Message from Jackie T (August 2025)

Dear F&A Colleagues, 

Welcome to the fall semester! I hope each of you had a great summer and were able to take some time to do something you truly enjoy – family and friends, fishing, fireworks, or simply free time. P.J. and I were able to step away to enjoy two weddings this summer, one in Northern Georgia and the other in the Highlands of North Carolina.  It was an honor for us to witness these two beautiful couples committing their lives to each other. This year, we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and there are several other F&A leaders also celebrating their 25 year marriage milestone soon. Time passes quickly, so please remember to take a moment to be in the present. It’s important. 

Speaking of staying in the moment, soon enough campus will be bustling again as our students move-in prior to the first day of classes next Monday. Shout out to our facilities colleagues who partner with Campus Life to ensure a smooth move-in process and thank you to the many teams and individuals across F&A who have graciously volunteered to help as well. I heard so many compliments from parents last year, let’s provide our newest Deacs with a warm “Mother, So Dear” embrace.

This summer a variety of essential construction projects were successfully and beautifully completed and the renovation of Alumni Hall as an academic space has officially kicked off. Colleagues in the UCC have had a front seat to the ongoing construction at The Grounds – and don’t worry football fans, Deacon Boulevard should re-open in time for the first game and Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night at Allegacy Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29. Perhaps most excitingly, the new office building at The Grounds which will house Finance, Human Resources, and Information Systems, as well as Advancement, Legal, and University Marketing & Communications, will break ground soon. Stay tuned for an invitation to celebrate that moment.

As you know, we are committed to F&A as a team of teams, aiming for the highest standards of operational excellence. Our standards of excellence call for continuous improvement, transparency, and the stewardship of resources. Please join me on Sept. 29 for “How Wake Works” which will serve to  inform our University stakeholders about our sources and uses of financial resources and the budget process (add date to your calendar). 

Thank you all for your ongoing commitment to our shared vision and hard work. Let’s make this a great year together! 

One Day Better!

Jackie T.