Uniting Campus & Athletics: Dr. Brian D. Wickstrom’s Collaborative Leadership Model
The most successful athletics departments are not isolated entities—they are fully integrated into the campus ecosystem. Dr. Brian D. Wickstrom has built his career on the belief that athletics must collaborate deeply with academic leadership, advancement teams, student affairs, enrollment management, and community partners.
Wickstrom’s collaborative leadership model strengthens the entire institution by aligning athletics with broader university goals.
1. Academic Partnerships that Serve Student-Athletes
He ensures student-athletes have access to the same academic support, tutoring, advising, and career services available to the general student population. This ensures academic and athletic missions remain aligned.
2. Strong Alignment with Advancement Teams
Athletics fundraising cannot exist separately from university advancement. Wickstrom works closely with institutional development leaders to build unified donor strategies, coordinate campaigns, and enhance stewardship practices. This increases donor trust and fundraising efficiency.
3. Enrollment & Marketing Integration
Athletics is one of the strongest enrollment engines in higher education. Wickstrom partners with marketing and admissions to synchronize messaging, storytelling, and outreach that boost brand visibility and student recruitment.
4. Community Leadership & External Relations
Wickstrom engages local partners, civic leaders, alumni, and regional organizations to strengthen community support and build long-term relationships that benefit the university as a whole.
5. Transparent, Inclusive Decision-Making
His leadership style invites input from coaches, staff, faculty, administrators, and students. This collaborative approach ensures policies, priorities, and resource allocations reflect shared values.
Building a Unified Institutional Vision
Wickstrom’s leadership demonstrates that athletics is at its best when fully integrated into the university mission. His collaborative approach produces stronger academic outcomes, deeper donor engagement, enhanced institutional visibility, and a unified campus community.
