean of Business for the past 5½ years. I came to an outstanding university in 2008 and thanks to the dedication and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends of the School, we have made the unified Wake Forest School of Business truly a world-class institution. Our shared vision of achieving excellence in education at Wake Forest and providing an exceptional experience for our students and alumni has been, and will continue to be, a primary focus.

Our student body continues to evolve as a dynamic and diverse group of intellectuals with a wide variety of personal passions and talents. Now, and in the upcoming years, it will be exciting to see how they will take advantage of all that is here to equip them — academically, ethically, socially and physically — to positively and powerfully impact our country and our world.

I want to share that I will be stepping down as Dean of Business at the end of this academic year. At that time, I will serve Wake Forest as Executive-in-Residence and assist our students as they set out on their journey to make a meaningful difference in whatever they choose to do.


The involvement and support of Wake Forest alumni and friends remains as vital as ever to our mission. We appreciate all that you do to help form valuable bridges that connect our students to the world.

Best regards,

Steve Reinemund