Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Main ContentWhere calling meets courage, and faith becomes action.
Rooted in justice, reconciliation, and compassion, Wake Forest University School of Divinity prepares bold, ecumenical leaders for ministry and public life.
Why Wake Divinity?
Mission
Wake Divinity is an ecumenical community committed to justice, reconciliation and compassion.
Experience
We are committed to seeing each student succeed and reach their full potential.
Scholarship
Our faculty are teacher-scholars, accessible mentors, and exceptional educators.
A Holistic Theological Education Centered on Your Unique Calling
Wake Divinity prepares students for ministry in all its context within the church walls and beyond.
Our Degree Programs
“The Wake Div Experience” is our promise to provide exceptional support that encourages student wellbeing, personal growth, and increased vocational clarity.
L A T E S T P U B L I C A T I O N
Faith For Tomorrow
ESSAYS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Wake Forest University School of Divinity, this volume presents a signature collection of essays authored by distinguished members of our community. Framed by the School’s founding commitment to justice, reconciliation, and compassion, these contributions offer critical reflections on the past, discerning engagement with the present, and visionary insight into the future of theological education. Together, these essays bear witness to a quarter-century of graduate theological education rooted in justice, reconciliation, and compassion, and testify to the School’s ongoing commitment to critical ecumenical inquiry, prophetic public witness, and faithful leadership in a pluralistic world.
These essays do more than commemorate. They call us together, anchor us in our shared purpose, and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing work of inviting reflection, inspiring action, and offering a compelling vision of who we are—and who we are becoming.
Corey D. B. Walker
Dean of the School of Divinity and Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities
- Professor Melva L. Sampson named to inaugural cohort of Gongloff Creative Worship and Prophetic Preaching Fellowship at Brite Divinity School
- Wake Forest University to host 2026 Environmental and Epistemic Justice Initiative Summer Institute in London
- Professor Wynnetta Wimberley Announced as Faculty Speaker for the 2026 Wake Forest University School of Divinity Hooding and Commencement Ceremony
- Wake Forest University School of Divinity Celebrates Raising More Than $3.2 Million for Student Scholarships
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August 24, 2026 | 8:00am
Divinity and Religious Studies Building -
August 25, 2026 | 11:00am
Davis Chapel -
September 17, 2026
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On Thursday, September 17, Wake Forest University School of Divinity hosts the Initiative on Religion Pluralism and American Public Life (iRPA) 2026 Symposium "Reimagining Solidarity, Strengthening Democracy: New Visions of the Common Good," in Wait Chapel. Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, longtime editor of the Howard Thurman Papers Project, opens the day. A 1 p.m. panel convenes leaders from United Way Worldwide, interfaith communities, evangelical ministry, LGBTQ+ legal advocacy, and Jewish public affairs. Rabbi David Saperstein, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, delivers the closing keynote.
Free and open to the public.
Register: go.wfu.edu/divinity
Aug 14
We recently hosted the Inaugural Bill J. Leonard Summer Institute! This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Dissent,” brought together vibrant discussions and inspiring connections across generations, cultivating a space for scholarship, fellowship, and meaningful conversations about tackling the challenges of our world with wisdom and hope.
To watch the enlightening conversations and keynote address, visit the link in our bio.
#BillJLeonardSummerInstitute #LegacyOfDissent #Scholarship #Leadership #Hope
Aug 12
“The people who are here are having a transformative experience.”
Reflect on some of the sights and sounds from the 2026 Faith Compass Center Summer Institute, “Weaving New Worlds: Restorying Kindred Abundance for Collective Flourishing.” This event brought together faith ambassadors, church members, health workers, seminarians, and preachers to develop skills in justice-centered design thinking and sacred memory, and to create new, affirming narratives about faith and HIV/AIDS.
Jul 31
Join us for the inaugural Bill J. Leonard Summer Institute — "A Legacy of Dissent"
📅 August 7–8, 2026
📍 Divinity Auditorium, Wake Forest University School of Divinity
For over 50 years, Dr. Bill J. Leonard`s scholarship and leadership have shaped generations of pastors, scholars, and congregations. This new gathering honors that legacy with two days of conversation and fellowship — exploring dissent as both a historic Baptist practice and a vital prophetic call for today.
