College Leadership
College Names First AVP of Academic Affairs
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 16, 2025) – Wake Tech is excited to announce Dr. John Bakken as its first associate vice president of Academic Affairs.
Working alongside Executive Vice President for Programs Dr. Nicole Reaves, Bakken will partner with faculty and staff to advance the college's Reach and Rally strategic goals, support faculty and curriculum development and strengthen assessment, accreditation, academic policy and advisory partnerships.
Bakken has nearly two decades of leadership and instructional experience at Wake Tech, most recently serving as the dean of Mathematics & Sciences. In that role, he oversaw general education and transfer programs, developed innovative enrollment strategies and fostered partnerships with four-year universities to improve student transfer success. He has also led division-wide assessment initiatives recognized for excellence. Bakken began his tenure at Wake Tech as a math instructor in 2005 before he progressed into leadership roles as associate department head of Mathematics & Physics, associate dean of Arts & Sciences and dean of Curriculum Support.
"John's proven leadership and commitment to academic excellence make him exceptionally well-suited for this role," Reaves said. "I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and to the continued positive impact of his leadership at Wake Tech."
"I'm looking forward to this next chapter at Wake Tech," Bakken said. "It's a privilege to continue collaborating with our dedicated community of faculty and staff, united by our shared commitment to student success."
Bakken holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Armstrong Atlantic State University and a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his doctorate in Community College Leadership from North Carolina State University.
