Wake Forest University plans for growth and increases commitment in Charlotte
Wake Forest University Schools of Business will expand programs and provide additional services to students, alumni and the broader business community in the Charlotte area.
Currently, the Charlotte campus programs for the Schools of Business include evening and Saturday MBA degree programs, executive education initiatives, and the Family Business Center – Charlotte Metro. The Charlotte campus opened in 1995 with one MBA program and a total of 30 students. Today, that has increased to two MBA programs and 178 students.
“The University is committed to continuing to grow its business programs in the Charlotte area and we are excited that these plans will also enable us to better serve our alumni,” said Dean of Business Steve Reinemund. “Our goal is to expand offerings for other Wake Forest University programs in the future” Reinemund added.
The news comes as the University administration recently decided to explore other partnership opportunities and facilities for its campus location in Charlotte instead of moving to the Wachovia First Street project location as previously announced. The decision to look at other options was made after Wachovia was acquired by Wells Fargo. “In light of the change in ownership of Wachovia and changes in the bank’s plans, we have decided to explore other options” said Reinemund.
Reinemund said that finding the right location in the core business district in Charlotte is crucial for its success, as the new facility will serve an expanded role to include the following:
* Housing higher education programs, including degree, non-degree and corporate programs.
* Cultivating outreach and community partnerships to serve as a catalyst for business community interaction. This includes programs such as the Wake Forest Family Business Center – Charlotte Metro, which was started in 2003 and has seen 30% growth this year.
* Serving as a base of operation for faculty experts who specialize in industries vital to the Charlotte economy. This core group will focus on teaching, research, executive education, and consultancy.
* Serving as the base of activity for all Charlotte-based Wake Forest alumni which currently total over 6,000. Activities will include workshops, guest speakers, networking opportunities, and an expanded Career Management Centerwith dedicated career counselors for the Charlotte area alumni.
To support these initiatives, the school is considering facilities that will provide at least 25,000 square feet of space.
As part of this expanded commitment, the Wake Forest Schools of Business announced a change in leadership to better align Charlotte programs with the University’s Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, N.C. Charles Iacovou, Senior Associate Dean of the Business School, will immediately begin directing existing programs and new initiatives in Charlotte, as well as continue his current role on the Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem. Iacovou has been a professor at the Wake Forest Babcock Graduate School of Management since 2001 and has been a senior administrator at Babcock for the past few years.
“This shift will allow us to better integrate our programs across both campuses and focus our efforts most effectively. Charles has been instrumental in helping develop and guide the strategic direction for the school and his leadership and drive are exactly what is needed for our expansion in Charlotte.” said Reinemund.
Dan Fogel, current Associate Dean for the working professional programs, will continue to teach in our programs and will serve in another administrative role for the Schools of Business. “Dan has been instrumental in the development and delivery of our graduate programs, and we thank him for his guidance and oversight of the Charlotte campus.” said Reinemund.