Featuring Dr. Bill J. Leonard, Dr. Molly Marshall, Dr. Linda McKinnish Bridges, Dr. Jon Singletary, Rev. Dr. Ronald Bobo, Rev. Emily Hull McGee, and Dean Corey D. B. Walker — plus worship in Wait Chapel.
🔗 Register now: link in bio (go.wfu.edu/BLSI)
#WakeDiv #BaptistTradition #TheologicalEducation
Jul 23
From our insightful new student orientation that welcomed our incoming class to the celebration of our achievements at the hooding ceremony, this past year has been filled with memorable experiences and significant milestones. As we reflect on these events, we reaffirm our commitment to the core values that define our Wake Forest University School of Divinity community. We look forward with anticipation, setting ambitious goals and aspirations as we embark on the exciting journey into Wake Forest University’s third century.
Join us in revisiting these highlights as we continue to cultivate a vibrant and thriving academic environment.
Jul 20
Missed our live conversation? The recording is now available.
"Sacred and Secular: Reviewing the United States Supreme Court`s Jurisprudence on Religious Freedom" brought together leading constitutional scholars to review religious freedom issues addressed in the 2025-2026 term including in the Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Mirabelli v. Bonta cases and to discuss significant changes and trends in the Court`s jurisprudence in this area.
Moderated by Melissa Rogers, with opening remarks from Dean Corey D. B. Walker, and featuring Stephanie Barclay, Tom Berg, Alan Brownstein, and Audra Savage – this iRPA program offers informed and diverse perspectives on where religious freedom jurisprudence stands today and where it may be headed.
Watch the full recording: youtu.be/3axeayHeuC4
Or at our link in bio.
#ReligiousFreedom #SCOTUS #ConstitutionalLaw #WakeDiv #FirstAmendment
Jul 14
Join us for the inaugural Bill J. Leonard Summer Institute — "A Legacy of Dissent"
📅 August 7–8, 2026
📍 Divinity Auditorium, Wake Forest University School of Divinity
For over 50 years, Dr. Bill J. Leonard`s scholarship and leadership have shaped generations of pastors, scholars, and congregations. This new gathering honors that legacy with two days of conversation and fellowship exploring dissent as both a historic Baptist practice and a vital prophetic call for today.
Featuring Dr. Bill J. Leonard, Dr. Molly Marshall, Dr. Linda McKinnish Bridges, Dr. Jon Singletary, Rev. Dr. Ronald Bobo, and Dean Corey D. B. Walker — plus worship in Wait Chapel.
🔗 Register now: https://wakenetwork.wfu.edu/events/winston-salem-nc-bill-j-leonard-summer-institute-08-07-2026-0013461
#WakeDiv #BaptistTradition #TheologicalEducation
Jul 8
We look forward to partnering with President Peter Rodriguez to address the profound challenges of our time while advancing our university`s enduring mission in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.
Jul 1
"In honoring President Susan R. Wente, we give thanks for a presidency that has strengthened the intellectual life of this university, deepened its moral commitments, and expanded its public purpose. Her legacy will endure in the lives of students formed, the knowledge created, and the community sustained and transformed through her leadership."
– Dean Corey D. B. Walker
Thank you, President Wente, for your vision, courage, and unwavering dedication to the development of the whole person.
Jun 30
What do this year`s Supreme Court decisions reveal about the future of religious freedom in America?
Join Wake Forest University School of Divinity on July 9 for a webinar featuring leading constitutional scholars discussing major religious liberty cases from the Court`s 2025–2026 term and what may lie ahead.
📅 July 9, 2026
⏰ 2:00 p.m. ET
Register and submit questions → https://events.zoom.us/e/view/5SxXZFzdSLqEekVL86s7HA or at the link in bio.
#WakeDiv #ReligiousFreedom #SCOTUS
Jun 22
