Message from Jackie T (June 2025)

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

As we wrap up another academic year, I want to share my gratitude and reflect on the many achievements across the Finance & Administration division from this past year. Your collective dedication, collaborative spirit, and drive for operational excellence have shone through in everything we’ve accomplished. You have exemplified what it means to be a “team of teams” here at Wake Forest. 

This year’s highlights bring our standards of excellence to life. These examples showcase several of our commitments.

Delivering Exceptional Service

Our people are our greatest strength, and we’re dedicated to supporting our employees and fostering a strong sense of teamwork. The Professional Development Center continues its vital work of cultivating leaders across campus and this year celebrated 19 graduates in the Inclusive Leadership Development Program FY25 cohort.

Our excellence in service delivery is evident in the many achievements of Hospitality & Auxiliary Services. Graylyn earned multiple prestigious awards for showing their commitment to landscape preservation and adaptive reuse, and it was also recognized as a top romantic and best boutique hotel.

Leveraging Technology

The implementation of Workday Student stands out as a prime example of how we’re using technology to deliver top-tier service and facilitate campus-wide communication. With Information Systems leading the charge, this university-wide transition modernized and boosted efficiency and service delivery. Crucially, the Finance team also played a role in this massive undertaking, now using Workday Student for tuition billing, collections, and transcripts, as well as a much-anticipated upcoming solution for student payment requests.

Information Systems has positioned the University at the forefront of AI exploration among peer institutions. We have accomplished this through cross-campus collaboration, hosting the inaugural Gen AI Fest, and launching ai.wfu.edu. Similarly, the Finance team has innovated with AI, making information more accessible with a Finance NotebookLM policy guide.

We’ve also made high-value investments in creating learning spaces and work environments that are ready for the future. The completion of audio-visual upgrades in 40 classrooms directly contribute to enabling convenient communication and collaboration for faculty and students through advanced technology.

Working in Service to Mission

Sustainability continues to lead in service to mission, highlighted by the success of our Campus Engaged Learning program, which supports both the integration of sustainability across various disciplines and the University’s new Quality Enhancement Plan. The Climate Action Plan update showcases the power of collaboration, leading to a 48% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and our renewable energy commitment – bringing us closer to our 2030 climate neutrality goal.

After 30 years of advocacy, KinderCare at WFU opened its doors in September and achieved an NC 5-Star Quality Rating in March. This has significantly increased the availability of quality childcare for both the University and Winston-Salem communities. This initiative truly underscores our resolve to do what’s right for the Wake Forest and broader Winston-Salem communities.

Continuously Improving

This past year, Mail Services installed 274 parcel lockers, replacing 1,140 PO boxes with the aim of completely phasing out PO boxes in the coming fiscal year. This streamlined process demonstrates a commitment to simplifying operations and enhancing customer experience.

Transportation & Parking Services rolled out License Plate Recognition to students, vendors, and concessionaires this past fall. This adoption of new technology shows a dedication to operational efficiency. Additionally, airport shuttle ridership increased by 17% over FY24, indicating our continued success in providing first-rate service.

Aligning Strategy and Accountability

Many individuals contributed to a University-wide assessment to reimagine the Capital Planning process, focusing on improving efficiency, transparency, and the stakeholder experience. This effort helps provide strategic oversight of high-impact space planning initiatives like the Near-Term Central Campus Space Plan – which is currently underway – and the recent kickoff of the Bicentennial Comprehensive Campus Space Plan. 

Lastly, the Finance team consistently upholds its commitment to integrity and a culture of assessment, evidenced by their revision of more than 30 policies and procedures to align with current campus operational needs and regulatory environments. We have also updated end-user financial reporting based on your valuable feedback, truly showcasing their dedication to ongoing refinement and responsiveness.

These are just a few examples of our accomplishments across Finance & Administration this past year. Every single one of you has contributed to our success, embodying our vision to champion collaboration, lead with integrity and transparency, and commit to the highest standards of operational excellence. 

Thank you for your tireless efforts and your innovative commitment to continuous improvement. I am so proud to lead this division and excited for what we will achieve together in the new fiscal year.

My Best,
Jackie T.