Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the current academic year in 2021.
Hatch had intended to announce his retirement plans earlier this year, but postponed the announcement to deal with the challenges of handling the school's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With a grateful spirit for all that we have done together, I share that Julie and I intend to retire from Wake Forest University on June 30, 2021,” Hatch said in a message to the Wake Forest community. Julie Hatch is Nathan Hatch's wife.
While acknowledging there is more to be done to assure a successful conclusion to the academic year, Hatch said he and the university's Board of Trustees felt that now is the appropriate time to make the announcement.
“It has been the adventure of a lifetime to lead Wake Forest with you," Hatch said in his statement. “I continue on in these next months with many of the same emotions that have driven my time at Wake Forest — excitement for what we can accomplish for our students, enthusiasm for the ways we can explore and innovate within higher education, and a strong belief in the core values that have anchored this institution, shaped our community and will see us into the future."
Gerald R. Roach, chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for Hatch’s leadership in a statement released with Hatch's announcement.
“President Hatch’s integrity, humility and unparalleled vision inspire our community and enhance our belief in the institution and one another," Roach said.
Roach said the university's next president will benefit from Hatch's steadfast dedication to the university.
Roach will oversee the search for the next president, which will begin immediately. If needed, Hatch said, he will continue to lead Wake Forest until a new president takes office, even if that extends beyond June.
Hatch was named Wake Forest University’s 13th president on July 1, 2005. He came to Wake Forest from the University of Notre Dame, where he began his career as a history professor before moving into administration.
The university said that under Hatch’s presidency a focus has been to educate the whole person and develop leaders of character.
Under his leadership, Wake Forest officials said, the university has transformed the college-to-career experience, pioneered test-optional admissions among top national universities, made strategic realignments in business and medicine and united alumni, parents and friends to support Wake Will Lead, the largest fundraising effort in the University’s history.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said he will be “sad to see him go,” but that he would wish Hatch the best during his retirement.
“I think Nathan has provided extraordinary leadership, not only at Wake Forest but here in the Winston-Salem community,” Joines said. “He has made Wake an important part of many initiatives, such as the Innovation Quarter, efforts to reduce poverty and homelessness and in an effort to rebuild our economy. He has been a huge leader.”
Joines noted that Wake Forest could have developed the Innovation Quarter as a tax-exempt space but chose not to.
Dave Plyler, the chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, said Hatch will be very hard to replace.
“What Nathan Hatch has done for Wake Forest University, Forsyth County and Winston-Salem can’t be matched by anyone who succeeds him in the near future,” Plyler said. “He set a high standard. He is quiet and easygoing. He proves you can do your job and not be boisterous about it. He is approachable. Even I can talk to Nathan Hatch.”
Hatch led the integration of Wake Forest University Health Services with N.C. Baptist Hospital under a single entity by 2010, and very recently oversaw the joining of Atrium Health, based in Charlotte, with Wake Forest Baptist Health and including the Wake Forest School of Medicine in a single enterprise.
On campus, Hatch combined the undergraduate and graduate business programs into a single School of Business, and established an Office of Wellbeing meant to bring to the campus a focus on holistic wellbeing.
Hatch’s tenure has seen an increase in the number of minority students studying on campus. At the same time, the university has had to deal with the legacy of a slaveholding and segregationist past, along with racial incidents right up to recent times.
Faculty and staff received racist and homophobic emails in 2019, and there was an Instagram post earlier that year in which someone suggested that Wake Forest build a wall to separate it from predominantly-black Winston-Salem State University. Old yearbook photos with Confederate flags and stereotypical depictions of Blacks still rankle.
Imam Khalid Griggs, a Muslim clergyman who served as an associate chaplain at Wake Forest from 2010 to 2017, said Hatch “has served the university well.” He noted that his appointment as chaplain was an example of Hatch’s openness to different ideas, coming on a campus with Baptist Christian roots.
“Under his time, it was an exceptional move to bring in a non-Christian associate chaplain,” Griggs said. “It had to be done with his approval.”
Griggs was the target of an act of vandalism during his stay at Wake Forest, and the school came under fire from an alumnus who tried to get graduates to withhold financial support from the school unless it held a debate over Griggs’ views.
Griggs said Hatch’s response to the incident reveals the president’s “deliberate and thoughtful” approach, even if to Griggs it seemed that Hatch’s defense was slow in coming.
“He handled that situation the same way he handled controversy in general,” Griggs said. “Very deliberate. I was appreciative and glad to get his public support, but it came after quite a bit of slander and mischaracterization. Every administrator has a particular style in dealing with controversy. He is very deliberate in what he does and sometimes that could be interpreted as slow in reacting.”
Hatch apologized for the university’s historical connection with slavery in February during the school’s annual Founders’ Day Convocation.
The school under Hatch also produced an 84-page report from the President’s Commission on Race, Equity and Community that made 20 recommendations intended to make improvements in the school racial climate.
Now that the university has set its sights set on hiring a new president, Hatch said in his announcement on Tuesday that the process will be opened to community input, with listening sessions and other information coming forth on a new website that debuts Wednesday.
“It has been the adventure of a lifetime to lead Wake Forest with you,” Hatch said.
NATHAN O. HATCH

