President Hatch helped lead the effort to merge Wake Forest University, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Atrium Health into one entity that will enhance medical education and healthcare in North Carolina.
President Hatch often spent time with students, engaging them in thoughtful conversation and rounds of coffee.
Always a scholar, President Hatch shared a laugh with his longtime friends and colleagues, retired professors Mark Noll (l) and Grant Wacker (r).
A leader who believes in educating the whole person, President Hatch enjoyed congratulating each graduate on Commencement day.
President and Mrs. Hatch posed for a photo with their granddaughter, Grace.

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch spent his entire career in higher education – first as a professor and scholar, intriguing the minds of young thinkers; next as an administrator, learning and cherishing the value of teamwork; and finally, as president, providing steadfast vision to strengthening the community. On June 30, 2021, he retired as Wake Forest’s 13th president.

During Dr. Hatch’s 16 years at Wake Forest, he weaved together strong tradition and high innovation, attracted new talent, defined the vision of a collegiate university, broadened the University’s appeal and built strong leadership teams. He expanded academic offerings, enhanced diversity and inclusion, deepened the University’s resource base, renewed athletic facilities, pioneered in equipping students to navigate the path from college to career and worked to knit character into the fabric of the learning community.

Wake Forest President Nathan O. Hatch outside his office in Reynolda Hall

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch became Wake Forest’s 13th president on July 1, 2005, and retired on June 30, 2021. His presidency was marked by a commitment to educating the whole person, developing leaders of character and honoring the mission of Pro Humanitate.

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NBA basketball player Chris Paul visits Wake Forest, which he attended for two years, to talk about leadership as part of the Leadership Project with President Nathan O. Hatch, in Wait Chapel on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

Memorable Moments

From July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2021, Dr. Hatch led and guided the community of Wake Forest University. That time was marked by visionary leadership, a desire to strengthen the collegiate university, a commitment to educating the whole person, and a drive to continue to achieve excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.

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President’s Speeches & Remarks

From the State of the University address to regular communication with students and the community, President Hatch offered his thoughts on a variety of topics. Read the speeches and writings from President Hatch.

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