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Biography

Edwin Graves Wilson (b. February 1, 1923), known affectionately as “Mr. Wake Forest,” is Professor Emeritus of English and Provost Emeritus for Wake Forest University. Wilson was born in Leaksville, North Carolina and began classes at Wake Forest at age 16. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A (1943) in English and after graduation, he served as a U.S. Naval officer on a destroyer escort during World War II. Post-war, he received his A.M. (1948) and Ph.D (1952) in English from Harvard University. Wilson returned to his alma mater as an Instructor in English, and was named Professor of English (1959). A skilled and articulate teacher, Dr. Wilson focused on the British Romantic poets, such as William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, and others as well as the poetry of William Blake, William Butler Yeats, and Dylan Thomas.

Professor Wilson had a long and distinguished administrative career at Wake Forest. His positions included: Professor of English (1959- ); Assistant Dean, Undergraduate College (1957-1958); Acting Dean of the College (1958-1960); Dean of the College (1960-1967); Provost (First) (1967-1990); Vice President for Special Projects (1990-1994); Provost Emeritus (1994-1998; 2002- ); and Senior Vice President (1998-2002). Under his leadership, a Faculty Committee voted to end segregation, Wake Forest established its residential study abroad programs in London and Venice, and established the Wake Forest Press. He also represented Wake Forest on numerous national organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where he also served as president. In 1992, the new wing of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library was named in his honor. Professor Wilson is the recipient of the Reinhardt Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Distinguished Alumni Citation, and in 2004, he received Wake Forest’s highest award for service to the University, the Medallion of Merit.

Professor Wilson has served numerous arts-related organizations throughout his career. He was a Trustee (1977-1980) for the North Carolina Humanities Council, and also served the Piedmont Opera Theater; the Winston-Salem Arts Council; the North Carolina Arts Council; the Reynolda House Museum of American Art; and on the Winston-Salem State University Board of Trustees.

Professor Wilson was awarded the North Carolina Award for Public Service (2002) and the John Tyler Caldwell Award for the Humanities (2014) from the North Carolina Humanities Council. He is married to the author and poet Emily Herring Wilson (Wake Forest, M.A. ’62). They are the parents of three children and have four grandchildren.

An exhibit featuring selected individuals from Songs of Wake Forest: Tributes by Edwin G. Wilson is on display in the Graduate Student Lounge (ZSR Library Room 425), which served as Dr. Wilson’s office for many years.

The Edwin G. Wilson Fund supports Special Collections & Archives in continuing Dr. Wilson’s legacy.

Edwin G. Wilson Digital Collection

Selected Works

1976

Ed Wilson, Advent Poetry Dr. Wilson read several poems relating to Christmas. 2014 (Audio).

1978-1990

The Heart of Wake Forest Dr. Wilson read for recording excerpts of five different speeches he originally delivered between 1978 and 1990, with introductory comments from Dr. Wilson on the purpose and theme of each talk. Selected Speeches by Ed Wilson, 2013 (Audio).

1988

Pastor’s School, Poetry and Life “Dr. Wilson delivered a series of four lectures on the theme of “”Poetry and Life”” to participants at WFU Pastor’s School.

1989

Ed Wilson on Divinity School Dr. Wilson spoke to representatives of the NC Baptist State Convention about the principles that would inform the new Wake Forest Divinity School.

1992

To Honor the Legacy Recording and transcript of remarks given at Founders’ Day convocation when the Wilson wing of ZSR Library was named in Dr. Wilson’s honor.

1996

Speech delivered at Wake Forest, NC Dr. Wilson made remarks on the old campus sharing his memories of the place.

Ed Wilson, Pre-School Building Blocks Dr. Wilson welcomed the incoming Class of 2000 with remarks and reading of poems on themes relevant to young adults beginning a new life chapter. 2014 (Audio).

1997

Intra-University Research Symposium University leadership and faculty held an off-site retreat with sessions spanning two days to discuss long-term planning for the university.

2011

The Essence of Wake Forest Wake Forest Magazine published the video “The Essence of Wake Forest” together with an essay containing longer remarks based on Dr. Wilson’s 2010 speech to the University’s Summer Leadership Conference.

