Wake Forest announced its new vice president of campus life this morning, Feb 18. Dr. Penny Rue will assume this position in mid-July. Rue is currently the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of California San Diego.

Hilary Burns/Old Gold & Black

Rue looks forward to learning about the university culture and community.

“I will be a little like an anthropologist,” Rue said. “I look forward to participating in rituals that create a sense of belonging here.”

Rue will oversee most facets of student life with broad responsibility for the well-being and safety of students and their engagement outside the classroom, according to a university press release.

Rue has previously held positions at UC San Diego, University of Virginia, Georgetown University, The University of Maryland as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rue said that she predicts a “happy adjustment” to working with a smaller student body here at Wake Forest.

A search committee co-chaired by President Hatch and Provost Rogan Kersh and composed of faculty, administrators and a student representative recommended Rue’s appointment. She will succeed Ken Zick, vice president of student life and instructional resources. Last year Zick announced his plans to step down from his position this June after 25 years in the role of vice president of student life.

“It is going to be an interesting process having my head in two worlds but I look forward to learning more and getting involved here at Wake Forest,” Rue said.