Dr. Thomas K. Hearn (2024) - Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame

Dr. Thomas K. Hearn

Induction:
2024

Led Wake Forest from regional college a national university
Served as Wake Forest’s 12th president from 1983 until his retirement in 2005
Received the University’s highest award for service, the Medallion of Merit
Ended the University's governing ties with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina
Led the largest building program on the Reynolda Campus since the campus was built
Expanded the University's commitment to its motto, Pro Humanitate, for humanity
Founded Leadership Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem Business
Chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics from 2005-07
Born in Alabama and earned undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky
Received doctorate in philosophy from Vanderbilt
Applications to Wake Forest doubled and the University hired more faculty members under his leadership
Wake Forest hosted Presidential Debates in 1988 and 2000
Wake Forest achieved record-setting heights in fundraising and experienced monumental growth in its endowment under Hearn’s guidance.
Wake Forest added its fourth professional school, the School of Divinity, during Hearn’s tenure.
Played a key role as a leader in the growth and expansion of the Atlantic Coast Conference when the league added Florida State, Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech.
Hired Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame Director of Athletics Ron Wellman, who served in the role from 1992 to 2019.
Expanded Wake Forest’s commitment to gender equity including the addition of women’s soccer, the reinstatement of volleyball and elevation of the Demon Deacons field hockey program to an ACC scholarship program.
Played a key role in collaborating with the City of Winston-Salem to build Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Wake Forest won four NCAA Title and 17 ACC Championships, including the 1995 and 1996 Men’s Basketball league crowns.