Message from Jackie T (Feb. 2024)

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

I’m pleased to share the launch of our new Finance & Administration newsletter. This will be a regular communication designed to keep everyone informed about important updates, celebrate our collective successes, and recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams across our division. We want this to be a valuable resource for all of you and you can expect it to evolve based on your feedback. Please let us know what you like and what you’d like to see in future editions. 

I’d like to also provide opportunities for you to share your feedback with me in-person. In March we will be launching “Tea with Jackie T,” a small, casual gathering for colleagues to enjoy tea (and coffee) and conversation with me and other colleagues. I invite you to register to join us on Tuesday, March 25 from 9-10am. Seating is limited; additional opportunities will be shared in this newsletter every other month. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of leading this team is seeing the talent and dedication you demonstrate every day. We have so much to be proud of, and we’ve recently enjoyed a remarkable period of recognition! Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of our wins:

Our Graylyn Estate team has truly outdone themselves, earning the title of #1 Event Space for the 2024 Best of Winston Reader Favorites! This is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication to creating exceptional experiences. 

For the 14th year in a row, Wake Forest has earned its Tree Campus Higher Education recertification! This remarkable achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the beauty of our campus.

We’re also incredibly proud to share that Forbes has named Wake Forest a Best Midsize Employer for 2025! Ranking #55 overall, #2 in North Carolina, and #11 in education, this recognition reflects our collective efforts to create a positive and supportive work environment.

Graylyn Estate continues to shine, having been named a Top 25 Most Romantic Hotel by Hotels of America! This prestigious award highlights the unique charm and elegance that Graylyn offers.

Our local treasures – Reynolda House and Gardens, Reynolda Village, and Graylyn Estate – were all recently featured in Our State magazine’s online Guide to Winston-Salem, further solidifying their place as must-visit destinations.

Adding to our list of accolades, Southern Living has named Reynolda House, Gardens, and Village one of The 25 Best Places to Go in the South in 2025! This is a fantastic testament to the rich history and vibrant offerings of these beloved locations.

A big shout-out to our Transportation & Parking Services team who has exceeded all prior years’ ridership for the Airport Shuttle service through Winter Break – the highest since the program’s inception. 

Our annual winter break temperature setback program achieved more than $145K in avoided energy cost, now totaling more than $1.4M avoided energy cost since the program began in 2008. An excellent example of sustainable fiscal responsibility! 

Finally, I am excited to share that Google Workspace for Education will be featuring Wake Forest in a case study that highlights our effective use of Google security tools and explores the integration of AI within our learning environment. Kudos to our Information Systems team for their innovation and leadership! 

These achievements, and so many more that weren’t mentioned here, are a direct result of your hard work and dedication. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this team.

– Jackie T