Julie Wiksten, associate vice president for campus services, has been appointed to the new position of associate vice president for operational excellence in the recently established OE2C office, effective immediately. In her new role, Wiksten will ensure that the OE2C project remains on track by overseeing the initiative committees and managing continuous improvement opportunities.
As associate vice president for campus services, Wiksten oversaw the SMU Bookstore, Dining Services, Facility Services, Mail and Copy Services, Parking and ID Card Services, Conference Services, McFarlin Auditorium, the SMU Faculty Club and Vending.
“We are delighted that Julie has agreed to take on this important new role with OE2C,” said Paul Ludden, University provost. “Her wide-ranging experience, strong leadership capabilities and long-term dedication to SMU will help ensure the success of the OE2C project, which is critical to the future of the University.”
With SMU since 1978, Wiksten brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience. Over the years, she has chaired and served on dozens of committees and task forces, including major building projects, strategic visioning, vice presidential searches, presidential and dignitary visits, re-engineering projects, and University president’s inauguration ceremonies. She is currently serving as co-chairperson of the Faculty and Staff Committee for SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign and as a member of the Centennial University Committee.
“As someone with deep roots at SMU, I am honored to serve our community in this new capacity. SMU is a remarkable place, and we have the opportunity to make it even better through the OE2C initiatives. I look forward to working with staff and faculty across campus to make these improvements a permanent part of the way we operate,” said Wiksten.
Over the years, Wiksten has served as president of her professional organization, participated in the Advanced Leadership: High Potential, High Performance Program offered by the Executive Education Program of the SMU Cox School of Business and in the Disney Leadership Program, received various certifications, and presented programs at local and national conferences.
Wiksten earned two degrees from SMU, including a Master of Liberal Arts, and met her husband while they both worked at SMU. They have a son who is a professional actor, concentrating on musical theatre.
