Leadership Philosophy & Vision

My leadership centers on integrity, relationships, clear expectations, and strategic alignment with institutional mission. Athletics is one of the most powerful storytelling platforms a university possesses, and the role of an athletic director is to ensure that platform strengthens enrollment, advancement, and community engagement.

I believe that transformational leadership—not transactional management—is what grows programs, retains great people, and builds sustainable success.

My Core Leadership Principles

Integrity

Every action, communication, and decision should reflect honesty, transparency, and a commitment to doing the right thing, especially when the stakes are high.

Relationships

Trust drives outcomes. I invest deeply in building meaningful relationships with presidents, coaches, student-athletes, donors, faculty, and staff.

Accountability

Teams perform best when expectations are clear, communication is open, and leaders lead by example.

Strategic Alignment

Athletics must support enrollment, brand visibility, fundraising, and student success. My role is to ensure athletics reinforces the institution’s overall mission.

Student-Athlete Welfare

The student-athlete experience is the foundation of every great athletics program. Their growth academically, athletically, and personally must remain the priority.

Vision for a Modern Athletics Department

A modern athletics department must:

  • Tell a powerful institutional story

  • Enhance the academic mission

  • Elevate student-athlete services

  • Deliver competitive opportunities with integrity

  • Generate external revenue

  • Strengthen the surrounding community

  • Build lifetime engagement with alumni and fans

Athletics is often the front porch of a university — my vision is to ensure that porch is welcoming, inspiring, and aligned with institutional excellence.

Leadership in Action

In every role, I strive to:

  • Build cultures where student-athletes and coaches thrive

  • Strengthen financial sustainability and resource alignment

  • Lead with transparency and collaboration

  • Empower staff to develop as leaders

  • Enhance institutional visibility through athletics success

  • Support coaches as educators and mentors

  • Build trust across campus, community, and donors

Leadership is not a title — it is the daily responsibility to elevate others, steward resources, and represent the institution with integrity.

Read my latest leadership article: Why Integrity, Transparency, and Long-Term Leadership Still Matter Going Into 2026. Click this link:

https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/articles/why-integrity-transparency-long-term-leadership-still-matter-2026