Father Wild: Marquette's Transformation
A Legacy in Narratives
Dr. Jeff Snell, Special Advisor to Fr. Wild
The overarching impression I have of Father Wild, having served as Advisor to the President since May 2007, is that he is focused primarily on access to opportunity in keeping with the University's Jesuit mission and identity. In other words, if it were possible to put together a stew of his decisions as President of Marquette, leaving it to boil down overnight and then examining "the irreducible," I'd have to say he wants more than anything to make sure a Marquette education remains an option for all students who've worked hard and earned their shot, no matter their socio-economic background or the life circumstance. In this way, then, I think he embodies what a "Father President" should be as the leader of a Jesuit university.
Does this mean the decision-making process he uses as a leader is easy or unfettered? Not at all. In fact, those who've seen senior university administration up close know well what a complex and challenging an environment it can be. It's no small feat to balance the interests of the students, faculty, and administration as well as an engaged Board of Trustees -- and that's just the internal mix, omitting for the moment the external alumni and donor groups who also require enormous time and energy. By definition a university is comprised of intentionally diverse constituencies and interests; however, the successful university leader maintains a sort of harmonious tension, understanding that, if done well, all of the various constituencies -- all the complexity -- needs to come together to produce a great outcome, and that outcome is only diminished if a constituency is shut out for the sake of simplicity or quick decision-making.
So good university leadership, like the kind we've enjoyed for nearly 15 years from Father Wild, is an art form. I've learned a great deal -- and appreciate immeasurably -- the gifts and abilities he has provided as President. Fifty or 100 years from now, I have no doubt historians will look back at his tenure as a truly remarkable and defining moment for Marquette.
Does this mean the decision-making process he uses as a leader is easy or unfettered? Not at all. In fact, those who've seen senior university administration up close know well what a complex and challenging an environment it can be. It's no small feat to balance the interests of the students, faculty, and administration as well as an engaged Board of Trustees -- and that's just the internal mix, omitting for the moment the external alumni and donor groups who also require enormous time and energy. By definition a university is comprised of intentionally diverse constituencies and interests; however, the successful university leader maintains a sort of harmonious tension, understanding that, if done well, all of the various constituencies -- all the complexity -- needs to come together to produce a great outcome, and that outcome is only diminished if a constituency is shut out for the sake of simplicity or quick decision-making.
So good university leadership, like the kind we've enjoyed for nearly 15 years from Father Wild, is an art form. I've learned a great deal -- and appreciate immeasurably -- the gifts and abilities he has provided as President. Fifty or 100 years from now, I have no doubt historians will look back at his tenure as a truly remarkable and defining moment for Marquette.
Tim Simmons, Executive Director, Marquette University Alumni Association
I came to work at Marquette in advancement the year after Fr. Wild took office. The advancement division of the university had steadily reached out to Marquette constituents for many, many years by that point. But it was clear that he wanted changes to how and how well we reached and involved constituents -- including how they invested in the university's work. I believe Father was a bit of a fundraising novice as a new president, but through dedication to our constituents, bold leadership decisions, and incredibly smart use of his time, he has become the example for other institutions. Fr. Wild will be remembered for many great things, but through his leadership, I believe I have witnessed the subtle and significant changes to our external relations that mark a new era for Marquette University. A number of years back, the university took notice of and spent time discussing the Jim Collins book Good to Great. Those principles and disciple have sunken in, as we have made that conversion -- and with Fr. Wild's reminders, continue on that path.
Mike Broeker, Deputy Athletic Director
Author and spiritualist Parker Palmer believes "we create the world, in part, by projecting our spirit on it for better or worse," Fr. Wild's spirit is integral to the success of our student-athletes and coaches. Having observed Fr. Wild offer words of encouragement, a simple thumbs-up, and emphatically cheer as a frequent spectator at all of intercollegiate athletic contests, it is clear to me his commitment to and care for our student-athletes and coaches is deep and profound. His leadership is inspiring to those of us who administer to student-athletes.