01/21/05 -- Nathan O. Hatch, provost of the University of Notre Dame, will be the new president at Wake Forest University.
NATHAN O. HATCH

01/21/05 -- Nathan O. Hatch, a provost at the University of Notre Dame, will be the new president at Wake Froest University.
HATCH and SPEERT

Wake Forest University President Dr. Nathan O. Hatch gives Joshua Speert some words of encouragement as they share a laugh on Thursday morning. Speert along with 1,120 freshmen arrived today for freshmen orientation.
NATHAN HATCH

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, fine tunes a free throw during a promotion sponsored by the university bookstore in Winston-Salem NC, Monday August 22, 2005. In the contest for a 5% discount on books, a student would shoot three free throws against the president, with ties going to the president. One student won.
NATHAN HATCH

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, waits for another victim during a promotion sponsored by the university bookstore in Winston-Salem NC, Monday August 22, 2005. In the contest for a 5% discount on books, a student would shoot three free throws against the president, with ties going to the president. One student won.
NATHAN HATCH

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, displays fine form while out shooting another student during a promotion sponsored by the university bookstore in Winston-Salem NC, Monday August 22, 2005. In the contest for a 5% discount on books, a student would shoot three free throws against the president, with ties going to the president. One student won.
NATHAN HATCH

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, tries a "Segway" personal transportation device during a promotion sponsored by the university bookstore in Winston-Salem NC, Monday August 22, 2005.
WFU INAUGURATION

10/20/2005 -- Murray Greason, left, and Dr. Ed Wilson, right, place the Presidential Collar of State on the shoulders of Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, inaugurating him as the 13th president of Wake Forest University.
WFU INAUGURATION

10/20/2005 -- The Presidential Collar of State of Wake Forest University is placed on the shoulders of Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, left, by Murray Greason, center, and Dr. Ed Wilson, inaugurating Dr. Hatch as the 13th president of the University.
WFU INAUGURATION

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch speaking at his inauguration as the 13th president of Wake Forest University.
PORTRAIT OF PRESIDENT

(left to right) WFU president Nathan Hatch, unveils a portrait of WFU president emeritus Thomas Hearn along with Laura Hearn (Thomas Hearn's wife) on Tuesday morning during a Founder's Day Convocation at Wait Chapel.The portrait will hang on the second floor of Reynolda Hall alongside portraits of WFU's 11 other presidents.
NATHAN HATCH

Wake Forest University president Nathan Hatch leading his first graduation procession as president of the university.
HATCH and WARNER

Wake Forest University president Nathan Hatch, rt, and former Virginia governor Mark Warner, left, shook hands with graduates as they received their degrees at Wake Forest graduation exercises. Warner was the featured graduation speaker.
RESEARCH PARK

Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, left, and Dr. Anthony Atala, right, at the opening of Biotechnology Research Facility 1. The building is one of the first to be built in the Piedmont Triad Research Park.
NATHAN HATCH

Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch was present at the 50th Anniversary celebration at Wake Forest University Friday afternoon.
CAMPUS KITCHEN

11/2/06---From left to right, Wake Forest Students Emily Spear, Grace Johnson, Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch and ARAMARK executive vice-president Tim Cost cook during food demonstrations at the kick-off celebration of the Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest.
WAKE PEP

12/1/2006--- Wake Forest University president Dr. Nathan Hatch joined the crowd to give the football team an enthusiastic send-off as they travel to play Georgia Tech.
NATHAN HATCH

01/02/07 -- Congressman Fred Upton (left) of Michigan, talks with Nathan O. Hatch, the president of Wake Forest University, during the pregame countdown. Upton's daughter Meg is a freshman at Wake.
NATHAN HATCH

01/02/07 -- Dr. Nathan O. Hatch (foreground), the president of Wake Forest University, watches pregame warmups as his wife, Julie (right), talks with Meg Upton, a freshman at Wake. Fred Upton, the congressman for the 6th district of Michigan, checks messages during the pregame countdown.
WFU STUDENTS

12/6/2007 -- Wake Forest University president Nathan Hatch, right, with back to camera, got applause from students as he left the Manchester Athletic Center. The students had gathered outside the center in support of head football coach Jim Grobe, who had been rumored to be moving to the University of Arkansas.
NATHAN HATCH

12/29/07 -- Wake Forest's president, Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, talks to the team after they won this 2007 Meineke Car Care Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, December 29, 2007. The final score was Wake Forest 24 - Connecticut 10.
NATHAN HATCH

2008 -- Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch introduces the new dean of it's two business schools on Tuesday April 22, 2008.
NATHAN HATCH

08/13/08 -- Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch speaks at a press conference introducing John D. McConnell as the new CEO of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Wednesday, August 13, 2008.
NATHAN HATCH

08/22/08 -- Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch greets people outside Wait Chapel following a memorial service in honor of Wake Forest President Emeritus Thomas K. Hearn Jr. Friday.
FUNDRAISER

09/16/09 -- Wake Forest University's President Nathan Hatch (from left) and Provost Jill Tiefenthaler perform a rap with Plead the Fifth as part of a United Way Fundraiser kickoff on Wednesday.
WFU COMMENCEMENT

Wake Forest University president Dr.Nathan Hatch shook the hands of each graduate during Wake Forest University's commencement at Joel Coliseum, Mon., May 17, 2010.
WFU COMMENCEMENT

Wake Forest University president Dr.Nathan Hatch shook the hands of each graduate during Wake Forest University's commencement at Joel Coliseum, Mon., May 17, 2010.
NATHAN HATCH

Nathan Hatch speaks at an event announcing a new tennis tournament. The ATP World Tour will be in Winston-Salem starting in August 2011 for the Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest.
TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Adam Helfant of the ATP, Jim Curley of the USTA, Don Flow, Mayor Allen Joines, and Nathan Hatch and Ron Wellman of Wake Forest University attend an event announcing a new tennis tournament. The ATP World Tour will be in Winston-Salem starting in August 2011 for the Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest.
HANES FUNERAL

Wake Forest University President Dr. Nathan O. Hatch and his wife Julie Hatch enter the church just before the funeral service for Philip Hanes at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., Wednesday January 19, 2011.
NATHAN HATCH

Nathan Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, announces on Tuesday that the United Way of Forsyth County has exceeded its campaign goal by collecting $17.3 million. Hatch served as the chairman of the 2011 campaign.
BIOTECH PLACE

Speakers at the opening of Wake Forest's new BioTech Plaza Tuesday included Richard Linville (from left), chairman, Forsyth County Commisioners; Allen Joines, mayor of Winston-Salem; N.C. Gov. Beverly Perdue; and Dr. Nathan Hatch, president of Wake Forest University.
GRADUATION

Dr. Nathan Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, shakes hands with each graduate as they crossed the stage at the WFU commencement, Monday.
SYMPOSIUM

