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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (August 2025) — Wake Forest University School of Divinity is celebrating a historic milestone with a record-breaking fundraising year of philanthropic support. Coinciding with the school’s 25th anniversary, the 2024–2025 academic year marks the most successful fundraising year in the School’s history, with nearly $12 million in philanthropic gifts.

An early morning view of Wait Chapel that houses the Wake Forest University School of Divinity.

“We are truly grateful for the congregations, organizations, alumni, and friends who believe in Wake Forest University School of Divinity and invest in our shared mission,” said Hannah McMahan King, Assistant Dean of Development. “The impact of these gifts will be felt for generations to come and affect not only our students but also the churches and communities they lead.”

More than $10.5 million of the funds will support student scholarships, including the Wake Div Promise—a bold initiative offering full-tuition scholarships to all Master of Divinity students. By removing financial barriers, the Wake Div Promise makes possible the preparation of future faith leaders who will embody justice, reconciliation, and compassion in their ministries and across diverse spheres of society.

In addition to scholarships, faculty research and signature partnerships that connect the School’s resources with pressing needs in local and global communities will also be supported. These investments affirm the School of Divinity’s dedication to cultivating a dynamic graduate theological ecosystem focused on preparing leaders, producing new knowledge, and supporting public engagement with imagination, courage, and a deep commitment to the common good.

“This moment is not only about numbers—it is about lives transformed through graduate theological education.” said Corey D. B. Walker, Dean of the School of Divinity and Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities. “These generous gifts affirm our mission and our enduring commitment for a world of justice, reconciliation, and compassion. As we enter our next chapter, we do so with gratitude. The future of theological education must be as imaginative as the world we serve, and Wake Divinity is uniquely positioned to lead in preparing new generations of faith leaders.”

Wake Forest University School of Divinity extends deep gratitude to all who made this historic year possible and who continue to support the School and invest in graduate theological education that prepares students for faithful and transformative leadership.


About the Wake Forest University School of Divinity

Founded in 1999, Wake Forest University School of Divinity is a graduate, professional school that is Christian by tradition, Baptist in heritage, and ecumenical in outlook. Guided by the University’s motto, Pro Humanitate, the School prepares leaders informed by theological vocation and equipped to serve as agents of justice, reconciliation, and compassion through imaginative academics and engaged community formation. The School offers masters and doctoral degree programs including dual degree programs in bioethics, counseling, education, law, management, and sustainability.

Media Contact:
Dan Culpepper, Director of Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations
Wake Forest University, School of Divinity
culpepd@wfu.edu

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