Letter to campus from President Hatch

January 20, 2018 6:38 a.m.

Dear Wake Forest Community,

At approximately 1 a.m. this morning, Najee Ali Baker, a student at Winston-Salem State University, was shot during an altercation at a party on campus in The Barn. I am deeply saddened to report that the student later succumbed to his injuries. My thoughts and prayers this morning are with the student’s family, friends and classmates, as well as our Wake Forest community.

The Winston-Salem Police Department is leading the investigation with support from Wake Forest Police. Police have no reason to believe that the shooter remained on campus. The investigation is still in the early stages. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Winston-Salem Police at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800.

Several students from Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University attended the event, and officials from both universities are working together to support students impacted by the incident.

There is no greater priority than the safety of our campus community, and this incident is troubling and unsettling for all of us. Police are increasing security and patrols on campus and in the surrounding area.

Wake Forest offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff. The Counseling Center may be reached at 336-758-5273, the Chaplain’s Office at 336-758-5210. For faculty and staff, there is also the Employee Assistance Program at 336-716-5493.

I am grateful for the partnership of Winston-Salem State University and the Winston-Salem Police Department, and all of the staff from several campus departments that responded in the early morning hours.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Hatch
President