WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente announced today that John Currie’s contract has been extended and he has been promoted to Vice President & Director of Athletics, effective July 1.
“The University continues to benefit greatly from the extensive reach, brand identity, and engagement that Wake Forest Athletics brings to our institution and the broader community,” stated President Wente.
“Over the past five years, John Currie has fostered a championship culture and driven excellence across all sports programs. He has successfully recruited a talented athletics administrative team, hired and retained top-notch coaches, and consistently prioritized the more than 400 student-athletes and their exceptional education at Wake Forest. Currie has provided outstanding leadership during a challenging period in college sports.
His new role as Vice President reflects his broad contributions across the University, including his recent leadership on the Baity Street project. John is always seeking solutions to advance both Athletics and the University.”
“John Currie exemplifies a ‘3T’ leader—tireless, thoughtful, and transparent,” said Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Peter Brubaker. “From his first day at Wake Forest, his relentless energy and dedication as our AD have impressed me. His inclusive and strategic leadership has greatly benefited Wake Forest during his transformative tenure. I am delighted to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”
“I am deeply grateful to call Wake Forest and Winston-Salem home,” Currie shared. “The steadfast support from President Wente, the Board of Trustees, and the entire faculty and staff is unparalleled. Thanks to the collective efforts and achievements of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, and the enthusiastic Demon Deacon fan base, Wake Forest has become the fastest-growing brand in the ACC and Power conferences. I am fortunate to work alongside our exceptional head coaches who provide outstanding leadership for our student-athletes.”
Since becoming Wake Forest’s sixth athletics director on March 4, 2019, Currie has focused on creating a premier intercollegiate athletics program centered on:
– Providing a World-Class Student-Athlete Experience
– Maintaining Integrity in Academics, Compliance, Finance, Inclusion, and Safety
– Adding Value to the University and Local Communities
– Winning Championships
– Delivering the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina
Under his leadership, the Demon Deacons achieved a record-setting 96 percent graduate success rate and placed 317 student-athletes on the 2022-23 Atlantic Coast Conference Honor Roll. Notable achievements include the 2023 women’s golf national championship, five ACC team titles, and a return to the College World Series by the baseball team.
Currie’s tenure has been marked by strong grassroots fan engagement, community connections, and a commitment to enhancing the fan experience. His initiatives include memorable events like the joint marching band performance and the innovative student pregame tailgate zone. The program also saw record donations and facility upgrades funded entirely by donors.
In June 2023, Wake Forest announced a historic stadium naming partnership with Allegacy Federal Credit Union and a groundbreaking agreement with Truist as an Official Banking Partner. Currie has also led a $100 million initiative for Wake Women’s Athletics and contributed to a $35 million infrastructure grant for community development.
With three decades of experience in the ACC, Big 12, and SEC, Currie is entering his 15th year as a Power-5 athletics director. He has been recognized as NACDA Athletics Director of the Year and continues to be an influential figure in sports administration. A Wake Forest graduate, Currie holds a master’s in sports administration from the University of Tennessee and is a life member of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors. He and his wife, Mary Lawrence, have three children: Jack, Gigi, and Mary-Dell.