2012

Three Chapters in the Story of Wake Forest: Ed Wilson reflects on writers and writing at Wake Forest Transcript of remarks given by Dr. Wilson to close the inaugural Words Awake! writing festival. Dr. Wilson highlights leading literary scholars and writers connected to Wake Forest, particularly from what he considered the early (pre-1939) and middle (1939-1959) chapters of Wake Forest history.

2013

The Essence of Wake Forest A film, “The Essence of Wake Forest,” marries Dr. Edwin G. Wilson’s eloquent description of the character of Wake Forest with scenes from the old and new campuses.

2014

Ed Wilson Discusses: His World War II Experience Dr. Wilson recounted how World War II affected his college experience at Wake Forest. Presented to WRI111 students, 2014.

“To Autumn” Recording of Dr. Wilson reading John Keats’ poem “To Autumn” accompanied by autmun photos of the Wake Forest campus by former University Photographer Ken Bennett.

Lovefeast Speech by Ed Wilson Dr. Wilson’s remarks at the 50th Wake Forest Lovefeast reflected on the modern relevance of the Biblical story of Christ’s birth.

2015

A Conversation with Ed Wilson Lynn Sutton, Dean of ZSR Library, hosted a session in which Dr. Wilson answered student questions about a variety of topics, including his favorite Wake Forest memories, comments on changes he has observed at Wake Forest, and general life advice.

A Conversation with Mr. Wake Forest: A Question and Answer Time with Provost Emeritus Ed Wilson Tim Pyatt, Dean of ZSR Library, hosted a session with Dr. Wilson answering student questions covering a range of topics, including his interest in British literature, Wake Forest traditions, and notable campus speakers and personalities.

Discussion with Ed Wilson: Reflections on Academic and Community Engagement Tim Pyatt, Dean of ZSR Library, hosted a conversation with Dr. Wilson covering a range of topics, including higher education, community engagement, and the role of libraries.

“Love Your Library” Event Dr. Wilson shared recollections of prior deans of the Wake Forest library, including Ethel Taylor Crittenden, Carlton West, Merrill Berthrong, Rhoda Channing, and Lynn Sutton before welcoming the newest dean Tim Pyatt.

2016

10 For 10 Wake Forest Magazine, 2016. Dr. Wilson answers 10 questions posed by Wake Forest Magazine about his life and interests.

2018

History of Wake Forest University SVP and General Counsel Reid Morgan interviewed Dr. Wilson during a group visit to the Old Campus. 2018 (Wake Forest Historical Museum, Binkley Chapel).

2019

WFU Class of 1969 Alumni Dinner, Homecoming 2019 Dr. Wilson spoke to the Class of 1969 regarding the significant changes at Wake Forest and in broader society during the 1960s.

2020

Remembering Archie Ammons At an event celebrating When I Go Back to My Home Country: A Remembrance of Archie Ammons by Emily H. Wilson, Ed and Emily Wilson shared memories of alumnus A.R. Ammons as a student, honorary degree recipient, visiting faculty member, and friend.

2021

A Celebration of Songs of Wake Forest, a Book of Tributes by Dr. Edwin G. Wilson A video event celebrating the release of Dr. Wilson’s book Songs of Wake Forest, a collection of tributes to numerous individuals who were significant during Dr. Wilson’s Wake Forest tenure.

2022

Happy Birthday, Ed! This video birthday card includes a photo montage of texts from Dr. Wilson’s classes, personal photos, and items related to Dr. Wilson’s favorite poets.

Poem by William Butler Yeats Audio excerpt of Edwin G. Wilson reading a poem entitled “The Song of Wandering Aengus” by William Butler Yeats.

Poets & Writers with Henry McCarthy Dr. Wilson was interviewed by Henry McCarthy for the Poets & Writers show on WEHC 90.7, a public radio station broadcast from Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia.

2023

Celebrating Dr. Ed Wilson’s 100th Birthday! Post on the ZSR Library blog about a party and exhibit at ZSR in honor of Dr. Wilson’s 100th birthday

Revised November 2023