Message from Jackie T (May 2025)

This message was included in the May 2025 What’s the Buzz F&A Newsletter.

With warmer weather finally here, the campus is “buzzing” with energy as we gear up for all that the end of the academic year brings, including commencement and summer construction projects.

We recently wrapped up the April Board of Trustees meeting – which requires a big lift from colleagues across the F&A Division. My gratitude to everyone who contributed to a successful meeting, from beautifying campus grounds and facilitating parking, to preparing budgets, resolutions, presentations, and providing audio visual support. I received numerous compliments from trustees and was so very proud of our work!

Significant progress continues on The Grounds – and our colleagues in the UCC have a front seat to those changes. A key component currently underway is the realignment of Deacon Boulevard, which will be closed until August, and the large-scale restoration of Upper Silas Creek. With the support of our trustees, we are excited to move forward with Carter Front Street and plans for the leased office building. This building will be the new location for Advancement, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, Legal, and University Marketing & Communications. 

The University’s Bicentennial Space Planning process was launched this semester. This holistic plan will guide our spatial development for the future of Wake Forest. As Executive sponsors, Provost Gillespie and I are committed to keeping the community informed, and regular updates related to Near-Term Space Plan and Bicentennial Space Plan projects will be posted to spaceplanning.wfu.edu and shared regularly in newsletters. 

Last month I had the pleasure of spending a morning getting to know 10 colleagues across the F&A Division during our first Tea with Jackie T event. I invite you to sign up for an upcoming opportunity to connect. 

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the recent loss of F&A colleague Pat Johnston. Pat was a beloved member of our Facilities team for 10 years. My heart and thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues. A GoFundMe has been established in his memory to support his family. 

As always, I invite you to share your feedback so we can continue to share engaging information and celebrate the many accomplishments of this stellar team.

Thank you.
– Jackie T