FAMU names Wilder to oversight position

Jennifer Wilder

Special to the Outlook

Florida A&M University has announced the appointment of Jennifer Wilder, Ed.D., as the assistant vice president for the oversight of Business and Auxiliary Services.

“Dr. Wilder has the qualifications and commitment to serve FAMU in this important role. She has greatly demonstrated her ability to advance the mission of an equally important auxiliary – University Housing,” said Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance and Administration Rebecca Brown. “Many of the competencies that she skillfully utilized in housing are transferable in her role as assistant vice president of Business and Auxiliary Services.”

Prior to her new role, Wilder served as the director of University Housing for seven years. As the director of housing, Wilder was responsible for more than 100 staff members and an operating budget of $26 million. She played a key role in several major university projects, including the planning and design of the new 700 bed building scheduled to break ground this month,  the design and construction of FAMU Towers, the 700-bed housing facility that opened in 2020; facility upgrades to Polkinghorne Village; the renovation of Palmetto South and Phase 3; the acquisition of Rattler Pointe; and several furniture and equipment upgrades for all buildings.

Before joining FAMU, Wilder held leadership positions at Spelman College, Southern Methodist University, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, and Fayetteville State University.

“Dr. Wilder has a record of demonstrated success in her knowledge of complex financial systems, human resource management, and understanding the importance of excellent service and engagement of our students,” said Brown. “These attributes give me great confidence that Dr. Wilder will serve well in leading Business and Auxiliary Services.”

As the assistant vice president for Finance and Administration in charge of Business & Auxiliary Services, Wilder will provide oversight of Dining, Bookstore, Rattler Card, Business Center, Snack Vending, Drink Vending, Laundry and Commercial Solicitation, the university box office, and parking and transportation.

 “I am excited to have this opportunity to expand my relationships across the university and to view things from a whole new perspective,” Wilder said. “I am looking forward to learning and growing, and seeing our area move efficiently and effectively as we continue to provide excellent service to the campus community.”

Wilder completed her doctorate in Higher Education Administration at North Carolina State University. She received a master’s degree in counseling and guidance and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.