Nathan O. Hatch (left), the president of Wake Forest University, Susan E. Pauly (center), the president of Salem Academy and College and Donald J. Reaves (right), the chancellor at Winston-Salem State University speak at a symposium, "Academic Trends in Higher Education" on Monday, November 5, 2012, at Salemtowne in Winston-Salem, N.C.
NATHAN HATCH

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch attended a conference at the Wake Forest Biotech Place in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C., announcing the Innovation Quarter district to anchor the east side of downtown.
FARRELL HALL

Dr. Nathan Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, addresses a crowd from the second floor of the university's new school of business education, Farrell Hall, on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.
KING DAY

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch gives his remarks during the Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University "On Common Ground-Fueling the Flame of Equality" 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., Monday, January 20, 2014.
NATHAN HATCH

Wake Forest University president Nathan O. Hatch marches with the faculty and platform guests during Wake Forest University's Graduation Exercises, Monday, May 19, 2014.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch rides into the stadium before a game against Syracuse Saturday, October 18, 2014.
KIM WESTMORELAND

KeraNetics CEO Kim Westmoreland, left, and chief science officer Luke Burnett, lead Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch, and N.C. Secretery of Commerce Sharon Decker on a tour of the company's new facilities at 200 East First Street, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014 The company makes purified wound care and tissue regeneration products.
WFU Graduation 12

University President Nathan O. Hatch opens the commencement during the Wake Forest University Graduation Exercises at Hearn Plaza on the campus of Wake Forest University, Monday, May 18, 2015.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, right, president of Wake Forest University, meets with Michele Gillespie, Dean of Wake Forest College, in Hatch's private office Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Dr. Hatch's desk is in the foreground, arranged with his current papers, files, and books.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, left, president of Wake Forest University, meeting with Athletic Director Ron Wellman in Hatch's office on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Hatch is observing his 10th year as president of WFU.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, right, looks over a fundraising report during a meeting in his office with Mark Petersen, left, Vice President for University Advancement, Tuesday, July 7, 2015.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, center, president of Wake Forest University, laughs with provost Rogan Kersh,left, and Mark Petersen, right, vice president for University Advancement, during a cabinet meeting in Reynolda Hall held Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Hatch is celebrating his 10th year as president of WFU.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, concentrates on a presentation during a cabinet meeting Tuesday, July 7, 2015.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, right, president of Wake Forest University, meeting with the Dean of Wake Forest College, Michele Gillespie, in Hatch's office on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Hatch is observing his 10th year as president of WFU.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, meeting with the Dean of Wake Forest College, Michele Gillespie,(not seen), in Hatch's office on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Hatch is observing his 10th year as president of WFU.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, looks over a fundraising report during a meeting in his office with Mark Petersen, Vice President for University Advancement, Tuesday, July 7, 2015.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, looks over a fundraising report in his office , Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Hanging in a shadowbox on the wall at right is the Presidential Chain of Office, worn by Hatch at graduation exercises.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, right, during a meeting in his office with Mark Petersen, left, Vice President for University Advancement, Tuesday, July 7, 2015.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

The door to Nathan O. Hatch's office is seen Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Dr. Hatch is observing his 10th anniversary as President of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, stands in his office on the university campus in Winston-Salem, NC, Thursday, July 9, 2015. Dr. Hatch is observing his 10th anniversary as president of WFU.
WSJ_0719_Hatch

Nathan O. Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, working in his office on the university campus in Winston-Salem, NC, Thursday, July 9, 2015. Dr. Hatch is observing his 10th anniversary as president of WFU.
Nathan Hatch

Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch introduces Ta-Nehisi Coates during his speech at the univerity's Wait Chapel, Nov. 17, 2015.
WFUX

Nathan Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, welcomes guests to the 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WakeGrad

Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch speaks at commencement on Monday, May 16, 2016 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WakeGrad

Wake Forest graduate Hayden Abene receives a hug from President Nathan Hatch after receiving his diploma on Monday, May 16, 2016 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WakeGrad

