Wake Forest University President and Chair of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Nathan O. Hatch has been awarded the highest honor for state service granted by the Office of the Governor for achievement and service, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
N.C. Governor Roy Cooper presented the award to Hatch March 29 during North Carolina of Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual meeting of presidents. Hatch had been nominated for the award by NCICU President Hope Williams.
In presenting the award, Governor Cooper recognized Hatch for his leadership.
“Dr. Hatch, when you think about what your career at Wake Forest University — what it has meant to the University, to the Winston-Salem area, to the state as a whole, to this country and to the world — you have a lot to be proud of.”
Hatch has served as Wake Forest’s president for nearly 16 years, and as NCICU chair for four years. He plans to retire on June 30.
“Dr. Hatch’s leadership at Wake Forest University and with NCICU, including the last four years as chair of the NCICU board, has been dedicated to access and success for students, to support of faculty and expansion of academic programs, and to innovation leading to economic growth for our state and our citizens,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “He is most deserving of this award.”
Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “Ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a Roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.