The History of Wake Forest University : Library Partners Press : 9781618460134 : 1618460137 : 18 Mar 2016 : SECOND PRINTING. Except for the removal of Wake Forest College to Winston-Salem, there has never been a more exciting or impactful time in the history of the institution than during the 22 years of the Hearn administration (1983-2005). In this era, Wake Forest went from a strong regional, Baptist-affiliated university to a top 30 national, independent, institution of higher education. It hosted two presidential debates, won four NCAA team and one individual athletic championships, produced nine Rhodes Scholars, raised over a billion dollars, started a divinity school, invested millions in the renovation of old and the construction of new buildings, increased the number and academic excellence of its faculty, brought in higher quality students, lowered its student/faculty ratio, had groups and individuals within it excel academically, athletically, and altruistically, and became m