Who Is Dr. Brian David Wickstrom? Leadership, Catholic Education, and Institutional Growth
Dr. Brian David Wickstrom is an experienced leader in higher education, Catholic education, and athletics administration whose career has focused on strengthening institutions through mission-driven leadership, strategic growth, and strong organizational culture.
Over more than two decades of leadership in education, Dr. Wickstrom has served in senior executive roles guiding universities and schools through enrollment growth, program expansion, and institutional transformation. His leadership experience spans NCAA Division I athletics administration, Catholic secondary education, and executive consulting focused on strategy and organizational performance.
Dr. Wickstrom most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. John Bosco High School in California, where he worked closely with the Board of Directors, faculty, and community partners to strengthen the school's mission-centered culture while supporting academic, athletic, and leadership development for students.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Wickstrom served as Director of Athletics at several NCAA Division I institutions, including the University of the Incarnate Word, the University of Louisiana Monroe, and the University of California, Riverside. In those roles he oversaw large athletic departments, managed complex budgets, supported student-athlete success, and partnered closely with university presidents to align athletics with broader institutional priorities.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wickstrom has emphasized leadership principles rooted in integrity, accountability, and collaboration. His work has focused on building healthy organizational cultures where faculty, staff, students, and families feel connected to a shared mission.
Dr. Wickstrom holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, an MBA from Kansas State University, a Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Kansas State University.
Today, Dr. Wickstrom continues to write and speak about leadership, ethics, and organizational culture in education, sharing insights drawn from his experience leading institutions through periods of growth, change, and strategic development.
His leadership philosophy emphasizes mission alignment, transparency in decision making, and the importance of building communities where individuals are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally.
