Athletics Director Experience

Proven Leadership at Three NCAA Division I Universities & One Nationally Ranked College Preparatory School

Dr. Brian David Wickstrom is a nationally recognized athletics administrator with more than two decades of experience leading and transforming programs at three NCAA Division I institutions — University of California Riverside (UCR), University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), and the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) — along with executive leadership at a top-ranked college preparatory high school.

His career is defined by record fundraising, championship-level competitive success, academic excellence, facility expansion, DEI leadership, and major revenue growth, consistently achieved across institutions with different missions, budgets, and competitive landscapes.

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) — Director of Athletics

2017 – 2019

Key Achievements:

  • Led UIW during its transition into full Division I competition with historic competitive momentum.

  • Produced six Conference Coach of the Year award winners across football, baseball, tennis, diving, and swimming.

  • Hosted the school’s first Division I conference championship (Track & Field).

  • Seven student-athletes advanced to NCAA Regionals during first year.

  • Created UIW’s first Athletics Facility Master Plan and first Revenue Generation Plan.

  • Recruited a Power 5 offensive coordinator as Head Football Coach, setting the stage for program revitalization.

  • Built new full-time and part-time positions aligned with long-term strategic growth.

Administrative Leadership:

  • Chaired sport program leadership changes in six sports.

  • Built UIW’s first unified external/internal operations model.

  • Improved academic structures and student-athlete support systems.

  • Developed UIW’s first Athletics Strategic Plan tied to university mission.

University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) — Director of Athletics

2013 – 2017

Transformational Growth & Record Fundraising:

  • Increased overall operating revenue 22%, from $11.3M to $13.8M.

  • Recorded 129% unrestricted giving growth within first two years; 225% growth overall during tenure.

  • Secured ULM’s largest facility commitment in school history ($4.1M privately funded).

  • Delivered nine of the top ten gift commitments ever secured for ULM Athletics.

  • Expanded donor base and alumni engagement through 275+ speaking engagements and 2,000+ personal meetings. Brian WIckstrom Resume Highligh…

Competitive & Academic Success:

  • Eight teams posted perfect APR scores.

  • Football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball achieved some of the highest academic results in school history.

  • Created Student Rewards Program with 1,500 first-year participants.

Revenue & Visibility:

  • Ticket revenue up 49%; Basketball attendance up 147%.

  • Sponsorship revenue increased 31% pre-outsourcing.

  • Created the nation’s first “Camo-Out” game, earning national media attention.

University of California Riverside (UCR) — Director of Athletics

2011 – 2013

Fundraising & Revenue Impact:

  • Secured the first seven-figure philanthropic commitment in UCR Athletics history.

  • Increased sponsorship revenue 283%, ticketing revenue 38%, and Athletics Association membership 127%.

  • Delivered a $250,000+ operating surplus — a rare outcome in Division I athletics. Brian WIckstrom Resume Highligh…

Competitive & Academic Results:

  • Six teams achieved perfect APR scores.

  • Implemented APR Improvement Plan, raising men’s basketball APR from 887 to 989.

  • Enhanced student-athlete support across 30+ academic majors.

University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) — Senior Associate Athletics Director

2006 – 2011

Major Fundraising & Capital Projects:

  • Secured $8.1M in commitments, including $3.1M from new major-gift donors.

  • Chaired Athletics Capital Campaign and managed the $14.3M basketball practice facility project.

  • Directed Tony Dungy special event generating $180,000 in revenue.

Revenue & Fan Engagement:

  • Oversaw the program’s three highest football season-ticket sales years (19,215; 21,285; 24,059).

  • Increased donor count by 70% and annual fund donors by 120%.

Administrative Responsibilities:

  • Served as Acting Athletics Director for six weeks.

  • Conference USA Basketball Tournament Director — generated $1M profit.

Early Career (Power Five / Group of Five)

University of Michigan • University of Missouri • Ohio University

Brian’s early roles strengthened his expertise in development, donor relations, ticketing, and revenue operations — forming the foundation of his later Division I leadership success.

What Sets Brian Wickstrom Apart

  • Top 10 Fundraising Athletics Director (twice) — CollegeAD & Forgotten5 rankings.

  • Proven results at Hispanic-Serving Institutions, navigating diverse campuses with community-centered leadership.

  • Consistent delivery of record fundraising, major facility growth, and competitive excellence.

  • National committee service including NCAA governance, Olympic sports liaison work, and College Football Playoff mock selection.