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch congratulates Codi Miller-McIntyre during graduation on Monday, May 16, 2016 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUGolf

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch speaks at the Haddock House dedication ceremony on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
20170218w_nws_maya

Nathan Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, speaking at the dedication of Maya Angelou Hall.
20170324w_nws_edwards

Former U.S. Congresswoman and Wake Forest University Graduate Donna Edwards shares a laugh with WFU President Nathan Hatch and the audience while speaking Thursday, Mar. 23, 2017 at the University's Broyhill Auditorium in Farrell Hall in Winston-Salem, N.C.
20170324w_nws_edwards

Donna Edwards, former U.S. congresswoman and Wake Forest University graduate, answers questions asked by WFU President Nathan Hatch before an audience Thursday, Mar. 23, 2017 at the University's Broyhill Auditorium in Farrell Hall in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Winston-Salem Open Monday

Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch (foreground) and Winston-Salem State chancellor Elwood Robinson watch action at the Winston-Salem Open, Monday, August 20, 2018.
Conversation

Nathan Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, introduces the Call to Conversation program on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Conversation

Nathan Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, participates in the Call to Conversation program on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Conversation

Nathan Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, introduces the Call to Conversation program on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
19th Annual MLK Keynote Speech

Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Elwood Robinson and Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch share a conversation backstage during the 19th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Keynote Speech event Monday night, Jan. 21, 2019, at WSSU's K.R. Williams Auditorium in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUAD

Outgoing Wake Forest Director of Athletics Ron Wellman, from left, Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch and incoming Wake Forest Director of Athletics John Currie stand for a photo on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUAD

Outgoing Wake Forest Director of Athletics Ron Wellman, from left, Linda Wellman, Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch, Julie Hatch, incoming Wake Forest Director of Athletics John Currie and Mary Lawrence Currie stand for a photo on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUAD

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch laughs at an anecdote from outgoing Director of Athletics Ron Wellman on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUAD

Outgoing Wake Forest Director of Athletics Ron Wellman hugs Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUAD

Incoming Wake Forest Director of Athletics John Currie shakes hands with Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch on Monday, March 4, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFU Anti Racism Coalition Forum

Wake Forest University president Nathan O. Hatch shares a conversation with someone following a forum held by the Wake Forest University Anti-Racism Coalition to discuss the university's response to allegations of white supremacy on campus in the university's Manchester Plaza on Monday evening, Apr. 22, 2019, in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUGrad

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch welcomes graduates during the 2019 commencement on Monday, May 20, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUGrad

Carla D. Hayden is awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch on Monday, May 20, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUGrad

Wake Forest University 2019 graduate Thomas Alan Kirby shakes hand with University President Nathan Hatch after receiving his diploma on Monday, May 20, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WFUGrad

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch welcomes graduates during the 2019 commencement on Monday, May 20, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
WakeFootball

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch, left, and Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Elwood Robinson stand for a photo on the sidelines of Wake Forest University's home opener on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Currie

Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch addresses the crowd at an unveiling ceremony for the Sutton Sports Performance Center and the Shah Basketball Complex on Friday, Sep. 13, 2019 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
20th Annual MLK Day Keynote Speech

Wake Forest University president Nathan O. Hatch speaks during the 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Keynote Speech on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at WFU's Wait Chapel in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Wake Forest slavery apology

Wake Forest University president Nathan Hatch reads an apology, Thursday, February 20, 2020, for the university's past involvement and monetary benefit from salvery in its early days. The apology happened during the annual Founders' Day convocation in the university's Wait Chapel.
Wake Forest slavery apology

Wake Forest University president Nathan Hatch reads an apology, Thursday, February 20, 2020, for the university's past involvement and monetary benefit from salvery in its early days. The apology happened during the annual Founders' Day convocation in the university's Wait Chapel.
Snow

Speakers and faculty members stand as Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch reads an apology Thursday, February 20, 2020 for the university's past involvement and monetary benefit from salvery in its early days. The apology happened during the annual Founders' Day convocation in Wait Chapel.
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