Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1834 by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, it was originally established as Wake Forest Institute in the town of Wake Forest, north of Raleigh. The university has a historical affiliation with the Baptist Church, though it became independent from direct denominational control in 1986 while maintaining a commitment to ethical and moral education rooted in its religious heritage. It is renowned for its strong liberal arts curriculum, professional schools in law, business, medicine, and divinity, and a vibrant undergraduate experience emphasizing small class sizes and faculty-student interaction. The university boasts a robust alumni network influential in Southern politics, business, and media, with notable graduates including politicians, CEOs, and journalists who shape regional and national landscapes.

In 1956, the university relocated its main Reynolda Campus to its current location north of downtown Winston-Salem, facilitated by a significant donation from the Reynolds family, founders of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. This move marked a period of expansion and modernization, transforming Wake Forest into a leading research institution. Today, it enrolls over 8,000 students and offers a wide array of academic programs across its schools and colleges. Beyond the main campus, Wake Forest operates additional facilities in Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Venice, Italy; Vienna, Austria; and London, United Kingdom, supporting study abroad, graduate programs, and research initiatives. The university is classified as an R2: Doctoral University – High research activity by the Carnegie Classification, underscoring its commitment to scholarly inquiry and innovation.

Wake Forest's influence extends through its endowment, valued at over $2 billion, and its role in fostering networks of power in the American South. It has been involved in various controversies, including debates over its Baptist heritage and campus policies on diversity and inclusion, as well as legal challenges related to admissions practices and Title IX compliance. Alumni connections have linked the university to influential figures in conservative politics and business, contributing to its reputation as a nexus for Southern elite networks.