Wake Forest University has appointed Nell Jessup Newton as interim provost, effective August 1, 2025, succeeding Michele Gillespie, who stepped down after three years. Newton, a professor emerita and former law dean at the University of Notre Dame, previously served as Wake Forest’s interim dean of the School of Law in 2022-2023. A distinguished legal scholar specializing in U.S. Indian Law and editor-in-chief of Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law, Newton brings over 20 years of academic and administrative experience. She will provide leadership to the Provost’s Office, Deans’ Council, and University Cabinet while holding the title of University Professor. President Susan R. Wente praised Newton’s prior connections with Wake Forest’s academic community, making her an ideal fit for this transitional role. Newton expressed excitement about returning to sustain the university’s academic momentum.
